Blessed

Last weekend, we attended my niece's baptism. The event itself was quite lovely and she looked precious in the gown. With each added name, I feel a little more joy and excitement about handing it down to my children or perhaps grandchildren. Having completed the first row (7 names and dates), I can sense the history that the gown will one day hold. A family tree, of sorts, in bright white. I think my grandmother would have been thrilled to see the genealogy.

Of course, with such a grand celebration, we were able to spend some time with out immediate family. As Jenny said, "This is where it would be great if we all lived closer." We played Tee Ball with the kids, went bowling, had a few hands of cards, and generally just enjoyed each other. It reminded me of some of the positive times of my childhood. Games of Red Rover and Hide and Seek with the four of us and our cousins in the front yard (and occasionally corn field) of our grandparents' house. Large dinners with the stereotypical meat and potatoes meal of farmers. The world before us and an army of cousins and siblings standing next to us.

Yes, it would be great if we all lived closer.