So for the past few weeks I have been really feeling the imminence of our oldest daughter’s wedding.  My work leads me to speak with many families who bring their children for baptism, and I can’t help but think of all the time that has passed since my first born was baptized.  I remember her baptism day very well; I woke up that morning to find our microwave full of little ants! Therefore, instead of calmly preparing to go to Mass that morning, my husband and I found ourselves prying the microwave out of the built in cabinet and putting it outside in the grass to be sprayed and cleaned up.  This became my focus; the rest of the morning was a blur.  I had a ton of family and friends coming over after Mass to celebrate this day, needless to say, I was freaking out. Thank goodness pictures were taken that help me to recall moments of that celebration.  Do I remember the actual baptism? Honestly, no!  I was too concerned with the condition I had left my house in to really enter into what I am sure was a very beautiful rite, marking her faith journey and her initiation into our Catholic faith.  They say wisdom comes with age, so I pray!  I am now more aware of how important those sacramental occasions are and as I prepare for the grand day; a day in which 7 excited bridesmaids will be up early in my home preparing for the hair stylist and her team who plan to be there bright and early; a day in which I will need to accommodate everyone, including my 10 year old son, our very social dog who will be in everyone's business, a nervous father of the bride, as well as trying to get myself dressed and at church by 9:30 am; I pray that I will not let any distraction take my attention away from my daughter and the important vows that she and her fiancé will be making that day.  I pray that if ants find their way again into any part of my house I will have the wisdom to just shut the door and move on.  We can take care of that kind of “stuff” later, but I want to remember her smile; I want to be able to vividly recall the tears that certainly will glimmer in my husband’s eyes, I want to embrace that day fully and be thankful to God for the gift he gave us when she was born 25 years ago. Lord, I pray for wisdom..........and please no ants!