Everett's Baptism

In the middle of the night before Everett's baptism I sat on the cold floor of my bathroom with a stack of journals and a couple of bottles of nail polish. I had two goals: fix those nappy nails of mine and re-live my experiences from eight years ago when Everett was born. Our house was full of guests in town for the baptism and for weeks we had been traveling and hosting and before I knew it the baptism was here, and I knew I needed just a little quiet space to ponder the miracle that is Everett Knight before he entered the water the next morning.

Eight years ago things were so uncertain. Everett was born and it seems like I barely blinked an eye before I knew something was wrong, he was diagnosed, there was a whirlwind of doctors and survival odds and surgery. There was healing and feeding and moving and worrying and more surgery after the first was deemed unsuccessful and things were a little chaotic, I'll be honest with you. But as I read my words from so long ago I was overwhelmed by how much peace was found within them. I knew that Heavenly Father was watching over our family, that he was in the details of Everett's life. I saw everything as a miracle, as a blessing, as a learning opportunity and as something to build my faith. So much went wrong in that first year of Everett's life and yet I was full of hope and love and confidence on High. Where there could have been darkness, there was only light.

My nails got painted a nudish pink that night but more importantly I was reminded that Everett's life stands as a testimony that Heavenly Father knows and loves our family. He has been with Everett since the moment he was born, guiding those around him and allowing all of us to freely feel of the peace offered by his Son. I'm so grateful for a knowledge of Heavenly Parents and a Savior who are aware of our wants and needs and guide our actions. Everett's life has taught me that things don't always have to be perfect to be beautiful and peaceful and wonderful.

So many wonderful friends and family members showed up on Everett's big day and to say I am grateful just doesn't do my heart justice. Everett had been so excited for weeks leading up to his baptism, but the couple of days before there was next-level enthusiasm in our home and I just wanted the day to be everything for him. And you know what? It was! He felt loved and special and perfect.

There are a few things I never want to forget about Everett's baptism. 

• In his baptismal interview the Bishop asked him if he tries hard to not surround himself with things that were bad for his body. Everett's answer was so innocent and pure and adorable. "I try not to, but sometimes I'm surrounded by bad stuff." Intrigued, the Bishop asked him about it and Ev said, "You know in the grocery store, sometimes I have to walk down the alcohol aisle and I am surrounded by the wine and beer and stuff. But I don't touch it, I never even put it in my hand."

• Everett was excited about being baptized and receiving the Holy Ghost, but I'd be remiss not to mention how excited he was about the nacho bar. His original food request to feed his many guests was bacon--just bacon--but we decided his second favorite food of nachos might be a little less time-intensive for a hungry crowd. He was all in and so excited! The day before his baptism he pretended to be a reporter and was going up to everyone with a fake microphone and saying, "Do you like nachos? Are you coming to my baptism? Perfect!"

• The next day we were giving Mema and Pepa hugs goodbye after church and Everett said, "Mema, guess what...I'm pretty sure I'm still perfect since my baptism yesterday!" It's been a couple of weeks now and that little comment warms my heart because I have noticed a huge difference in him since he was baptized. He really is taking this seriously and is being so nice and calm and obedient. I'm really proud of my Ever Knight!