What a wonderful weekend and very special celebration of Stefan's Baptism. We are so blessed that we were able to baptize Stefan at St Hubert's with our immediate family as we had originally planned before knowing of his heart condition and
NICU stay. We had nearly baptized him at Children's hospital, but our prayers were answered and we were able to take our little man home. Thank God!
Several signs happened this weekend that make us feel even more sure that God is watching over Stefan and he remain safe in our love for years to come. First when I ordered his baptism cake, I chose a heart design, the baker came over to help me with the order and asked the occasion. I told her a baptism and she said we have cakes with crosses on them. I quickly told her why I wanted the heart with the cross inside for Stefan's heart. She looked at me and then at Stefan and said as sure as can be, "He is going to be just fine!" At first I thought she was a bit crazy, then she went into the story of her 22 year old son who also underwent open heart surgery as a baby. She went on to say he is "perfect", top performer in high school sports, no problems what so ever. We can only pray that one day we will have a similar success story.
The next 'sign' was right before Stefan's baptism mass, I asked the priest if he could do a special prayer for Stefan and his upcoming surgery. The father looked me in the eye and said, "My name is also Richard (Stefan's middle name) and I also had open heart surgery".
The third sign was with a little bear named 'Casey' that the Knights of Columbus gave to Stefan. I really didn't think too much about the name at the time. Then after mass Father came over to talk to us about Stefan's heart condition bit more. I showed him the pin of Father Solanus on Stefan's baptism blanket (both given by great friends to Stefan in the NICU). Father said, "Yes, Father Solanus, Casey", he looked down at the bear we had just been given and said, that is who the bear 'Casey' is named after.
We have no doubt that God is trying to give us a sign to let us know he truly is watching over Stefan.
Hopefully the only time we will make Stefan wear a 'lace dress'!!! But it has such special meaning, his brother, father,
nanna and beyond wore the same exact gown on their baptism day.
God parents, Merrill and Jay
Grandparents:
Papa,
Nanna,
Bumpa,
GG and Grandma
The "
Bartaygro" Family
The "G" Family
Grandma's Clan
God Bless Stefan today and always!
