Light of the World - Follow Up

We have celebrated the baptism of niece #3 in my early summer new niece trifecta. It was beautiful - though I am not impartial seeing as I am her godmother.

This niece was named for my mother. I will admit it was hard to say her name at first, but I think we are growing into it (both my niece and I!). It was just so strange to see this brand new life... and know that she would never know the best grandmother in the world while she is still in this world.

In preparation for this day I searched eBay and stalked prints of Chambers "Light of the World" print. I was thrilled to secure this picture as a gift for my niece.

As is typical for me, one print was not enough. What if it wasn't in good condition? This print means a lot to me and it meant a lot to my Mom. I ended up bidding on (and winning!) three copies of this print. Perfect! I could give them to my nieces on my side of the family and maybe give one to my other niece for her First Holy Communion (though the story isn't the same due to my mother not being her grandmother, I still think it is a great picture to have in any home of Christian faith. There is something about this picture that is so comforting...).

My other option for the extra picture was to save one for my son. One day when he moves out on his own he could have a copy to know in his heart that he was home (and that Jesus was indeed watching over him).

(... The back story in a nutshell if you missed it here: When this picture hung in her house or apartment, my mother always knew she was HOME. She was given this picture by her Godfather. She treasured it and gave it to her first grandchild as a Holy First Communion gift.
It was interesting to me to learn more history here. Okay, back to the present...)

So, I told the story to my older brother's wife (who baptized trifecta niece #1 last week). She cried at the thought of having that link to my mother in her home. She loved my Mom. I wanted to gather her and my sister together and have them pick from the three prints -- letting them choose the print that best fit their home due to size and color tone. My older brother would like the print, but I considered it best to let my sister inlaw choose for that home since it would matter more to her than to him. My sister was overwhelmed by the choices and my younger brother (who was present) actually choked up when he saw the three prints.

There I stood with my sister, my sister inlaw, and my little brother. They all pondered the choices. The one in the worst condition (though not bad) was the one that looked most like the one given to my daughter. The best quality print had a much lighter color tone. My view was that you won no matter which print you picked -- go with your personal preference and you are still linked strongly to my mom.

My little brother divorced this year. He was shocked, as were we. He has been away from the church for years. I was amazed to see how much this picture touched him, he looked at me and asked so sweetly if I could scan a copy for him -- he said he would really like a copy. I laughed and smiled. "No." He was kind of stunned for half a second before I went on to say "You will take the third copy."

My sister and my sister inlaw choose their prints for my godchild and my husband's godchild. My little brother happily took the third copy. By chance, he got the copy that looked the most like the original. He was thrilled and grateful. I was thrilled that he now will have a visual reminder of how Jesus watches over him. He also has this tie to my Mom. Losing her to cancer in 2005 makes this link so important. Every event is bitter sweet -- we celebrate with joy but still feel sorry that Mom isn't there with us. We still feel the loss with each and every holiday and event.

I was thrilled to pass on the remembrance on this day. I was thrilled that everyone felt the same as I -- we were all linked together in missing her but appreciating this tangible reminder of her. Mom was with us, we were not alone.

I had told my Dad about the gift. When we came back into the room he gazed at my sister's copy of "Light of the World." He had me tell the story of the print that I linked above (and here). He had me tell my Mom's story and the speculation that it was her godfather that gave the print to her. He was tickled. He told me I was alright. This is high praise. I was thrilled he was a sentimental as I am about this picture. He now wants it for his birthday. My son Wonder Boy wants a copy too. I need one for me for when my daughter someday has her own home and take her copy with her.

I love it that we are all linked together by the true Light of the World. Maybe this light will carry my brother through and back into the faith. Maybe this light will shine and carry us all into brighter futures. It can't hurt to have this wonderful image in the lives of my nieces. Sometimes it is such a blessing when you find just the right thing... it doesn't need to be in perfect condition or cost a lot of money... it just needs to strike the right note.

I am so grateful to share the Light of the World. I am so grateful that my loved ones loved this gift... what a great gift to share.