First Baptist Church of Herndon

How is Molly?

Linda Soller | May 12, 2014

So did you celebrate Mother’s Day yesterday? I gave you a reminder last week that it was coming so no excuses. I want to share my celebration with you because this year was particularly special for me. I don’t believe I’ve mentioned that I became a first time grandmother on January 31, 2014 with the birth of Molly. She is the eldest child/daughter, of an eldest child/daughter, of an eldest child/daughter, and the first niece, grandchild, great grandchild in our immediate family. To say we are thrilled to have her perched in such a significant way in our family tree is an understatement. My friend Pat from FBC and the Drop-In Class, who is an experienced grandmother has instructed me that when asked, “How is Molly?” I am to respond, “She is perfect.” I haven’t mastered my response yet, but Pat corrects me whenever she hears me slip up and we both laugh. Being a grandparent was something I always thought would happen, but I must admit I’m not that parent who pressures their children to give me grandchildren. Now that I have this wonderful happy child in my life I can’t imagine life without her. 

Yesterday began with Molly’s baby dedication at FBC. I just love baby dedications because they are not so much formal ceremonies, but more celebrations and affirmations by a loving congregation to the parents of each new little person that we are there to support them, and that God is smiling down on this new life. It’s truly the start of a new life for all in the family, and an opportunity for everyone to make a difference. I won’t deny that I loved seeing people make over Molly, as we all love to do when we first meet a little one. It’s not so much pride that we grandparents we feel as overwhelming love. Later in the day my mother, my two daughters, Molly and I had a tea party, which was the first of many we will share down the road I’m sure. It made me appreciate again how blessed I feel every day. It also made me think about what I would want Molly to know about this day, her first Mother’s Day. Here is what I would tell her.

Molly – this year you were part of Mother’s Day for the very first time. Let’s face it every holiday will be your first for a while, but I want you to know how special this particular holiday was. You were presented at First Baptist Church to a bunch of strangers who instantly treasure you as a gift from God, a gift they will hold dear and look after whenever needed. Your family was there glowing with love for you and hope for a wonderful future. Later that day you hung out with Great Grammy, your mommy, Auntie Erin, and me. We girls had a tea party, but you drank formula. One day you will have tea. We looked at you as though there has never been such an amazing child, even though we know all families feel that way about their babies. It was a lovely day. Not all days in your life will be so special, so lovely, or so relaxed. Life is hard at times and you will face challenges. Even though we all know about the difficulties life brings we are joyous to be able to face them with you. Please know, as you go through the years, the love and support you experienced on this Mother’s Day will always be with you. People may come and go, but the love you receive and the lessons you learn are yours to keep forever. Through that love and in those lessons you are being given all the tools you need to get through life, well, not all. You will need faith. While we can tell you about faith, and expose you to our faith and beliefs, and point out God’s love, we cannot make you have faith. You, my little love, will have to find that along the way. What we can do is make sure you see, understand, and recognize God in your life. I can’t think of a better group of believers, or a more loving family of women to help you find your way. Always remember, we love you and God loves you just for being you. When someone asks me, “How is Molly?” I will say, “She’s perfectly Molly, just as it should be.”

Have a great week!  :o)    Linda (Granmommy)