Today was Baptism Day, which means early, early morning church on the beach. Which means men in suits with rolled up pant legs and bare feet being all god-like and Sam pulling out his scuba gear under his robe and neck stole since he has to go all-in.
I didn't know most of the people being baptized personally but I handed them each their goodie bag (containing a bookmark ribbon with one of several of Sam's favorite bible quotes, a small towel with an embroidered cross in one corner, a monogrammed leather bible cover with each candidate's initials and a bunch of treats inside to fully welcome them), after Sam gave them a brand new bible once on land, before walking the next person out to be dipped in the sea.
The final candidate (and the only one I do know) is Jay. New-Jake. Jacob. He came out of the water arm-in-arm with Sam, a look on his face I've never seen before and when I passed him the bag and towel he grabbed me in a big wet hug and then proceeded to hug absolutely everyone. It was beautiful.
We came home and threw a party for him, after everyone had cleaned up. Sam had written a note on the inside cover of each bible for the candidates. Jay passed it around with pride, with tears in his eyes and everyone read it and the weepies were contagious and touching as we brought lunch outside to the patio to enjoy.
What changed? I asked Jake.
I've been given this amazing family, and I want to honor that and be the best person I can, and part of that involves letting go a bit.
And letting God?
Yeah. It's hard to be as earnest about it.
You can resist if you want. Look at Lochlan.
He carries so much anger.
He's had a hard life, Jay.
Is it easier now?
Yes, but he's scarred nonetheless.
We all are.
True.
I want to help make this a beautiful life.
It is already because you're here. With us.
Thank you, Bridget.
I didn't do it.
Going to give God the credit?
No, Lochlan. He's the one who brought you back even when you didn't deserve it.
He nods. I've got to thank him. How do I do that?
Keep being a good person.
I'll try.
No, Jay, you have to go all in. There is no 'try'.
You sound like Yoda.
He was a smart little green dude.
Does this mean you're coming to the dark side with the other nerds?
No, I'm never going to be a big Star Trek fan. Sorry.
I didn't know most of the people being baptized personally but I handed them each their goodie bag (containing a bookmark ribbon with one of several of Sam's favorite bible quotes, a small towel with an embroidered cross in one corner, a monogrammed leather bible cover with each candidate's initials and a bunch of treats inside to fully welcome them), after Sam gave them a brand new bible once on land, before walking the next person out to be dipped in the sea.
The final candidate (and the only one I do know) is Jay. New-Jake. Jacob. He came out of the water arm-in-arm with Sam, a look on his face I've never seen before and when I passed him the bag and towel he grabbed me in a big wet hug and then proceeded to hug absolutely everyone. It was beautiful.
We came home and threw a party for him, after everyone had cleaned up. Sam had written a note on the inside cover of each bible for the candidates. Jay passed it around with pride, with tears in his eyes and everyone read it and the weepies were contagious and touching as we brought lunch outside to the patio to enjoy.
What changed? I asked Jake.
I've been given this amazing family, and I want to honor that and be the best person I can, and part of that involves letting go a bit.
And letting God?
Yeah. It's hard to be as earnest about it.
You can resist if you want. Look at Lochlan.
He carries so much anger.
He's had a hard life, Jay.
Is it easier now?
Yes, but he's scarred nonetheless.
We all are.
True.
I want to help make this a beautiful life.
It is already because you're here. With us.
Thank you, Bridget.
I didn't do it.
Going to give God the credit?
No, Lochlan. He's the one who brought you back even when you didn't deserve it.
He nods. I've got to thank him. How do I do that?
Keep being a good person.
I'll try.
No, Jay, you have to go all in. There is no 'try'.
You sound like Yoda.
He was a smart little green dude.
Does this mean you're coming to the dark side with the other nerds?
No, I'm never going to be a big Star Trek fan. Sorry.