Next Sunday, I will witness my niece being saved from “original sin”. To my kids, this is an interesting, if odd, custom. I expect Belly will stand right up at the vessel of water, peering at the priest with a bit of awe and interest, as she has done at previous christenings.
While Belly will be front and center, I will not. For although my sister values my relationship as aunt to her two children, I cannot be godparent to them. I grew up Catholic, but, much to my mother’s chagrin, am no longer part of that religion.
I will feel a bit self-conscious at this christening, as I did when my nephew was christened two years ago. Self-conscious because I imagine this conversation taking place at the church:
Distant Aunt: “Who is that standing up as godparents?”
Less Distant Aunt: “Oh, that is Mr & Mrs Q’s good friends, X and Y.“
Distant Aunt: “I thought both had a sibling? Why aren’t they the godparents?”
Less Distant Aunt: “Well, Mr Q’s brother is a godless heathen, and Mrs Q’s sister is a (pause) U-Nee-Tary-An”.
Distant Aunt: “A what?!?”
Less Distant Aunt: “Oh, you know. . . those churches with the rainbow flags hanging off the front.”
Rather then let this imaginary conversation resonate in my head, I’ve decided to take a more proactive approach. I remember reading this post on Oh, The Joys, and it came to me: I am going to be Fairy Godmother to my niece and nephew.
Every year, on the date of their christening, I will think of something that tells them how important they are in my life and how important they are to this world. I haven’t quite come up with exact ideas yet, so any input would be welcome.
So now, during the upcoming christening, I will sit content in my self-anointed position of Fairy Godmother. I’m not yet sure if I will carry a wand.
I will also try to keep D from running up and down the aisles with his cousin, my nephew. And, I will watch as Jilly joins her big sister upfront until she realizes that the center aisle is an excellent place to practice her cartwheels.
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