First Reconciliation

Carter made his first reconciliation (confession) Saturday. We were so proud of him. He even confessed to Father a few things we hadn't talked about. He accepted his certificate and offered Father his hand for a hand shake. Father seemed pretty tickled by that as none of the other kids were doing that. Each child lit a candle, had holy water put on them (in remembrance of their baptism) and finished w/ a blessing from the Deacon. At each station we read a small prayer to Carter. I was surprised to find myself moved to tears more than once. I know partly b/c I was proud of Carter and partly b/c someone was missing---someone who would have been standing right there w/ us and someone who might have been even prouder than I was of Carter. I know he was w/ us---- I know this b/c after everyone had lit their candle, and we all sat down, Carter said "mom, look, one candle is burning brighter than the rest, it's the only one I can see, I think it's mine......." and as we walked up to the alter to check it out........it was, indeed, Carter's candle. He lit the one smack.dab.in.the.middle! He'll make his first communion in May. I can't tell you the positive effect religion has had in Carter's life. The changes are amazing. I can't forget my fathers words to Carter in the Children's Bible he gave him on Easter of last year.......

"May God's words guide you to manhood and help you grow up to be a good man."

Carter and Father