Never Let Go.

‘Kieran’s POV’

The day my brother and his wife asked Jamie and I to be their child’s godparents we were thrilled but we were also scared to death. The duties of a godparent in the Catholic Church are to lead the child through all aspects of life, both spiritually and mentally, and to take the roll of parents if the birth parents were to pass. We immediately agreed but later thought “Can we actually do this?” Over the months while our godchild grew inside his mother we decided that we totally could. We lead a life that if it ever came down to it we were financially stable enough to take in a child and even though we live 3 hours from my brother if the child ever needed us we could be there in a flash.

This was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up. Once Finley was born it became even clearer that we were meant to be more than just his Aunt and Uncle.

Today is the day we get to confirm our commitment to Finley Jamison in front of God and our family as he is baptized into the Catholic Church. I’ve been to many baptisms over my years so it’s nothing new to me but I can tell Jamie’s a little nervous. Other than maybe his own I’m not sure he’s ever even been to one, which justifies why he’s asked me a hundred questions since he woke up this morning.

Standing in front of the mirror of our hotel room in Houston he straightens his tie, “I don’t have to get splashed with water do I?” he asks and I just look at him dumbfounded. “Umm, no babe. Just Fin, you got splashed 28 years ago.” He just smiles as I slip into my heels and stand next to him. “I love you” he looks up at me from my vantage point, “and I love you Jame, we gotta go.” Quick kiss and hair check and we’re out the door, it’s time to become responsible for another life.

‘Jamie’s POV’

This church is absolutely huge, and gorgeous, and intimidating. Kieran seems completely use to the quiet and pristine atmosphere inside the Church but it’s all new to me. We met with the Priest, Morgan, Kilian, and baby Finley yesterday signing the paperwork and making it legal so today was all about committing our responsibilities for Finley to God.

Kieran is holding Fin in her arms, he’s gotten so much bigger in the past month it’s crazy how fast kids grow! She looks so good with a baby on her hip and I honestly cannot wait to be baptizing our own kids. When it’s time to get the show on the road I immediately feel my stomach flip like I’m about to take the ice for a huge game. Even though there’s only about 30 people in the pews it feels like a million, I play hockey in front of thousands on a regular basis but this is super important. Hopefully Kieran will do most of the talking.

The Priest asks Kieran and I to join Morgan and Kilian up front at the Altar before Finley is baptized into the Church. After the Priest asks the parents questions on behalf of Finley he turns to Kieran and me, “Are you two ready to help the parents of this child in their duty as Christian parents?” I look over to Kieran, she’s smiling and in unison we agree.

He proceeds deeming Finley a child of Christ and draws a cross on his forehead with Holy water before inviting Kilian and Morgan to do the same followed by Kieran and I. Fin doesn’t seem fazed by the cool water running off his forehead as he smiles in his mother’s arms. When the ceremony is over Finley is passed over to Kieran and I for pictures, it’s been an amazing day with the O’Reilly’s and I’ve realized I’m really lucky to be joining such a close family.

On our way back to Dallas Kieran’s thumb traces my knuckles as she holds my hand over the console of my truck. “That wasn’t so bad was it?” she asks looking over at me. “It was amazing babe, I’m so glad they chose us.” Being a rebel I hear Kieran unclip her seatbelt leaning across to kiss my cheek, “I’ll always choose you Jame.” I felt my cheeks heat up, four years with this girl and she still makes me blush. I know she’s always going to be the one.

Notes

They are officially Godparents! :) Now to become husband & wife! ;) Soon I promise.. xoxo -Ally

Baptism