Jameson’s First Holy Communion
Jameson has reached some major life milestones in the last few weeks. Not only did we throw a party for his Nine‑And‑A‑Half Birthday, but we also celebrated his First Holy Communion.
He had been looking forward to this day for a very long time. His anticipation level was off the charts. He constantly asked me what it feels like to receive the Eucharist, and all I could tell him was that it was beyond awesome. That only made him more excited. His preparation for the big day was exceptional. Through conversations with his parents and with us, along with the Faith Formation staff at All Saints University Parish and Fr. Tom Orlando, Jameson truly understood the significance of the moment.
One of my favorite memories came after Mass, when family and parishioners gathered outside to greet one another. One of my friends from Book Club often attends the 5:00 pm Mass on Saturdays. On this particular day, she made a point of acknowledging Jameson as she returned to her seat after communion. After Mass, Jameson walked right up to her and thanked her profusely for coming to his special day. (As if she had only come for him.) It melted our hearts.
The other defining moments didn’t hit me until several days later. As I replayed the day in my mind, two things stood out. First, I realized I was more excited for Jameson’s experience than I had been for my own kids’. I suppose with age comes wisdom—and maybe a little freedom from the frantic hosting mindset. When my kids were little, I was probably too distracted worrying about how many chairs I had set out for guests. But I also recognize that my appreciation and adoration for the holy Eucharist have grown so much since then. I don’t think I fully understood the depth of it at the time.
Second, Jameson was extraordinarily calm and relaxed. His usual anxiety was nowhere to be found. He wasn’t just excited—he was ready. Sierra has explained that preparation helps ease his anxiety, but I’ve never seen him so peaceful and confident. There is no doubt in my mind that the Holy Spirit was present.
Watching Jameson receive his First Communion reminded me how grace often shows up quietly—through a child’s calm spirit, a friend’s simple gesture, or the way our own hearts soften with time. His joy became our joy. His readiness stirred something in me. And his experience, in its purity and simplicity, brought me back to the wonder I didn’t fully grasp when my own children were small.
It was more than a milestone. It was a reminder that faith grows with us, deepens in us, and sometimes reveals itself most beautifully through the eyes of a child.
