Several months ago, a dear friend of mine asked me to be her daughterâs Godmother. I am so touched and honored to be this sweet babyâs Godmother. It really is a privilege. Plus, I love baptisms- nothing but joy centered around a sweet little baby.
The baptism was only a few weeks after everything unfolded with our baby. A week or so before the baptism, my sweet friend called me. She gave me permission to not attend the baptism if it was too painful or I wasnât up for it.
I hadnât thought about the possibility the baptism might be difficult. Our situation is very fresh. It is very difficult to talk about. And yet, I really enjoy distractions. Sitting at home isnât doing me much good either. I was very touched by my friendâs kind gesture. She was so understanding. I reassured her I am looking forward to her daughterâs baptism and that was no lie.
The baptism was wonderful. All three of us attended. Madeline had a great time with the other little kids. Wayne and I enjoyed having something to do – to celebrate.
I have known my friend, her husband and both of their families since I was little. I was pretty sure most of the people attending the baptism knew our situation, but no one said a word to me. It was really nice. The focus was on my Goddaughter-right where it should be. We received numerous long, tight hugs. That was the way people âtoldâ us they love us and they were praying for us. It was exactly what we needed. It was much appreciated.
People are good. From the moment we learned our journey was going to be difficult and long, people have done nothing but love us and support us. People are good. We have received numerous cards, emails, phone calls and texts. I know it was difficult for people to reach out. I mean, what do you say to parents who are preparing to lose their baby? Most people say âThere are no words.â We feel this is the perfect response. There arenât any words. But hearing from people, knowing we arenât alone, knowing that people are thinking about us and praying for us, that is what keeps us going.
My favorite text I received was from another dear friend. All she said was, âI was putting the dishes away and I thought of you.â It was perfect. She was thinking of us just out of the blue. Knowing we were on peopleâs minds even during mundane household chores was comforting. I really appreciated she took the time to let me know she was thinking of me. People are good.
One thing I have learned from all of this is how important it is to reach out to people who are suffering. Even if we donât have the right words or if it makes us uncomfortable, people need to know they are not alone while suffering. They need to know people are thinking about them. They need to know people are praying for them.
I have a feeling this is one of many life lessons we will learn throughout our journey.
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