Easter Pride

When my Mama was dying last year

My nephew phoned the hospital and said he'd heard she was giving up

He told me to tell her that if she would fight to live

He would pursue his baptism within the Catholic Church

Something my Mama had prayed for since his birth 35 years ago

When she left the hospital several weeks later

He signed up for his classes

A couple months ago I was surprised when he asked me to be his sponsor

the witness who stands at his side in this endeavor

I laughed...reminding him that I was the least religious in the clan

Reminding him that although I will always be 'foundation Catholic'

my beliefs extend beyond those that the Church teaches

He insisted; I gave in

And with a smirk my sister, his mom, watched as I tagged along

Weekly ceremonies during Mass

Finding myself really listening and looking forward to another week

Last night was the grand finale

2.5 hours of ceremonies conducted in the Holy Saturday Mass

At the pouring of water on his head, my Mama cried

The priest spoke of death and resurrection

My nephew continued on with communion and confirmation

I had a renewed sense of faith

How fitting on this day

Darkness to Light

New beginnings

~ ~ ~

I am proud of my nephew

Proud that someone who is normally not motivated

Found the motivation to stick with what he started

Thankful that he made my Mama's heart swell 

That he has found community within religion

A new beginning

~

Happy Easter