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I have struggled with my parents for years
over becoming a single mother. Now that Emilia is here, my parents don’t know
what
hit them. They love being grandparents, and it is all
about Emilia now. I
am proud to say that they are
our #1 supporters. Tradition has always meant so much to them so they decided that it was important to have a big Greek traditional baptism for Emilia, especially since they never got to give me the big Greek wedding that they had hoped for. The baptism was such an emotional event. There were three Greek Orthodox priests officiating the sacrament. They slathered her with oil, dunked her 3 times into the water, cut her hair, and chanted in Greek. Considering all of that ... she did well. The most healing part for me was when my dad said the sermon; he looked at me and said “For 5 long years you held on to your dream of wanting to become a mother ... even when those closest to you weren’t supportive of your decision....” It was his way of admitting that he gave me a hard time. It was also incredible to see my father, a Greek Orthodox priest, baptizing my daughter. My entire life I saw him perform weddings and baptisms for others; finally it was my turn. My brother Jack and my sister-in-law Megan were the godparents. I am so glad that her godmother is Chinese. The reception was at the country club, and it was like the wedding I never had. My parents planned it all. You walked in, and there was a harpist playing and servers passing around mimosas and appetizers. Outside that room, near the gift table, was a video of my journey to adopt Emilia that played to the tune of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Inside was the brunch; the tables all had flowers and pink and white balloons; and the brunch was a traditional resort brunch, complete with a carving station, pasta station, ice sculptures, etc. In the middle of the room on the dance floor was a baby grand piano that was played by a student of my dad’s. It was an incredible day... I felt so proud that I was able to give Emilia a traditional Greek baptism with 200 guests. I am not even counting the formal dinner the night before and the night after the big event ... and all of the out-of-town relatives that attended. The best part is this. We missed taking the big family photo. This past week I asked my father if he wanted to get a family photo taken at Thanksgiving. He said, “No, I think we should wait until the new baby is here.” I said, "What baby? Jack and Megan’s?" He said, "No, Emilia’s little sister" (talk about shock on my part). Yes, we have come a long way, I guess I don’t need to plan on how to break the news about child #2!!
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