Hooray - on Sunday Florence was christened at St John's, our local Anglican church. The sun shone, the food was organised, the cupcakes displayed, the champagne, wine and beer chilling. Everything was perfect. A disaster was avoided early on when we all left the house, suited and booted in our church finest, shut the door behind us and then realised none of us had any door keys and so we had locked ourselves out of the house leaving all the food for our post-christening function inside and us outside. Thankfully someone pointed out that all the booze was outside - cooling in large tubs of ice - and that the dog door in the laundry was big enough for nephew Ryan to slip through and open up the house. Phew. Flo was a treat, allowing the vicar Andrew to totally drench her in great handfuls of water, soaking her gown and wondersuit through, without even a raised eyebrow from her. She was perfect. We had 40-odd friends back at the house for a party complete with jumping castle for the kids, an emotional speech from me and lots and lots of laughs with good friends. A highlight was the beautiful letter Godfather Drew had written to Flo which Melissa read out to much sniffling and handing out of tissues. Flo was attended by her godparents James and Amelia, Georgia, Drew, Melissa, and Mark who flew in from NZ especially. Godparents in absentia were Sarah-Kate in NZ and Mike Bailey in England. It was a special treat to have Rob's mum, Barb, over from NZ, plus his brother Craig, sister-in-law Lynda and the cousins Nicole and Ryan who all flew down from Queensland. Flo was showered with gifts including her first pearl, a crystal, an engraved money box, a birthstone cross, a diamond ring, christening bangle, special edition books, an antique jewellery box, a music box and a watercolour painting celebrating her birth. A very special and proud day for us. Hooray for Flo.
An open letter to Florence Elizabeth Mary Duthie on the occasion of her baptism.
Sunday July 29 2007, Saint John’s Church, Ashfield
Dear Florence,
Remember, and this is important because it starts this letter, that you are very loved. We are here with you today because we understand what enormous potential you have and that it is now your job to be the best person you possibly can. If anyone should choose to challenge you on these basic truths you will simply have to look them straight in the eye and let them know that they are mistaken.
Now, for some other things to help you on your journey:
· Money spent in good bed lined (preferably Egyptian cotton) is not wasted. Around a third of your life will be in bed. Best to get it right.
· Despite their deliciousness, go easy on minties and redskins, especially once you develop your adult teeth. A crown costs about the same as a fun overseas holiday. I’m pretty sure you’d rather the latter.
· Travel.
· Invest in the basics: a good black cocktail dress, some satin kitten heels and keep the jewellery tasteful and discrete. That said, if you grow up to be the kind of girl who prefers King Gee overalls, power tools and refurbishing terraces in Newtown, then that’s OK by us too.
· Spend a good deal of your day asking questions. Search for the truth and be prepared to speak it.
· Learn to love libraries, museums and art galleries. Public institutions that celebrate our combined excellence are worth visiting now and again…even if it’s just means popping into the gift shop for a postcard.
· Read.
· Stand up for those who need your help. You’ll soon learn that too much nonsense in this world comes when clever, compassionate people such as yourself fear that they are rocking the boat. If the boat’s headed in the wrong direction Florence, then rock it!
· Be patient with your Mum and Dad. They love you unconditionally but you will inevitably clash. To avoid arguments try to do the following:
1. Call home if you are going to be late
2. Do your fair share of jobs around the house
3. Keep your grizzling to a minimum
· Cook, even if you do it badly. Don’t rely too much on cookbooks but make sure you taste as you go.
· Listen. A steady ear is the hallmark of a great friend and it makes the conversation all the better.
· Don’t tolerate bullies, bigots or someone out to get you rich quick. Instead, look to surround yourself with people who think independently, who act daringly and who give generously.
· Details are important but never lose sight of the big picture.
· Laugh.
· Lists are good for when you go shopping but don’t let them rule your life. Not even this one!
· Hug your grandparents when you visit them. They think you are perfect so don’t go spoiling your ruse.
· The greatest investment you will make will be in your education, and I don’t mean just school. Learn lots of things along the way Florence and look to make the world a better place because you are here.
· Love someone: intimately, honestly and completely. It will be the most frightening thing you will ever do but it will also bring you your greatest joy.
· Technology is a means to an end so don’t get too caught up in the latest gadgets. Jane Austen wrote with ink and paper. A new computer is only really a box with wires. It’s the imaginative mind that works the keyboard that is the true marvel.
· Daydream.
· Avoid watching the Shopping Channel. Things look much better than they really are and anyway, how exciting can a bedazzler actually be?
· It’s probably a good idea to master another language while you’re here. A musical instrument would be good too. Avoid credit card debt, pay off your bills monthly and get swimming lessons in early. All this should go some way in making you a more rounded adult.
· Apparently blue and green should never be seen, unless there is something in between. This, Florence, is complete nonsense. Wear what makes you happy and tell whoever criticises you on this to kindly move on.
· Be sure to notice sunsets, the smell of the sea and grass beneath your bare feet.
· 4 Long Island Iced Teas is 1 Long Island Iced Tea too many.
· Though you may quibble with Scarlett she is likely to be with you for the long haul. Try to end your differences quickly and don’t hold grudges.
· Play.
· It’s quite OK to put a square peg in a round hole. It may not fit perfectly but it will make an interesting conversation point and might even be passed off as modern art.
· Never purchase cheap umbrellas, discount coffee or bargain on line medication. You’ll only regret it.
· Do not underestimate the power of your smile.
Finally may your God be one that shows you tolerance, patience and wisdom. May he or she afford you the chance to find wonder daily, pursue that which is right and constantly live with hope. I cannot expect that your life will be free from fear and sadness, but I trust that you build the resources to manage with things when they get difficult. May your time here Florence be one of fulfilment and worth, and may all who come to know you see within you true beauty, grace and richness.
Much love,
All of us
No comments:
Post a Comment