Celebrating

Yesterday Ryan and I had the chance to be part of a beautiful, sacred service, and it made my heart so full and happy.

If you've been reading here for any length of time, you know that I had the privilege of being in the delivery room for the births of four little ones...all siblings. The first of those babies, Carol, would have been nineteen years old this past week, but she died when she was just six months old. Her life and death marked my faith profoundly, and I've written about that before. 

Since we don't all go to the same church anymore, and since we live over an hour apart, we rarely get to see each other, and any chance to see each other is a special treat.

Back to the births for a minute, though! Not many people get to be right there to see the very first breaths, and I still remember each one so distinctly. I remember the absolute miracle of hearing the very first cry and seeing their very first startled blinks in the bright lights. The beginning of brand new life is a wonder indeed. 

And yesterday, these two little ones (not so little anymore) were baptized, and Ryan and I were able to witness that equally wonderful moment. 

Look at them now!

And also...THAT POND!!!

The baptism was held at this beautiful pond that brought back so many memories of my own baptism. I loved that day and everything it represented, and I loved this day for these guys and all it represented for them.

I love it that Ryan fits right in with them and we can all be one big family together.

(Before I forget...I got to see their sister, too, so we sneaked in a picture. Ryan went with me to her baptism back when we were dating!)

The baptism service was so beautifully done. Ryan and I really enjoyed hearing what the pastor had to say.

I may have shed a few tears:

Even though I don't get to see them often, I am crazy proud of all three of these kids and the way they're growing up. Yesterday was a delight.