When one of my college roommates called a few weeks ago, invited me back to Texas and asked me to be her baby girl’s GodMother, I cried and said ‘Yes!’

There are so many layers to this picture.

The first thing you should know is this is Clare, the moment she is baptized.

The second thing you should know is that Father Jason, the one anointing her with chrism. He is a Clare’s uncle. Father Jason and I went to high school together. He is one day older than I am. I barely knew Father Jason in high school. I just knew he was an athlete, shy and tall. We went to Texas A&M together. We participated in Aggie Awakening together. I was on P-Staff when he attended the retreat. Enough Said. I watched him grow and love and travel to Canada with Net and travel to study in Rome. I attended his ordination. I attended his first Mass. He is going to be great. God has amazing plans for everyone who crosses his path.

The third thing you should know is that her mom is Kelly. Kelly is one of my college roommates. One of the girls. One of my inner circle. One of those friends I will have forever and ever and ever. She loves me for me. We also went to high school together, but I didn’t know her in high school (that is what happens when your graduating class is over 1,200 people). Brian has known her since 1st Grade. She was sweet as pie then and I am so lucky to be her friend. She is one of my role models – as a friend, a mom and a Christian.

This is Jon. He is Father Jason’s twin. He is also one day older than I am. He is Clare’s father. He is Kelly’s husband. He is my optometrist. Brian has known him since 6th Grade. He loves to mountain bike. He is an amazing father. He went to t.u., but you know ~ everyone has that one thing…   See? Layers, told you.

Kelly’s beautiful family… Hannah (Nate’s age… sweet, loves fairies and is 100% positive that they exist), Daniel (my buddy… taught him the word ‘fantastic’… one of my favorite phone calls from Kelly ever… ‘What word is my son saying?! ‘ as he was screaming it through the hall way), and Luke (the sweet baby that was so sick, he was prayed for in the middle of the night so many times).

Allow me to share my baby fix with you…

 

After the baptism was done, the luncheon was completed, the guests were gone and the dishes clean… it was time for us.

One of the other college roommates came over, Maja… It was time for La Hacienda Ranch, Pretty Woman on the television, giggling, crying, laughing, acceptance and healing.

I should probably pay them for being my therapists.

I caught the first flight the next morning to be back for the day before school with my babies.

One more precious memory in my world. Sincere thankfulness for my dear friends.

They love. They do not judge. They edify. They do not tear down. They are kind and accepting. They make me want to be a better version of myself because of their example.

They are amazing mothers, sweet wives and kind friends.

I wish you all the same kind of friends… true and dear.