Dear Reese,
A year ago (and a day), I did my own version of a baptism for you, and for Kai, at Troup Park. No holy water in a church, but the bay is holy to me.
Water has memory. Water is healing. Door County has been a spiritual place for me my whole life. There’s something about the air here. It’s why I wanted to raise you on this shore.
So last year, I wrote a blessing and recited it while I dribbled water on your head on the quiet beach. MorMor held you. I kissed your head.
We welcome you to the world. You are loved not only by the people around you but also by the Earth and Waters themselves.
Today, may the fresh waters of the bay bless you with their gifts . . .
. . . the gift of peace and calm days
. . . the gift of resilience when the waves are rough
. . . the gift of healing, heart and body and soul
. . . the gift of a home and love to hold you your whole life through
. . . the gift of trusting yourself to navigate whatever waters lie ahead
. . . the gift of knowing that you are the gift and that you have so much to offer this world
May you be blessed by the very heart of this world. Go in love.
What a gift you are, indeed.
Love,
Mama