Over the Easter weekend, my son, Will, was re-baptized.
Baptism, Love Pangs and Letting Go
When he called to tell me about it on Tuesday (yes—Tuesday) I was confused and curious about why he would be going through baptism again. I immediately thought some outside influence had to be involved so I asked, “What inspired you to want to get baptized again?” His answer was better than I could have imagined.
“Mom, I have been taking a small group class on Tuesday nights, with a group of guys my age, to try and figure out what I really believe. I finished the class and have been thinking about it for a few months. I decided I wanted to get baptized to reaffirm MY faith.”
That’s an answer I can live with.
As many of you know, I’ve never been the mother to grieve as her kids left for kindergarten or college. Sunday I rejoiced and finally grieved a little. Will’s move to embrace a faith that is truly his own shows a growth and independence that caught me by surprise—made me proud—and sad that my little boy (now 6’8”) is truly becoming a man—his own man.
As I wept quietly on the drive home from Indianapolis from the love pangs felt for my son, I also celebrated the joy of letting go just a little more.
