Finding Joy in the Journey: A Father's Blessing and a Mother's Gift

Today was Eliza's Blessing Day. She was clothed in a simple little white dress and carried to the front of the church where her father Dylan gave her a name by which she would be known on the records of the church and given a blessing from her Heavenly Father.

26 years ago I wore the same exact dress and was blessed by my father in a small chapel in Empire, Georgia. I don't know how my parent's felt 26 years ago, but I can imagine in my mind that my mom was trying to manage 2 children on a back row pew while trying to listen attentively, and my dad was secretly hoping I would sleep or at least not cry as he carried me in his arms to the front of the church.

Today, as grandparents, my mom sat on a back row pew managing her 3 other grandchildren so that myself and the rest of the family could listen attentively to the blessing that was given and my Dad accompanied Dylan to the front of the church as Dylan was secretly wishing that Eliza's wouldn't make a peep...she did anyway...

Dylan's mom Melanie brought us a special treasure today too. From the time Dylan was born until age 8 she kept a journal for him that recounted the memories he couldn't remember, much less record himself. I read part of it today and found joy in reading about Dylan's first months and years of mortal experience. Luckily, I even have the words that were spoken on the day Dylan was blessed by his father that were lovingly recorded by his Mom and Grandma Johnson. She did the same for Eliza today and those words will be recorded in her journal that we are keeping for her.

My point is that life is recycled. The seasoned parents ushered in new life with the first time mom and dad. It is wonderful to have their support. I can't imagine what Eliza will be like in 26 years, but I hope that whatever point she is at in life, she will be happy and faithfully living the gospel while pursuing her dreams.