Blessing Day

A little over thirty-five people attended Liam's baby blessing, which was held at our house on February 27th at 7pm (a Saturday).  The purpose of a baby blessing is for giving an infant an official name and a blessing, to get him off to a good start in this world.  It is traditional for LDS babies to be blessed at church on a Sunday in front of the congregation. What can I say?  We're just not the traditional type.  (As is evident by my mother bringing Tiramisu cake made with rum and espresso to a Mormon baby blessing...She swears she didn't know!  I think a few people may have even had a little more fun that night than they had planned.)  

Here is my reasoning.  You have a baby shower when you're pregnant and everyone is SO excited that the baby is coming, but then there is never really an occasion to celebrate the baby actually having arrived.  Many friends and/or relatives never even get to meet the baby until much later.  So, why not make an occasion of something that should be special and intimate anyway?  Baby blessings at church are wonderful for two minutes (assuming the baby is quiet enough for people to actually hear the words of the prayer), but once the speakers begin, everyone forgets about the blessing.  It is often shunted in between ward announcements and Sacrament prayers, kind of haphazard and lacking in much to distinguish it as special.   

Liam had been fussy all day, so I was expecting the worst when it came time for the blessing.  It seemed like he hated his outfit, or at least his shoes which he kept trying to kick off all evening. (I wasn't a huge fan of his outfit either, but it didn't cost a fortune like most blessing clothes. I'm sure he'll forgive me someday.)  When the brethren gathered around him in a circle and began bouncing him, his eyes started to get drowsy.  He was out cold by "Amen."  Sweet boy.  

Wes gave a beautiful prayer (I have the transcript), blessing Liam "intellectually, physically, spiritually and emotionally."  It was the first time since Liam had been born that he had used the power of the priesthood for Liam's benefit, and it was so good for me to see.  In the weeks preceding the blessing day, I repeatedly asked Wes if he was thinking about and preparing for the blessing.  I realize now that he probably had been thinking and preparing for it long before Liam had arrived.   I have a newfound respect for my husband and I was ashamed that I had doubted him.  Silly me.  

Wes blessed baby Liam "with the desire to love your fellow man and to realize that in the gospel, you may find joy."  He also blessed him "with a strong and healthy body...that you will be able to take on obstacles with strength" and "with a curiosity about this world."  He blessed him mentally, "with a sharp and keen mind" and  "with wisdom, that you may be able to discern good from bad--light from dark."  Other than little Isaac's minor disruption in a squeaky rocking chair, you could've heard a pin drop.  

From left to right: Michael Wilton, Daniel Rawson, John Charles, Kevin Charles, Lonnie Hanks, Weston Charles, (Liam Charles), Steven Rawson, Bret Rawson, John Carlson

(Wes would like to insert here that he is hunching so that others might view Lonnie's cheerful face - and that in fact he is taller than virtually every other male in this picture.)

My sweet Liam, 

Your father and I have so many hopes for you, as does your Heavenly Father.  I hope that over the years, you will be able to go back and read the words of your baby blessing so that you might know of our eternal love for you and the love He has for you as well.  There is nothing that we wouldn't do for you.  I hope that throughout your life, you feel that you can come to us for help navigating the tumultuous waters of mortality.  I am starting to see the seeds of your personality sprouting and it thrills me.  I promise to let you become your own person without forcing my opinions and persuasions on you.  I promise to support you in your endeavors and help you become the best person you can be.  One of the greatest founders of this country, John Adams, counseled his children to "do good and be good."  He said, "the longer I live, the more I read, the more patiently I think and the more anxiously I inquire, the less I seem to know...Do justly.  Love mercy.  Walk humbly.  This is enough."  I agree with him that no effort in favor of virtue is lost.  I hope that you will learn to live by these words, and the words in your blessing.  Know that life is not always easy, but that you can always turn to your Father in Heaven for comfort and answers.  

I love you more than anything in this world, 

Your Mama