The Godmother

Because I had my year-end link-up scheduled for the first three days of the week, today's post is a bit late in coming to you, but it's one of the highlights of my year.

Last weekend I made the trip home to Pennsylvania to attend the Christening of my dearest friend's baby boy, and take on the role of Godmother.  Cue the theme music to my favorite movie...



I can't really explain why The Godfather is one of my favorite movies, because I am clearly non violent and in no way support organized crime, but I think it is the underlying theme of the importance of family as well as many aspects of Italian heritage the film portrays.

The role of Godfather or Godmother is one of very significant importance in both the Italian culture as well as the Catholic faith.  In fact, this source states that Godparents are so respected in Italian culture that they "are regarded higher than blood relatives".  Well now I'm blushing :)

To be chosen to be a role model and positive influence in the life of someone's child is probably one of the greatest honors and responsibilities I can think of to bestow on a person.  Every time I am asked to step into this role, I am humbled and feel blessed beyond belief, and it is not a responsibility I take lightly.  Whether you have religious affiliations or not, I think one of life's greatest responsibilities is raising children - whether indirectly or directly - and whether they be your own or not.  You know that old saying 'It takes a village to raise a child' really is true.  Children are influenced by everything around them, and it is important that all adults in their lives are positive, loving and nurturing. 

I mentioned in my last post that one of the highlights of this year was being able to be present at this boy's birth.  His mother is one of the most treasured people in my life, and she lives in Pennsylvania.  As you know, giving birth is usually not a planned event!  It can happen any time of day or night without warning.  So as much as I wanted to be there for the event, I had resigned myself to the fact that by the time I drove up from Baltimore, it would probably be days later, due to my work schedule.  Well, God works in mysterious ways my friends.  Wouldn't you know, I lost my job just a few weeks prior to a very early delivery by my friend.  I was able to be present for the entire thing - something that would not have been possible if I had still been at my job.  When one door closes, another opens...

He was a perfect tiny little pumpkin back in February and now he is a gregarious and stylish 10 month old sporting Chucks with his suit..where does the time go?

 

 

This also marked my THIRD stint as Godmother.  I can't even believe it.  I am also Godmother to this little nugget:

 

 

 

And to my cousin's baby boy:

 

 

 

Sometimes I can't believe that 3 different sets of parents have entrusted me with this honor - to play a special role in their children's lives.  But then I think, I must be doing something right :)  One of my foremost goals in life has always been to be the best Human I can be.  For as long as I walk the Earth in this body, I just want to be a good one. 

 

I always thought I'd have kids by now, and sometimes I think, hmmm where did I go wrong that this is where I've ended up at this point in my life.  But then I look around at my godchildren, my niece and nephews, all of my cousins, the countless kids I have babysat for over the last 20 years, and the hundreds of kids I worked with as a daycare teacher and substitute teacher (many years ago) and you know what, when I look at it that way, I already DO have kids.  Tons of them!  More than I possibly know what to do with, so it's a good thing I've got a never ending supply of love to go around.

 

Sometimes it's hard to see what you already have, when you are thinking about what you don't have.  Remember that one kids.