I don’t believe in a God that rejects newborn babies from heaven because they aren’t baptized.
In fact, despite being a practicing Catholic, I don’t believe in a God that rejects any good soul from the garden of Eden. I believe my (baptized) dad is up there, hanging with George Harrison and John Lennon, playing guitar with our dead bird on his shoulder.
I believe one day we’ll all be united there again, in what state I do not know. And I fully expect my heathen, atheist, Jewish brother-in-law to be there with us.
Maybe we’ll all do the hora together. Hey, you never know.
So baptism is, for me, mostly a tradition. Nonetheless, I am drawn to the notion that there is a rite than can wash us clean. A sacrament that embraces and honors purity.
Because he is so very pure. My baby boy, he is the loveliest wee babe. He has a smile that lights up the room, and a low, quiet giggle that comes from deep inside his chest. His lashes are like soft, black daggers to the heart.
He is so very beautiful.
I was terrified that I wouldn’t have room for him in my heart. Perhaps that is why this ritual of washing him clean of man’s sin appeals to me so much. Perhaps I, too, am washed clean of my sins; guilt, worry, fear.
For I love him so very, very much, deep inside my soul.
His family gathered last week to witness his purity, and my sister captured the event with her clever eye. I see the world through the prism of my words, and it turns out that my sister sees it through a lens. What her words don’t say, her photographs do.
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m right on your page re Catholicism and Heaven. He’s such a beautiful boy; I’m so glad the ceremony was meaningful and joyful. And what pictures!
Your sister can see into the emotion with her photographs…they are beautiful!
Congratulations…your son is so precious!
Wow! What beautiful shots. You are a very talented family. Love the one of Shaggy’s hand next to yours…
Does this mean that you’ll stop calling me “Ansel Adams?”
Lurve.
God bless Henry, indeed! Totally Ansel Adams, I see what you mean. Keep showing her off!
Congratulations little Shaggy
Love love love that top pic – very good eye ‘Your Sister’ – very good indeed…
x
I was baptised as a baby, when I was 3 months old. My parents did it simply to give me a spiritual grounding. I was always raised to follow my own path, and when that path led me towards paganism, my family supported me wholeheartedly.
Baptisims, naming ceremonies, Wiccanings… they’re all there to offer protection to our children, to keep them safe from the evils and negatives of the world that we become so prone to as we get older. They’re there to say, “these are our children. We care about them, and we want to introduce them to The Divine (as we understand it). May they be protected, and may they know they are loved.”
It looks like Shaggy had a wonderful baptism. He’s an absolutely beautiful baby boy. And as you can see, he’s already got quite the fanbase within the blogosphere!!!
Your sister is a fantastic photographer. I especially love that first picture, with the hands. It’s totally love. ^_^
These photos are just beautiful. What a wonderful eye your sister has. Thanks so much for sharing them with us.
It is clear that shaggy has captured your heart and made you more beautiful than ever.
These photographs are beautiful; your sister is quite talented.
Shaggy looks a lot like you.
Those are the most beautiful pictures I’ve seen!
And such a well written post! Thanks for sharing both with us.
“playing guitar with our dead bird on his shoulder.”
That top photo- makes me gasp.
Your sometimes blogging sister should show off some more of her stuff…
Gorgeous.
Gorgeous shots. Really.
oh my, this made me cry! And rhyme, apparently
Wow, Karen, these shots are gorgeous. Wish you’d been there for Baby D’s baptism. I have terrible shots of all of my kids’ baptisms actually!
And you look beautiful Mrs. C.
That was wonderful. Thank goodness for nice rituals like this and a talented sister to capture the moments.
Gorgeous and perfect and awesome.
Congratulations!
You look so pretty. And so loving. Feels like all is right with the world.
Oh, Mrs. C. What a lovely tribute to this ritual, and the photos are breathtaking.
Your son is beautiful just like The Poo. Congratulations.
You feel the same way I do about heaven. You have a gorgeous little boy and your sister took great pictures of the event.
Congratulations!