Guest Blog: A Note from Goddie!


I am a Married Working Godmother and I recently had the opportunity to reflect on the role of godparents.  Confession is good for the soul and I confess that I have more than my fair share of godchildren.  Some of them I stood for voluntarily, others I was ‘coerced’ into standing for and still others adopted me.  No matter the origin of the relationship, I AM GODDIE!

The role of the godparent has changed over the years.  Godparents originally ‘sponsored’ an adult desiring to be baptized.  The sponsor vouched for the character of the baptism candidate.  The role developed further as more and more babies began to be baptized.  The godparent then stood with the parents to agree that the baptized infant would be brought up in a Christian environment.  More recently godparents can be selected because of their ability to ‘sponsor’ a child financially.  I am not that godparent. Most of my godchildren are the children of good friends, and in some cases I am godmother of all of the children in the household.

I love being a godmother.  I learned how to be a good godparent from my godparents who were superb godparents.  As I look back at my childhood, there is not a single event I can recall when my godparents weren’t there.  It helped that they were married to each other I suppose, I have fond memories of countless weekends at their home and a 13th birthday party that they hosted for me.  A conversation with one of my goddaughters and her subsequent death sparked me to write a note to my remaining godchildren.

Dear Godchild,

Goddie loves you very much.  Although she may not see you as often as she’d like, she covers you in prayer daily.  You make my heart skip a beat when your face lights up everytime you see me.  I enjoy spending time with you, watching you grow and getting the things you really need like spray candy.  Thank you for the joy you bring to my life.

Enjoying four of my godchildren...there are so many more I love!
Goddie has enjoyed every Christmas Play, violin concert, ballet production, field trip, project preparation and birthday party.  Even when you were a baby, and not used to being separated from your mum, I held you in my arms and rocked you to sleep, despite the tears and passionate screams for mummy (yours not mine – smile)  Now that you are older, you don’t cry anymore.  We have conversations now.  I have never been more interested in Lego Duplo blocks, matching clothes, hair, finger nail polish, shoes, books and movies.  I like to know who you play with in school, and who makes you vex.  Despite what your mother says, you will never be to big to sit in my lap.  That spot is just for you!


As I write this note with tears in my eyes, I want you to know that I am proud of the young man/woman you are becoming.  I listen with awe and laughter as your mother recounts tales of your latest accomplishments, whether it is potty training, sports or academics.  I look forward to seeing your pictures on Facebook and your birthday calls and emails from me are always sincere.

When Goddie disciplines you, it is because she sees the best in you and wants you to see it in yourself.  We usually don’t stay mad at each other for long – there’s too much fun things for us to do together!

My wish for you is that you become all that God has for you to become.  My desire is that you learn to serve Him in your youth.  May the things of God always be important to you.  At your baptism I promised that I would support your parents in your Christian upbringing, and at your confirmation I’ll be there to watch you make the promise for yourself.

Here are some things I want you to remember:

  1. Respect and fear God  He is the Creator.
  2. Honour your parents they are making sacrifices for you.
  3. Always treat people how you want to be treated.
  4. I am here for you even if it means sitting at your side as you fight your last fight with death in a hospital bed.  (I’m super glad I was able to tell you all of this stuff while you were living!)


With much love and affection,


Goddie

Guest Blogger
Mrs. Antja Humes