Thank you…

While we are sometimes lucky enough to have family and long-time friends around for the 'high' events, such as baptisms or First Communions, it is often difficult for the in-between days.  Unlike those who live down the street from family, or even the next town over, we don't have the automatic influx for birthdays, Christmas or, of course, Reconciliations.  It's understandable, but tiring at times.  Last night, however, was different…

We arrived at the Reconciliation in a very timely manner, in fact, quite early.  Despite the 4 p.m. start time, folks poured in until 4:30 or so (including, ironically, one of the visiting priests).   As this was a communal Reconciliation, the children sat up front, while we waited a few rows back. The ceremony began with a song, followed by readings, the Gospel and then the children were called forward.

Kelsey didn't seem to be too fidgety despite her previous fear s that she had nothing to confess (I had offered the obvious….), and before we knew it, she was chatting with Father Ray.  He blessed her, we met her at the Baptismal font, received her certificate, added her candle to the photo wall and it was over before we realized it had started.  As it was to be a celebration, we had opted to have supper with  with friends at a local Italian restaurant.  We enjoyed dining leisurely, and arrived home early enough to have plenty of time for Kelsey to peruse the contents of the Love Bag.

 I didn't really know what to expect from the Love Bag.  I wasn't even sure what to put in it until push came to shove.  An emergency trip to Michael's gave me a few ideas (thank you to the person who put the only package of remotely Catholic stickers back in the wrong place!), and by midnight it was finished (I know, early for me).  And, to be quite honest, I wasn't sure what the outcome would be….

Until Kelsey opened it, and we all quite literally felt the love. I had stuffed the bag with paper, ribbon, card stock and photos.  When she opened it,  lovingly hand-written letters, memories, photo collages, cards, and emails poured out of the bag.  Stories, family heirlooms and collages framed Kelsey on the couch as she tried on various pieces of religious jewelry from days past and admired pictures of forgotten times.  She read each and every letter and card out aloud and suddenly the room felt almost crowded, as though everyone was sitting there watching her… just how it should be. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you…to everyone who contributed and made her day so very special.  She will not soon forget it…nor will we.