#57: Be at Maddie's Baptism

In all honesty, probably one of the most important goals on the list was this one.



#57: Be at Maddie's Baptism.

I know the wording sounds strange. "You're the godfather! Of course you have to!" But truthfully with everything that has been going on, I can't make honest-to-God commitments to be anywhere at any time to do any thing, no matter how important. And as much as I adore my goddaughter, I would rather have had to miss out on that day than jeopardize it by going despite being violently ill.

Lucky for me, the sicky fates cut my string a little longer so I was able to attend her baptism. Mom and I had gotten her a cross necklace and a bracelet to wear from Shuler's, but she only agreed to wear the necklace. I felt special but I felt bad for Mom that her gift got... "rejected", per se. =)

Maddie strutted her stuff with that necklace though, man. She thought she was hot stuff. Everyone that came up and said congratulations to her, she first gave a confused look like, "Congrats for what? Getting water poured on my head?" and then proceeded to show them her beautiful necklace.

I've seen 5 baptisms in my life that I can remember (not counting my own, since I was a little preoccupied at the time being a baby and stuff): Aunt Leah, Alex, Wes, Declan, and now Maddie. They're really powerful, although I think there's a little too much hype about them. They'd almost be more subtly beautiful and meaningful if people didn't throw huge shebangs afterwards and videotape it for future generations.

In terms of the actual baptism itself, Maddie stayed relatively calm. For the minutes leading up to it, standing in front of the congregation, she insisted that everyone hold her at least part of the time - her mom, her dad, me, Mom, Aunt Joyce - but when it came time for the blessing, she went right back to her mommy. She had one other little caviat...a request... a clause in her contract. She absolutely insisted that she hold her friend Dora throughout the whole thing. =)

All in all, it was very nice and I'm so glad I could be there. Maddie, if you're reading this some day, I hope you know just how much I love you and am happy for you. I hope to God that I'll be there to witness all the big events in your life, but even if I miss a few I want you to know how special you are to me and I'll always be proud of you. I feel so blessed to be the godfather of such an amazing little girl. <3