Opening Words

“What you are all about to witness here today is truly a celebration of love, and of life! As Madelyn is here today, she is new and perfect, with no need of fixing nor cleansing. She is a gift. Her smile, her laughter, and her presence enrich the lives of all who know her. Only half way through her first year here, seven months old, and already she has made the world a better place.

‘In every birth, blessed is the wonder. In every creation, blessed is the new beginning. In every child, blessed is life. In every hope, blessed is the potential. In every transition, blessed is the beginning. In every existence, blessed are the possibilities. In every love, blessed are the tears. In every life, blessed is the love. There are three names by which a person is called: One which her father and mother call her, And one which people call her, And one which she earns for herself. The best one of these is the one that she earns for herself.’

Today we simply give thanks and celebrate all the many wonderful blessings Madelyn brings and do our best to remember, and be thankful for, the very special role that we all have in her life.

Dawn and Rani, as you hold your daughter will you now reflect on the gratitude and joy in your heart, remembering to be thankful for all that has come to pass, and all that has made it possible for Madelyn to come to be as well as all of the amazing things that her future shall hold.”

Parents reflect for a moment then kiss their daughter

The Parent’s Vows

“Dawn and Rani, the journey of parenthood is one of amazing beauty, this is clear just to look at you both. The love that radiates from and around you and your daughter today shall change over the years. We gather here because it is our wish that Madelyn grow to be a woman who truly loves her life. You most of all will be her guide on this journey. It is important to provide not only food and clothing to a child but also time and love and respect. So it is only right that this ceremony should include your promise to nurture your daughter in all ways as she grows. Therefore as a promise to her and a reminder to yourselves as the years pass, I now ask you…

Do you promise to teach Madelyn not who or what, but how to love, to trust, to respect, and to dream so that she may truly participate in the remarkable journey that is life?

Parents: “Yes.”

To be honest about your triumphs and as well as your missteps so that Madelyn will have the valuable opportunity to learn form your example, yet still be free to learn her own lessons in life?

Parents: “Yes.”

“That you will value her hopes and dreams and let her know that she will always be welcomed, accepted and loved for who she is and for who she is not?”

Parents: “Yes.”

To expose her to a variety of experiences, showing her the beginnings of many a wondrous journey, instilling in her a sense of wonder and passion, and the knowledge that she alone has the power to complete herself?

Parents: “Yes.”

Do you promise to hold her close in your hearts always, yet still encourage her to stand on her own when the time comes so that she may discover her own true self?

Parents: “Yes.”

I Am Love”

Author Unknown

“Dawn and Rani have asked Maggie to read for us.”

Maggie comes forward introduces and delivers the reading

“Some say I can fly on the wind, yet I haven’t any wings. Some have found me floating on the open sea, yet I cannot swim. Some have felt my warmth on cold nights, yet I have no flame. And though you cannot see me, I lay between two lovers at the hearth of fireplaces. I am the twinkle in your child’s eyes. I am hidden in the smile lines of your mother’s faces I am their shield as they guard your home. Some say I am stronger than steel, yet I am as fragile as a tear. Some have never searched for me, yet I am around them always. Some say I die with loss, yet I am endless. And though you cannot hear me, I dance on the laughter of children. I am woven into the whispers of passion. I am in the blessings of Great Grandmothers. I embrace the cries of newborn babies. Some say I am a flower, yet I am also the seed. Some have little faith in me, yet I will always believe in them. Some say I cannot cure the ill, yet I nourish the soul. And though you cannot touch me, I am the gentle hand of the kind. I am the fingertips that caress your cheek at night. I am the hug of a child. I am love.”

Maggie returns to her seat

The Godparents Vows

“It is often mistakenly thought that the Godparents are the ones who shall raise a child in the event that the parents cannot. But this is not so. Godparents are those who promise they will be there to help the child grow spiritually. Theirs is a place in Madelyn’s life almost like a guardian angel. The promise is one of a physical presence in her life as someone who she knows will always be standing quietly behind her, encouraging her to make good choices, and sharing with her the lessons they themselves have learned along the way.

Dawn and Rani, as Madelyn’s parents the duty to safeguard her future is yours. Have you chosen those who will aid you in giving love and council to your child as she grows?”

Dawn and Rani: “We Have.”

Dawn: “We have chosen Genine and Ray

Rani: Because these are two very special people in both of our lives, They have both have been there through all we have gone through to get to this day and have stuck by us all the way.”

Godparents come forward

“While you are not Madelyn’s parents the place that you have both taken in her life is an important one. Dawn and Rani trust your motivations and your judgment completely and they take comfort in knowing that although there will be times when Madelyn cannot come to them, that she will always be able to come to you for guidance and support. By accepting the role of Godparent you say to Madelyn and the world. I promise, I will be there for you as you grow into womanhood. With this in mind I now ask you…

Will you as best as you can, help take care of Madelyn? To protect her at all times from harm? To encourage, guide and support her in all her endeavors, Help her recognize the beauty within herself and all things, And to become some day not the woman we wish for her but the realization of her own hopes, dreams and the fulfillment of her soul?”

Godparents: “We will.”

“May you always know how special you are to Dawn and Rani that they would ask you to tend to the most precious thing that they have in this world..”

Pledge of Support

“The Godparents do not stand alone this day, for their role is a special one the presence and support of all of you, family and friends, is needed for Madelyn to grow strong and balanced. Each of you possess such beautiful qualities, and strength of character that have been a blessing to Dawn and Rani‘s life. Today we ask that you acknowledge your acceptance of the task of providing a supportive community to Madelyn. Through your presence and example, you will help her discover her own extraordinary talents and contribute them towards a better world. There are many paths, and each must find their own. So do you agree teach young Madelyn all the things you know to be true in your heart, so that when she is fully grown, she shall discover her own truths. She will know which path is hers and shall travel it with joy. Do you so accept this responsibility?”

Guests: “We do.”

Blessing

“Our Lord God, You have blessed this family with a new life. May the gift of Madelyn’s presence bring joy and gladness to the hearts of all who love her. May she be blessed and protected through all of the wonderful and difficult things that they years will bring. May she find goodness and inspiration, and be given the wisdom to discern the true from the transient, May her life be rich and full, in wealth that is measured by both the physical and spiritual context of her existence May Madelyn be prosperous in all ways. May she love well and be well loved. Through each passage and season, May she always be surrounded by the warmth of family and friends. And may her days be forever filled with love and happiness.

Amen”

~ “On Children” from The Prophet ~
by Kahlil Gibran

“Dawn and Rani have asked Dawn‘s Aunt Peggy to come and read for us.”

Aunt Peggy comes forward, introduces and delivers the reading

“Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of life’s longing for itself. They come through you but not from you, And though they are with you yet they belong not to you. You may give them your love but not your thoughts, For they have their own thoughts. You may house their bodies but not their souls, For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams. You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you. For life goes not backward not tarries with yesterday. You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth. The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and bends you with might that the arrows may go swift and far. Let your bending in the Archer’s hand be for gladness; For even as the Archer loves the arrow that flies, so the Archer also loves the bow that is stable.”

Aunt Peggy returns to her place

Closing Words An “Irish Baby Blessing.”

“May all the blessing of our Lord touch your life today. May He send His little angels to protect you on your way. Such a miraculous gift, sent from above. Someone so precious to cherish and love. May sunshine and moonbeams dance over you head. As you quietly slumber in your bed. May good luck be with you wherever you go. And your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow.”

Dawn: “May you know blessings of love family and friendship in your life, that we have had in ours.”

Rani: “Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends and family, Our daughter Madelyn Breitstein!”