I’m oficially a godmother again. The first time was for my nephew, Colton. This past Saturday was the Baptism of my goddaughter Kaelyn. I arrived in Florida almost a week early to spend some time and help with preparations for the big day. The weather was beautiful and warm, and Kaelyn and I had a great time playing in the park and watching Dora the Explorer every day. My comadre and compadre made me feel right at home, and sleeping in a bed was sure a welcome change from the hardwood floors of my almost empty New York apartment. The ceremony was in Spanish, and held in a huge Catholic church in Naples. A number of children were being baptised that day. They were all very well behaved, and the ceremonies lasted about an hour. The godfather is one of my closest friends, and the baby’s father is his cousin.

After some photos inside, and outside with St. Peter, we head back to the house to continue the cooking that had begun the previous night. There was baked chicken, potato salad, stewed chicken, roast pork, meatballs (a big hit), stuffed rolled beef, mountains of rice, green salad and, of course, the cake. The cake was two levels made by a very talented Bolivian lady, with the bottom layer tres leches and the top pineapple. People started arriving to dig in at around six, and over the course of the evening 100 or so friends and family gathered to dance, sing, visit and play. Ages ranged from 5 mos. to 75 years and everyone had a blast! I was able to see friends I hadn’t seen in years, including a number of teens I used to easily carry and who now tower over me.

It was an honor to be asked to take part, and I look forward to many years of celebration with my new extended family.