Noah's First Communion

Recently, we had a milestone in our family. Our first child came before the altar rail and received the sacrament of the Eucharist for the first time.

It was a beautiful, amazing day.

If you can believe it, this is the most flattering family photo we have.

He was so happy. He knew it was a special day, and it was so uplifting to see him taking it all so seriously, excitedly, reverently.

To add to our joy, my parents made the trip from Nova Scotia to be with him on his special day. It meant so much to me, and certainly to Noah, to have them there. Their pride was evident from the moment they arrived. We can all see how much he's grown and it's beautiful to witness.

Awaiting his scapular

We didn't get great seats, despite Patrick and I arriving 35 minutes early. I couldn't see any of the children processing in, as we were tucked in the north transept (thank you, Fish Eaters, for helping me learn that tidbit of church-y vocabulary). As well, the children were all seated on the opposite side for the whole of the liturgy. Wonderfully, though, Noah went right up to the altar rail right in front of us to receive. As he went to kneel down, he turned ever so slightly, slyly smiled and then winked at me and Patrick. My heart turned a backflip. Even though he is intelligent, pious and thoughtful, he is still my spunky little boy.

One small but touching moment was after the Mass, the Sacred Heart League of our parish had their religious articles store open. Noah was pacing around the little store, clearly dreaming of getting something for himself (he didn't realize that we had gifts for him already). My dad asked him what he'd like, and he pointed to a book about the saints. So Dad bought it for him and Noah gleefully took it home, and sat on the couch and began to read it to himself. While his reading has come a long way since the beginning of this academic year, his willingness to read still lags. This was the very first time he ever read a book by his own volition (it was obvious he was reading it because he'd ask me what certain words were, or point out some interesting fact he had just read). Patrick and I both got choked up at this.

Listening to The Hobbit audio book again

{Even more touchingly, when I told his teacher the following morning, she got tears in her eyes too. It's so beautiful how invested she is in her students!}

Another aspect of the occasion that was beautiful to me was how excited Anna and Isaiah were for him. I worried either of them might be envious of the attention or excitement, but they just got caught up in like the rest of us. My mom commented, too, how beautiful it was to see Isaiah really light up for Noah and his special occasion. I probably should have known he would have been like that; he has a very naturally giving heart.

We threw him a party, as we are wont to do, with twenty-odd people over for hamburgers and hot dogs, and of course cake. No life event can occur without buttercream-slathered carbs, right? (My mouth is watering at the thought of buttercream right now.)

It made me incredibly happy, and perhaps even relieved, to hear Noah say when he was in his pyjamas that night, back downstairs seeking a bedtime snack (after being tucked in! Gasp!) "that was a great day, huh? And that was some party!'

 I did not cry on the day of his First Holy Communion. I felt many different emotions, but none of them elicited tears. The following day, however, I did get choked up. He served at Mass for the first time, and the sight of him in his cassock and surplice for the first time made me very emotional. It really was not that long ago, it seems, that he was two years old and wanted to be an altar boy when he grew up. A dream came true for him.

The best part about him receiving his First Holy Communion is that it's just that -- the first time. This wonderful little soul has now embarked on a new journey in the life of grace which we are privileged to watch unfold.