First Communion

Where does the time go?  It seems like only yesterday that I was standing on the alter, holding my first born.

 Young and stressed, I reached out to this wonderful Priest who, instead of imposing a ton of Catholic requirements on me, simply said, "You've been through a lot.  I don't want the church to be another hurdle for you.  Give me your word you will do your best to raise him in the Catholic faith, and I will baptize him."  What a blessing, on so many levels, Father Gardner gave to us!

 And what a blessing these two friends have been to me and to Jacob over the years!  Through good times and bad, I always know that Michelle and Pete are there for us, with true sincerity and love like family!

Almost 8 years have passed since Jacob received the sacrament of Baptism.  Now, instead of in my arms, he stood alone in front of an entire church full of people and the same kind and loving priest, to receive his first Holy Communion. 

He was so proud of himself!

We were shown once again the blessings that surround us:  loving family and friends, a supportive church, and even the sun peeked through the clouds for one afternoon to shine on Jacob's glorious day!

So much has changed in the last 8 years!  The days go incrementally faster and faster.  Jacob has grown, our family has grown, and our gratitude for God's blessings has grown. But despite such growth, our core values have remained the same.  What we held dear then, we hold dear now and will continue to nurture throughout our lives.  May God's love continue to shine on and within Jacob forever, and may he always feel as blessed as his did on his First Holy Communion.