Happy Birthday, Hannah Moore!

For at least the past ten years I’ve written a letter to our daughter, Hannah Moore, on her birthday. That letter has always been between the two of us. But since she is one year beyond being an adult, I think it’s time to share this letter in my blog. Why not let the world see the terrific qualities of Hannah Louise Moore!

Hannah, nineteen years ago today you were born at 10:38am at Rochester Methodist Hospital. You were nine days overdue. Your mom and I wondered if you were ever going to come. On the 15^th, a Friday, we went to a choir party at Peace Congregational Church where Amy often played the flute. At that time in our life we were a three-church family—that church, Pax Christi Catholic church, and Community Presbyterian in Plainview. While we were at the party, your mom’s body let her know that it was time to go to the hospital. When we came home from the party, your mom immediately—vacuumed.  She knew that we would have company over, and she didn’t trust me to get the house ready.    

We went to Rochester Methodist hospital that night.  The next morning you arrived. I can still see the doctor holding you up. The thought that came to my mind was, “she’s here; she’s finally here.” I’ll take with me to my grave the picture that is on this blog.

Last night your mom and I watched “The Sound of Music,” She watched that movie in Methodist Hospital on the Sunday after you were born.

Recently when baptisms were celebrated at Chain of Lakes, I shared the story of your baptism.  One of the hardest decisions your mom and I had to make was the location of your baptism.  As you know she is as Catholic as I’m Presbyterian.  When we met and got married, our faith was a source of unity.  We were both committed to both churches.  I attended Mass on Saturday afternoons and she attended worship at Community Presbyterian in Plainview on Sunday mornings.  We were willing with joy to get into each other’s denominational cars.  At our wedding we had a Catholic sister sing and another Catholic sister share the Scripture.  My sister, a Presbyterian pastor preached, and the service was held at First Presbyterian Church in Rochester.  That wasn’t hard to figure out. 

           

But choosing the location of your baptism was very hard.  Your mom wanted you to be baptized in a Catholic church, and I wanted you to be baptized in a Presbyterian church.  You can only be baptized in one place.  It’s not like we could have you baptized in the Catholic church on Saturday and then go to the Presbyterian church on Sunday for another baptism.  We had to be creative.  So I approached the local Catholic priest in Plainview and asked him if he would officiate the baptism in a Presbyterian service of worship.  And you know what he said?  Yes.  Thank God for Father Don Connelly!  He officiated your baptism in a very liturgical Catholic way at a Presbyterian worship service in May 2001. 

           

People have asked me often if you were baptized Catholic or Presbyterian?  Of course, I tell them we don’t have a denominational baptism.  You’re not baptized Catholic or baptized Presbyterian.  You’re baptized Christian—in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 

This past year has been so fabulous for you. You graduated from high school, we celebrated your graduation at a terrific party, the three of us went to Glacier National Park to decompress, you started at Hamline, and have already set down roots for a fabulous college career. You have a terrific roommate, and a terrific job, and terrific classes and terrific friends. You’re singing in the choir, and your mom & I love attending your concerts. The theme for Hamline so far is terrific!

Now if I could just get you to root for Carleton when the Knights play the Pipers in football.

And you have a new guy in your life. He’s a good guy—just tell him to wear shoes when he plays basketball.

Hannah—the greatest joy that your mom & I have is to be your parent. And this year I’m willing to share this joy in a public way.  Happy Birthday!