 |
| Brittney before she popped the question... |
Our Angel Chelsea...
What's a Godmother For?
This summer our Goddaughter Brittney came up to the cabin, and one evening after dinner, in the midst of a ferocious card game of war, she asked me, "What's a Godmother for?"
Although in hindsight I am sure it was some sort of tactic to throw me off my game just in the midst of a stunning comeback, I replied in an equally stunning cerebral way, "What do you mean?" She went on to explain that one of her friends told her that if anything ever happened to her mom and dad, she would probably end up living with her Godparents. THAT's what Godparents are for, she proclaimed! I assured Brittney that could and would always be a possibility, but I really felt my job as her Godmother was to inspire her soul and point her toward the love of God. I have always wanted to support her parents in nurturing her Faith. Some Godmother of the Soul, I am, eh?
 |
| my incredible Godmother, Aunt Marie |
Well, since then, I have thought about this a great deal. I have thought about my own Godparents and how they have served as an inspiration to me through the years, and how I want to truly serve my Godchildren, these seven incredible people I have been entrusted to light and love. I've never exactly known how best to do this. After all, where is the elusive Godparents' Guide to the Galaxy? Sometimes I feel like I fail especially when I live so far away from them for most of the year. This insight comes especially hard during this week when we remember in a special way Brittney's twin sister, our Goddaughter Chelsea who died from SIDS in 2001. I know that she is in Heaven, and my goal is that someday, we'll all join her. Even in this, Chelsea is the one to lead me toward peace, love, joy and understanding because I get that from her spirit each and every day. These are the characteristics I most want to epitomize as a Godmother, mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, friend, teacher and neighbor. Of all of the things that I have ever questioned in my life, and trust me there have been many, my Faith in God has always been my one constant. But how do I measure up in conveying this to those around me and especially my sacred seven?
A couple of years ago, just after we moved to Nebraska, I read an article in a magazine that inspired me to send out a survey/evaluation tool to my Godchildren to see if I was measuring up. I got some really interesting responses, but with the Grace of God, it might be time to send it out again and update the data. Anyway, here's what the letter looked like...
Dear Child of God/Godchild of mine,
"Being the best Godmother to you is the most important thing in the world to me. Please answer the following survey questions in order to assist me in doing my job better. I want you to know that I am very proud to be your Godmother. Thank you for taking the time to respond. You may return this to me anytime."
1. Name something that we have done in the past together that you have really enjoyed and you want to do again.
 |
| Brian... |
2. What is one thing you have wanted to do with me but never have?
 |
| Conor |
3. What one thing have you wanted me to teach or tell you that I never have?
 |
| Emily |
4. What one thing is really on your mind that you want me to know?
 |
| Tarah! |
 |
| Sean |
5. How am I measuring up?
Love,
Auntie PJ
