Olive’s baptism was yesterday. It was a beautiful sunny day and the service was wonderful. Olive did really well during the mass. Although she cried a bit during the ceremony. She was pretty sleepy.
Afterward, we had the entire family over for lunch except for my Mom and my brother. My Mom suffered a spinal cord injury in 1982 leaving her paralyzed from the waist down so adequate access and transportation is always an issue. My brother Mike suffers from schizophrenia. Their circumstances radically changed our lives and meant that I would have to take care of them in ways I was never prepared for. Without a Father in the picture, they were my only family for years.
Then I discovered that my Father had other children - two boys and one girl. I’ve maintained contact with the boys (now men) Anthony and Tyler. I’m so proud to know them. They both have kids of their own and all are doing well. Anthony is Olive’s Godfather. I really miss my Mom and my brother when we gather as a family but meeting Jenna and having my own children as well as knowing Anthony and Tyler helps to fill the emotional void I sometimes feel.
Thank you everyone for being a part of Olive’s day!