It was Sunday, April 22, 2007, and God, as if blessing this day in a special way, made the sun shine down in all its glory on this small area of His great big world. And no wonder, it was a very special day in the life of a young boy named Jordan.
We all know there are many important, even unforgettable, occasions in every child's life as each year passes: birthdays, first bicycle, the inevitable first day of school, that wonderful last day of school when delightful visions of sun-dappled, fun days fill a child's heart with joy.
As Jordan grew, the time came to go to Catechism classes where he would begin to learn more about God and his son, Jesus, and the importance of them in a person's life, along with the rules and responsibilities of being a part of the church -- and much more, I'm sure.
Willing and eager to learn, Jordan was enrolled in and faithfully attended the classes that would eventually lead him to one of the most touching experiences of his life: his first Holy Communion.
His parents, and a younger brother, two sets of grandparents, one of whom were Jordan's sponsors, cousins, uncles and aunts watched.
It was a solemn moment when the priest held up the wafer, but when 5-year-old Eli saw that his expressive eyes grew bigger and he exclaimed, in his innocence, "That's a big cookie!" God definitely has to have a sense of humor and I would dare say even He thought that was cute.
The service went along in perfect order as each new communicant received the first communion, were blessed by the priest who had traveled this road with them, and I'm sure it was a tender moment for all concerned. I hope my great-grandson retains these memorable moments in his heart and remembers them as he grows into an adult.
Where there's a party there is always food and I'm sure no one went home hungry from this one. Conversation flourished and food quickly disappeared, but still there was a "congratulation" cake to be served. I didn't hear anyone complain!
I must tell you, there was one particular gift package that piqued the curiosity of the guest of honor and it turned out to be one of his favorite characters: Homer Simpson! Wrapped in his favorite towel, he wiggled his hips, waved his arms, performed some shuffling dance steps to the tune of Macho Man while even we grown-ups laughed.
It seemed to be quite a hit as he showed it to his aunt, cousin and uncle who were with us at the table. I guess you can never under estimate the power of a great toy -- after all, he is still only 8.
In his joyful moments and in his moments of solemnity, a roomful of people rejoiced with him as we did on the day of his birth. I'm sure that somewhere up there in heaven, the two great-grandfathers who knew and loved him are smiling and saying, "Way to go, Jordan."
Jordan, may you always walk with God and may good things follow you for the rest of a long and productive life.
You are loved!
