I spent International Women’s day attending a virtual Mother’s Blessing for my daughter Katherine, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate that day.
All of the strong women in her life came together to offer a blessing. For each one, Katherine strung a bead on a chain she’ll use for inspiration during her labor.
The aunts showed up for her, just like they have her whole life. Katherine’s 11 aunts all offer unique and beautiful perspectives. Their blessings ranged from “casual nonchalance” and “serene flexibility” to an encouragement to embrace spontaneity.
They read poems, and offered scriptures and Irish blessings.
Katherine’s grandma was the first to arrive to the virtual love fest, and the last to leave. Her cousin Erin offered a blessing, Lizzy sent a poem and Danielle, a mother of five, shared wise and practical tips.
Her sisters in-law Danni and Tara came with their eloquent love and support, as did her nieces Margo and Ronni.
Lifelong friend (and great-grandpa Vince’s birthday twin) Sondra joined the ceremony and shared her excellent blessings as well.
Katherine’s brother Vinnie joined the party, brother Charlie popped in and out, and sister Molly sent her blessing too.
All of that love and support surrounded Katherine yesterday, and will continue to hold her up in the coming weeks and through her labor.
My heart is still full from the experience, and my smile muscles are sore.
Thank you to all of the strong women in Katherine’s life — the ones who sent their formal blessings yesterday and the ones — the teachers, mentors, directors, friends and co-workers — who have blessed her with their wisdom throughout her life.
We can’t wait to meet our newest little queen!
I wrote Katherine a little poem for her blessing. (Others did too!)
A Daughter Like Mine
I hope you have a daughter who bakes God cookies from a borrowed recipe, and explores her own faith in deeply personal ways.
Who cracks excellent jokes and double yolks and uses both to whip up treats for friends.
Who hoops with her gangly limbs, and sports her dangly hoops.
Who Excels and rebels and foretells of order, justice and peace
Who loves her black dog, sweats a down dog and doggedly pursues of her goals.
Who wears lavender like a shield
Who dances around the kitchen, Hancock Park, Makaroff’s, the stage, but never the truth.
Who claims her rib-eye steak and stakes her clear-eyed claim with determination and strength.
Who mothers her brothers, lifts fists for her sister and centers her family from five states away.
Who packs lightly to go and birthrightly cheers Go Pack … Go!
Who sings.
Who leads river floats, wears borrowed coats, tells anecdotes, and is a 10/10, no notes.
Who stands tall and welcomes all.
Who can find her way to Stars Hollow, Bedford Falls, Walton’s Mountain, Pemberly and home.
Who wed Ed and happily spread the branches of our big old family tree
Who dearly loves to laugh
I hope you have a daughter
Like mine.
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