While we consider Mother's Day to be Andrew first official smile, we quickly stopped taughting us and was smiling more obviously. Two days after our tour back East, Mom was finally able to come out and help us work on that smiling! The timing was for Andrew's baptism, scheduled for June 15---Father's Day. We enjoyed a rare few days together and were soon joined by Susan, Jim, and Dad.
We've been blessed to see Ernest Thompson over the years since his daughter and son-in-law, Julia & Peter Kalan, teach our Sunday school class. Each quick visit has been so special, so we asked him if he'd participate with John Bell, who married us, in Andrew's baptism. How neat ot have him baptism mother and child! While he initially whole heartedly agreed, he was sadly unable to make it due to health reasons. Regardless, we enjoyed a touching weekend.
Having family there was amazing and all grandparents were able to participate. John was pleased to allow Mom and Susan to be our elder representatives. Susan dedicated the church's quilt to Andrew and Mom charged the congregation with our responsibilities in raising Andrew. Dad beautifully lead the congregation in "I Was There to Hear your Borning Cry". I don't think there was a dry eye in the Sanctuary that morning.
John Ylvisaker
"I was there to hear your borning cry, I'll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized,to see your life unfold.
I was there when you were but a child, with a faith to suit you well;
In a blaze of light you wandered off to find where demons dwell."
"When you heard the wonder of the Word I was there to cheer you on;
You were raised to praise the living Lord, to whom you now belong.
If you find someone to share your time and you join your hearts as one,
I'll be there to make your verses rhyme from dusk 'till rising sun."
"In the middle ages of your life, not too old, no longer young,
I'll be there to guide you through the night, complete what I've begun.
When the evening gently closes in, and you shut your weary eyes,
I'll be there as I have always been with just one more surprise."
"I was there to hear your borning cry, I'll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized,to see your life unfold."
