Blessings of Great Joy

Lexi with Granddad George, Dad, Mom, Grandma Margie & Malcolm

Lexi with Uncle Chris & Uncle Clay

Lexi with cousins Kaylie, Amon, Zak & Miriam

Several months ago, Steve decided that he would like to have a religious ceremony for Lexi. He wanted to know what people do, so I told him about different religions and their ceremonies. I also reminded him that he had seen her cousin Amon get blessed by my brother, Clayton, who is a devout Mormon. Steve liked Amon's blessing and thought it would be a great ceremony for Lexi. He also liked that it would be a chance to do little more bonding with my family by asking my brother to bless her.

On Sunday, Lexi was blessed in Clayton's ward in Tallahassee. There were quite a few family members present. Steve's dad (Granddad George) and my sister (Aunt Paige) rode up with us. My mom (Grandma Margie) and her husband (Malcolm) flew in from San Diego. My Aunt Sue & Uncle Fred, who live near Tallahassee, went. Of course, both of my brothers and sister-in-law (Katie) that live in Tallahassee were there. Plus, Lexi's cousins (Clayton's kids) attended.

That morning, we arrived a little early to make sure we had a great seat near the aisle. Once the opening prayer, song and general announcements were over, Clayton picked Lexi up and walked to the front of the church along with my brother Chris and my Uncle Fred. They stood in a circle holding her and Clayton offered a very sweet prayer. He spoke about her joy and her ability to teach her parents wonderful things. He also asked that she would be watched over and blessed. She was very quiet and simply played with my brother's goatee. As he walked back to our seats, I looked over at Steve and saw his tears of joy.