Leanne's Baptism!!!

Last evening was very special for our family. My granddaughter, Leanne, was baptized at Foothills Church in Santee. She will be 17 next week on October 9th. Our entire family attended with the exception of my daughter, Jodi, and my husband, Jerry. Jodi had to work. She is a checker with Von's. She would have asked for the day off, but her work schedule was already in place when she found out Leanne was being baptized. However, she sent her love to Leanne. Jerry didn't attend either. He isn't comfortable in public settings anymore, unless he knows people really well. He especially isn't comfortable in settings where he would be in a room full of strangers and be expected to act in a socially acceptable manner. He knows that sometimes his behavior is unacceptable, and I think this either causes or greatly contributes to his anxiety during those times. I always share the details of special events with him, and he seems to enjoy hearing them. He was happy for Leanne and Marty. He did attend Carson's birthday party, but it was held at her home and he knew most of the people who attended. Of course, "Aunt" Dana, "Uncle" Brandon and Baby Carson attended the baptism.

I am so proud of Leanne and her daddy, my son, Marty. It's been a long journey for both of them, but they have certainly had fun along the way. Marty and Leanne's mother were divorced when she was only 2 years and a few months old. They were awarded shared custody with equal time. Leanne has spent one week with her dad and one week with her Mom from that time until this year when she decided she wanted to live with her dad full time. Marty has always considered Leanne's needs first when making any decision in life. I can't summarize in a blog entry what it really means and how it affects your everyday decisions when a parent truly does put their child's interest before their own. Any parents who have done that knows the sacrifices that are made in the best interest of your children. I have never seen anyone hold to that principal as tightly as Marty has throughout Leanne's entire life. I said to him last evening following the service at the church, "Well, Son, I am very proud of you. You have done well. You are almost there when she turns 18 and you can open up the door, kick her in the butt and tell her to go." Of course, we both laughed, because we both know he would never do that. Leanne is dating a very nice young man, and he was there also for her baptism. They both are a couple of good kids...you know, the ones you don't read about in the newspaper. What a glorious moment to see my first grandchild baptized and know she is making a commitment to God. I cried. Thank you, God, for the blessing of Leanne and please keep her near You all of her life. Thank you, God, for the most wonderful blessing of having three kids who are now all adults with a strong faith in God.