Mason Eldridge's Dedication

January 21, 2013

Mason Eldridge's Dedication

Yesterday was a very special day for our family. Mason Eldridge was dedicated among our close friends and family, and my sister Annie created and led a beautiful service. We were surrounded by so much love, it was overwhelming in the best way.

There were so many factors that went into making this day memorable. First of course was the service itself. We haven't found a church home yet here in Virginia, but I still wanted a dedication for Mason knowing how important it is to us to raise him in a church family. I of course turned to my sister. She created a service that was so beautiful, so personal, and just all around perfect. Second, Mason was wearing an outfit his Gigi (Claudette) smocked for him before he was even born. He looked so precious and it was a sentimental touch to the service. And finally, it was just looking out into the congregation and seeing so many people who have been with James and I since the beginning of our journey as a couple, through our decision to spend our lives together, our transition into military life, and now the most important chapter we've begun...raising our first son. We are eternally grateful for every single person who sat with us yesterday and who held Mason and whispered in his ear how much they loved him. I'll leave you with our favorite part from the service yesterday, a prayer for Mason.

A Prayer for Mason

Mason has beautiful toes and feet. God made these toes and feet and loves them. We pray that on these feet, Mason may stand firm in his convictions and feel connected to the world around him.

Mason has beautiful arms and hands. God made these arms and hands and loves them. We pray that with these arms Mason will embrace all the people of the world and that with his hands he will reach out in generosity to those in need.

Mason has a beautiful head and face. God made his head and face and loves them. We pray that Mason will speak words of truth and kindness and will think well and justly.