I married John and Andrea in June of 2007 at Sisters' Garden in Raleigh. They were such fun to work with and I remembered them well when Andrea contacted me recently to ask if I did baby blessing ceremonies. I was thrilled to hear that they had a baby girl, Rhyan, and wanted me to do a welcoming ceremony for her and their families. So, we set about creating a special ceremony just for Rhyan.
When Marty and I arrived at Andrea's mother's home for the ceremony everyone had gathered and ready to begin!
And so I began with a welcome and read one of my favorite poems for this occasion by Desiderata.
“You are a child of the universe,
No less than the trees and the stars;
You have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
Whatever you conceive God to be,
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
In the noisy confusion of life,
Keep peace with your soul.”
I could tell that John was just thrilled with his little girl. He just couldn't stop smiling and told me that she had truly changed his life! I know Andrea felt the same way. It is so rewarding for me to see my couples building their families and to be a part of that process is an honor.
Alyssa presented a reading by Kahil Gibran called “Your Children:”
"Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you, and though they are with you yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts, for they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls, for their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you. For life goes not backwards nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.
The Archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and bends you with might that the arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the Archer’s hand be for gladness."
John is making his promises to Rhyan here. She, however, seems to be more interested in the camera! After Andrea and John made their promises to Rhyan, they took rose petals from roses representing the three of them and placed them in spring water with which I sprinkled Rhyan's sweet soft downy head in a blessing and christening.
Rhyan is the prettiest baby! She was so contented, attentive and alert. She never once fussed. I know she is a joy to her parents. Rhyan was wearing the same christening dress that her mother and her cousin Taylor wore. A family tradition being passed down.
It's done! Rhyan is now officially blessed and welcomed into the world by her parents and their families. Andrea's father, Gene who had come all the way from Connecticut for the occasion, slipped a sweet note to me as Marty and I left. The note said:
"Dear Rev. Middleton, The Blessing for Rhyan is the second significant event that you have officiated for our family. Thanks for making it so very special." He also included a generous gratuity! It is indeed an honor to be a part of this couple's lives and their families' lives! These baby blessings are truly a blessing for me too. Andrea and John, congratulations to you and your families. I hope you will keep in touch and send me photos of Rhyan as she grows into her true radiant self.
