Godparents

Definition of a Godparent- Traditionally, the godparents were counted informally responsible for ensuring that the child's religious education was carried out and for caring for the child should he/she be orphaned. Today the word "godparent" may not have explicitly religious overtones. The modern view of a godparent tends to be an individual chosen by the parents to take an interest in the child's upbringing and personal development.

Being raised a Catholic, choosing a Godparent is an important element of the baptism and I grew up having my Dad's brother and Mom's Sister as my Godparents. It was important to my Mom and Dad.

We had Elle baptized at the Close Family Presbyterian church, which is where we were married, where godparents are not a part of the ceremony or recognized. It bummed me out but we obviously still chose godparents for Elle as it means a lot to me knowing that I have two people that will be dedicated to helping us guide and love Elle. And god forbid anything happen to Ted and I at the same time, I know these two individuals would make certain to be involved in her life, love her and comfort her through a difficult time. I'm sure my parents thought about it when we were younger on where we'd go should anything happen to them, but I don't think later in life they ever thought about who would support their children if they ever were to die at the same time. I think they would be proud to know that their siblings have been here for Christina and I and are doing the best they can to help us deal with this. But I am understanding, because I know at times they don't know how to deal with this or how they can help us. All I would hope for Elle if anything happened to us, is that she had continued love and support to get her through difficult times. And that she was never, ever alone! My hope is that her family would surround her with all the love she needed to keep her going and to live a wonderful life.

Elle's godparents:

My Sister will love and care for Elle for as long as she is alive. She's actually a little too obsessed and believes Elle is always cold, people rub her head too hard, and that I'm not doing everything I can to keep her head round. I love her honesty. No talking behind my back. She is straight up. She spends too much money on her already, will not stop buying her clothes, and does the opposite of what I tell her to do. But I am the big Sister and I've been that way even before my parents passed and I think I will be this way forever, whether she likes it or not. She's awesome with Elle and I'm so happy she is here to be Elle's Godmother. She is loving and caring and I'm positive she will be very influential to Elle as she grows up.

My brother-in-law shares the same birthday as Elle. That is special in itself but he also is great with babies and I know they will have an increasingly special bond as Elle grows up. He is incredibly positive and family is most important to him and he has high standards and strong morals. I think it's so important to have men in a girls life that are wonderful and supportive. I think it will help her choose a good husband later in life. She'll know how she should be treated and what's important. His laughter is contagious and I'm positive he'll continue to make Elle smile for years to come.

I continue to be reminded what amazing people I have in my life and although the void will never be filled, the pain will never be gone, the wish and hope to talk and see them again will never disappear and the sadness I have for my only brother will always be there, my heart aches a little less knowing there are two individuals that I can solely count on to love and support Elle throughout her life.