FIFTY YEARS LATER

FIFTY YEARS LATER......


Childhood memories are just that, memories of our childhood. Fortunately, mine are all good ones and for that I thank my parents, grandparents and growing up in the fifties in rural Nova Scotia.

When I was 9 1/2 years old, my folks talked with me about God and as I had always gone to Sunday School and Church with them, it was not hard for me to believe. My brother was a year older and on October 20th, 1957 he and I were baptized in the United Church of Canada.

I remember being very excited and proud as I let Mama curl my hair with pin curls. I wore my regular Sunday dress and she gave me a 3 button, light colored, fitted coat that a relative from Mass. had sent over. It fit me perfectly. A small hat completed my attire with black patent leather shoes and white nylon short socks. I felt like Heidi, my favourite fictional character.

Rev. McCara was our Minister at the time and he was very charismatic and handsome. He sprinkled Holy water on my forehead while saying a prayer. I was very happy and felt overcome with joy! My brother, Junior was baptized that same day and as the Choir sang "Jesus Loves Me", I saw joy in my parents eyes. And I felt loved.

I remember reading a little book of baptism that Rev. McCara gave us and it helped make sense of why it was important for me to go thru the Ceremony of baptism. I knew that it may be many years before I'd actually commit to being confirmed but if and when I did, I hoped it would also be in this church.

The years flew by and though I visited this church when back on vacations, I was not an active visitor. In 2005, I started to attend services there and felt an immediate attachment to it and to God. I prayed that He may accept me as being spiritually fit enough to be confirmed and did much soul searching.

In March of 2007 I hope to be confirmed and am studying to be accepted as a new Member of the United Church of Canada. Over 50 years have passed since I wore my second hand coat and borrowed hat to be baptized. I know now that God will not care what I have on the exterior but what I have inside my heart.

Childhood memories are precious; senior ones can be just as memorable and I hope to carry this one well into my twilight years. I am now in the Autumn of my life and will be confirmed in winter. Seasons come, seasons go....I can't wait to have my confirmation day. Thank you, Jesus.