Blessing Day

Today was William's blessing day! It was also my last Sunday in the Briargate (9th) Ward here in Colorado Springs. What a special time for us. I am very grateful to be able to say goodbye to such an amazing ward in a good way. It was so neat to see some very special friends of ours standing in the circle to bless our baby. No family members we able to make it to the blessing, but in a way, our ward has become our family and I truly felt that today as I looked around at the congregation for one last time. I am going to miss these people and this place so much. I had a lump in my throat and an ache in my heart today as I said some goodbyes and thought about these past few years here, but at the same time, I felt so much joy and love regarding William and his special day. I am so grateful that we chose this place and this day to bless our son. It has a lot of meaning.

Our families were here in their own way. William was in a blanket that my mother made, and my family sent William these cuter than cute flowers to let him know that they would be thinking of him and all of us on this special day. We have also spoken to both of our families on the phone and have shared what was said in the blessing with them.

Ben gave a beautiful blessing. William was blessed with health. That was significant to me, because of all we have been through this past month. However, things have improved a TON and William is a much happier and calmer baby. He is even sleeping really well and in big chunks at night. It is wonderful.
He was blessed to be honest and friendly with his dealings with other people. He was blessed as a toddler to be happy, as a young man to prepare for and to work hard as a missionary, and as an adult to find a wife and marry in the temple. He was told of the love his family has for him, and of the love his Savior has for him. There were also some other blessings and feelings spoken of as well.
The spirit was very strong, and I admit, I shed a tear or two. My heart was so full of love for this baby of mine.

William looked adorable in his little white tux (Sam wore the same one when he was blessed), and he was wide awake through the blessing. He didn't make a sound, but I am sure he was well aware that something special was taking place. He had a very special spirit about him today.

We love William with all of our hearts, and we feel like our family is so blessed with him here with us. He is a very sweet and tender little boy, and he has a great life ahead of him.

What a special and meaningful day.