Double Celebrations: a Magical Day

It’s a magical day Saturday, September 28th, 2019. Early in the morning, Crissie, Paul and I got up, dressed, and awaited Nick’s family of four.

As soon as the white Mercury was in sight of the front yard at 11:00 am, our quiet little house was transformed into a busy train station, with Leni running to and fro, whereas Paulie was crying at the top of his lungs. After a short rest, the seven of us drove in two vehicles to Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church for a double Baptism.

Father Milutin and Joseph were already waiting when we arrived at 1:00 pm. The table was decorated with ceremonial objects, and a tall, ornate metal water basin stood not far away. To start, Father Milutin led eight of us to the front door where he blessed the two kids and their parents, with readings, and signs of the cross.

We then proceeded forward to the altar, and lit our two candles, waiting for Leni and Paulie in underclothes. Directed by Father, six of us gathered around the fountain, while Joseph held both candles, and Paul clicked away with his camera. Four-and-a-half-year-old Leni was scared to be dunked into the water, but OK once she was wiped dry and clothed. I did not notice her slippery weight until two days later when I still felt muscles in my left arm sore and tight. Paulie was equally frightened with cries at the beginning, but his one-and-a-half-year-old weight was easy to handle.

Like two angels, both kids, wearing their new white Christening clothes, came running towards us. Led again by Father Milutin, six of us circled the alter three times. Afterwards, it was time for their first communion. Paulie did not put up any fight, but actually enjoyed receiving the sacrament, but his older sister, initially refusing the last part of the ceremony, eventually came around. Nick and Lee Anne signed the baptism documents and received instructions from Father on attending future Sunday liturgies for the kids to each receive communion three more times within 6 months.

At 3:00 pm, the Baptism was officially finalized. Just at that moment, four little kids were rushing into the church door. It is time for Father Milutin to work as a babysitter for his two kids, together with his friends' two kids, while Presbytera and her friends were going out in the afternoon.

Eight of us left the church for Rosie McCann's Irish Pub and Restaurant for celebration of the double Baptism. After the first round of drinks, and just as we ordered our lunch, the power went out. We waited for a couple of hours, until we were told that the power would not be back on until 7:00 pm. Our waitress apologized profusely, and credited Crissie and my margaritas.

Joseph had to leave us to drive back to the Bay Area while the rest of us went home to have a hearty late lunch and early dinner, which was followed by a deep nap enjoyed by Paul, Paulie, Lee Anne and Nick. Crissie, Leni and I were three real troopers who did not succumb to the temptation. We were simply too busy browsing iPads, running around, and cooking.

When dusk fell, the nappers began to stir, and we were all ready for Nick's birthday cake. His big day was the day before, but we agreed to combine the two events into one. The Buttery's carrot cake was divine. and vanilla ice cream heavenly.

With military precision, Paul and I packed our usual food bags for the little family to take away. When we hugged and waved goodbye to them, it finally dawned on us that in less than 10 hours we had undergone a lifetime experience. It is a big, eventful, and magical day, September 28, 2019.