Brooklyn's Baptism

On January 5th, our Brooklyn McCall was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by her father. What a beautiful moment!

In the LDS church, children are baptized at the age of eight, as eight is considered to be the age at which children develop an understanding of moral choices and their consequences. I know that Brooklyn took the decision to be baptized very seriously, and was so excited to take this first step leading eventually to her heavenly home.

As a parent, it was a tender and sweet moment to see my baby girl so grown up and ready to make her own good choices.

As part of the program, Brooklyn and I played a simple piano duet: When I am Baptized. I love the lyrics: "I like to look for rainbows whenever there is rain, and ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again. I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain. I want to be the best I can, and live with God again."

Brooklyn cuddles up to her baby sister. For her baptism, Brooklyn wore the same dress that my Mom made for my sister Callie and I to be baptized in, decades ago. It makes me smile to think that perhaps one day, a granddaughter may decide to wear it as well.

It's hard to describe a baptism without actually being there to feel the spirit of the service. I'll just say that it was simple and lovely.

We felt to so fortunate to have all of Brooklyn's grandparents there to support her in this moment. Grandpa Charles and Papa Kay offered prayers and helped with the confirmation, Grandma Susie gave a lovely talk, and NomiAnn sewed Brooklyn her dream dress to wear after the baptism.

We learned some interesting facts about our parents' own baptismal experiences. NomiAnn was baptized by Papa Kay on the BYU campus, after which they had a grand time snow tubing. Papa Kay was baptized in Idaho by his uncle because his father was very busy with the harvest.

Grandma Susie missed her original baptismal date because her father had a flat tire, and Grandpa Charles was baptized by his scout leader because his own father didn't join the church until he was in his seventies.

I wonder what Brooklyn will recall about her special day? I suspect that she will remember being very supported by family, friends, and teachers from both church and school. We all gathered at our house afterward for soup, cupcakes, and fun. I wanted a chance to say "thank you" to the very many people who have helped influence and shape our children in positive ways.

We love you, Brooklyn McCall! You're as beautiful inside as out.