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Saturday, March 6, 2010

Can I Do It Again?!

My little Alexa made her First Reconciliation today! She was nervous, but excited. I took this picture right before we left.The ceremony began with an entrance song as the priests processed to the front of the church. The song is called, "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light". I'm not sure why, but as I stood next to Alexa, my sweet little girl, and we sang this song together, I started to tear up. I was thinking about what this day means for her and how proud I am of her for all the hard work she has put into learning about the importance of this day. And she has been hard at work memorizing and practicing so she would be prepared.

When it was time to pick a priest to go to, Alexa knew she wanted Father Bob, our pastor, despite how long the line was. I told her it was her choice. As we stood in line, I realized she forgot her little "guide to confession" booklet in the pew. She said, very confidently, "I practiced enough, I don't need it." I said I was fine with that. (Meanwhile, on the inside I was thinking...that's my girl!!!). She can be so shy and nervous at times, but not today. She was ready and she knew it!
When it was her turn, I waited (and said a little prayer) until she came out of the confessional. She came up and hugged me with a very big smile on her face. We knelt down and prayed together. Then we quietly discussed how it went. She said, "Can I go again?!!!". I told her we'll come back soon, but not today. She said, "I feel GREAT!". And, "I was so silly to be nervous."
I am so happy for her and so proud of her! On the way out she recieved a brand new crayon from Fr. Bob. It's kind of a long story, but let's just say Father Bob shared an experience from his childhood involving crayons and he "tied it into" the beauty of going to confession. Alexa now has a special pink crayon to remind her of this day.

Alexa and I right after we got back from the Church.
A happy girl with our traditional First Reconciliation Day Donuts.
A special gift for a special girl.
Alexa opening her gift.
We got her a crucifix hand carved out of olive wood. It was made in Jerusalem. These were being sold at our church last Advent and I picked this up for her. She was with me but had no idea it was for her. :)
The crucifix looks lovely on her wall, doesn't it?


And here she is with her new special pink crayon from Father Bob. ;)
Look at that light shining in on her clean, precious little soul!

2 comments:

Grandma Jo said...

Congratulations, Alexa! my beautiful granddaughter! I am so proud of you! What a wonderful and special day for you! I'm so glad that it was a very joyous time for you! That's what it should be for all of us. Some of us "old" people get more nervous when they go to confession. Not sure why. I'm so happy for you! And what a beautiful gift Mom and Dad got for you and I can't wait to hear the story of the "confession crayon." Love you much! G-ma Jo :)

Grandma Jo said...

Forgot to mention how I love the crucifix - it's beautiful - and so special, just like it's recipient. Does look great on her wall. She's lucky to have a Mom/Teacher like you, also! Good job, Mom and Alexa! Love you bunches!