There are so many things that have made Charlottesville our home (and not just a place we live) for the past five years. One we discovered only in the past year has been our church, Westminster Presbyterian. Steve and Rachel joined this church just before she died, and some of Rachel's ashes are buried in the Memorial Garden of the church. Phil and I wanted Ellie to be baptized in this church as a part of this greater community, and in a place with so much personal significance. The pastor, Jim, honored our request for a small family prayer in the Memorial Garden before the actual service and baptism. I can't quite describe the empty places in my heart that wish Rachel was here with us to meet Ellie. I know Rachel is Ellie's guardian angel, watching and singing to Ellie in her dreams, but I can't help but miss Rachel even more on days like this.
The day was beautiful, and our family and friends gathered before the service in the garden. Ellie is incredibly blessed to have Steve as her godfather (or her padrino as she'll call him) and our dear friend Julie as her godmother. Ellie was surrounded with nothing but love on this very special day.
During the service, Ellie was an all-star! She slept soundly amidst the thunderous organ and the choir's singing. We were a bit nervous when it came time for the actual baptism ceremony. Despite Jim dousing her with enough water to cover her head, though, which startled her awake for a moment, Ellie promptly snuggled back into my arms and went back to sleep. Not a peep! She was too funny and apparently very sleepy that Sunday morning. She wore a Waldron family christening gown bought in Ireland by my maternal grandmother for her first of 14 grandchildren. Six of us wore it at our baptisms, including me and my brother. I was thrilled it was still in beautiful condition and that Ellie could continue the tradition by wearing it.
Our friends and family that joined us made this day a special one, not just for Ellie, but for us.
My sleepy girl:
Check out the baby booties! They were part of the christening outfit and looked like ballet slippers;):
Our pastor, Jim:
Yay for genetic counselors! Shawn, D, Ellie, and Julie:
Shout out for the History department;) Jason and Holly and Bob and Danielle:
Katherine, Jonathan, and Ellie
Mike, Shawn, and baby Sophia
Ellie sends hugs to everyone!
2 comments:
Phil and D, glad to see things going well. I think about the two of you often, and hope life will soon provide an opportunity for our paths to cross. With love, PJ
Such wonderful photos, P and D. Thank you so much for sharing! Much love, Andrea
Post a Comment