I told you in previous posts the we had baptism scheduled for the last Sunday in April but due to Kramer’s health, we had to cancel it. Then once we found out that Kramer was only given days to live, we quick tried to put things together so that he could be a part of it.
The minister was awesome. The “other side of the family” was super accommodating. We thought Kramer would be good enough to go to church but as the days went on, we knew there is no way he could. So then we contacted the minister and asked if we could do it here at the house. It was..so we started making those plans. Then we got to the point that we knew even that would be too much for Kramer so we started making plans to do the service just outside the living room window on the porch and Kramer and I would stay in the house and listen.
Kramer had his own idea. He passed away at 12:20am on the Sunday we planned for baptism.
So we convened as a family and tried to decide what to do. Baptism was very important to Kramer, and to all of us too. We wanted to make the right decision. As Kramer lay dying he asked the time of day….we all really thought he was doing all he could to make it to baptism day….and technically he did. We wanted to honor his efforts and we decided to hold baptism.
I was really fine with things and actually happy. I think it was the first time after Kramer’s death that I could be happy and sad all at the same time.
Here I am with the girls and the babies. Kelli and Georgia are on the left. Kalissa and Gannon on the right.
Georgia is wearing Kalissa’s baptism gown that my sister Judy made. Lucy wore it too. I think it’s going to be family tradition that the girl babies wear it. Gannon is wearing Kramer’s baptism outfit. Carver wore it as well.
Here is Kalissa’s family….
Gannon has become Ganjo. It’s a combo of his first and middle names, Gannon Joseph…Ganjo. He gets called that very often.
This is all the grandparents from Craig’s family. This is all Craig’s mom’s side of the family. There aren’t living grandparents from the Friedman’s side.
…and here is just me. There are no other grandparents on Kalissa’s side of the family besides me. I didn’t really put that all together until I started writing this post.
This is Kalissa with her long time friend Regan. We all love her. I think she’s honestly more of a family friend…at least we all claim her!! Karl is Gannon’s other Godparent. I don’t know why I don’t have a picture of him.
Here’s Kelli with Georgia….I love this picture. Kelli looks happy.
Carver has nicknamed her Georgie. We call her that a lot.
This is Jason’s parents and Grandma. 
Me with them….
…and here is Georgie with her two Godmothers…Kayla and Jason’s sister in law. 
It was a celebration…even in our sorrow. I, like Kramer, am glad the babies got baptised. There is no doubt when it comes time when the kids have to say what their baptism date is they will know…June 2nd, 2019. Others might have changed the date…not us. It was one of the last things we could do as a testament of faith and to honor Kramer’s wish that they be baptised.
KRAMER STRONG God bless all of you ..you touch our hearts in a powerful way.
What a blessing you could all come together an honor Roger’s request – through it all, family strength “Kramer Strong” says it all for your family.
Love and prayers
Thank you for sharing your beautiful family!
What a lovely family,….and those sweet babies, can’t get enough of those pics! The christening gown is beautiful.
A wonderful way to honor Kramer. Great family photos
Such a bittersweet day, but an important way for your family to honor Kramer’s wishes. You did an amazing job of smiling for the pictures (while your hearts were breaking into a million pieces!)
What a beautiful family and a bitter sweet day. Thanks for sharing Jo.
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful day with us all, and to see those babies and all the family members who loved them and wanted to be a part of the celebration. Kramer was present and proud.
Never were 2 babies ever more loved and celebrated than these. May Jesus carry each one of you when you’re weary and fill your hearts with the joy of love and family.
Oh the importance of following through the things needing to be done. So great to see how you and the family responded to making the babies baptisms so special in spite of the natural sorrow of losing your husband/father. Thanks for sharing those lovely pictures.
Thank you for sharing such a bittersweet day with us. You are all amazing! God Bless you.
-Jean â¤
Beautiful family; beautiful pictures. Thank you so much for sharing, Jo.
God Bless you and your family . Beautiful story.
What a wonderful way to honor Kramer and his wishes. If it hadn’t been done that day, trying to reschedule it could have been hard. Is it too soon? Is it too late? When can everyone get together?
As you said, you all felt happy and sad at the same time. What great pictures you took to capture the memories you made.
What a day! Filled with joy and loss, but knowing you honored Kramer’s desire to make it to baptism day. Well done, Kramer family.
This was truly a beautiful testament of family and faith. Lovely pics – the babies look so very sweet. Honoring God and Kramer’s wish. I am so happy for all of you. He made it to the day of the baptism and left an unforgettable legacy of family.
something to finally celebrate, 2 beautiful babies. Things will get some better with time. He will never be forgotten. God bless.