A Welcome Home

It is interesting. I really don't consider myself the most devout Christian. Who knows, maybe I don't give myself enough credit. I feel that I have a strong belief in my religion, reflect my morality in my daily living and represent the strong religious virtues taught throughout my 12 years of parochial school. In some moments of my life I feel like I have maintained a distant relationship with God and at others found myself on my knees in deep prayer. I don't necessarily believe ABSOLUTELY every teaching with the core of my being...to put it simply- I have questions and so much to learn.

Yet, throughout all of the times in my life when everything seemed a little foggy- I have come to a few amazing moments of complete grace...a welcoming back to a home I have always known. June 28, 2008 was one of those moments for me.

Gabriel's baptism was such a beautiful moment. The funny this is that I can't pinpoint the exact moment that it happened. Here we are sitting in the church that my first reconciliation, communion, confirmation and marriage all took place. The familiar room where i attended Mass every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday more or less for the past 21 years. And all the sudden...I have this overwhelming feeling of familiarity and happiness- like coming home after a long trip. Perhaps it was the smell of incense on my sweet baby's head that instantly took me to memories of third grade where Lauren passed out during the stations of the cross, maybe it was when I looked around to see everyone I love smiling back at the littlest love of my life supporting this precious moment in his faith journey, or maybe just the knowledge that my son was wearing that same 85 year old baptismal gown that my grandmother, uncle, mother, 3 siblings, myself, two nieces and daughter had all worn too. For whatever catalyst propelled this rush of grace- I have been left with this overwhelming sense of peace... and it is one that I hope to carry with me for always.

It was such a beautiful day.

Here is Gabriel with his godparents Melissa and Chris.

How could you not love these people?!?!? Chris and Melissa are two of the most loving people I have ever met. Their humility and ability to give unconditionally is SO humbling! We love them so much and are SO happy to welcome them to our family!
We had a fantastic cookout at home afterward followed by a day of Dallas favorites. Gabriel was so fantastic letting me take about a million pictures of him. But when he gave me the look of "Come on Mom..."

I knew that "get me out of this dress" was just moments away...

We have been so BUSY this past week and have so many moments to blog about!!! I am going to attempt a post a day until I am caught up so stay tuned!!!