For the first time in Clay's life, we will be hosting an event with ALL of his extended family invited from both sides... at least three sets of grandparents since my folks will come, and probably a lot of cousins from his mom's side. Yes, in a few months, Clay will be getting baptized. I don't have any fears about this, but rather more curiosity...
Do I invite everyone to the luncheon afterward? How do I not? It's not that I don't want to invite everyone, but will THEY be comfortable coming to my home? Will my husband be comfortable? It's been over five years since their divorce. We ALL want to celebrate with him on his special day, and there are no exclusions to who gets invited to celebrate. That is my take.
Next question... do I handle the event planning all myself? Do I include Mary in the planning? It is, afterall, her little boy's baptism too, but she's never been involved with Sunday stuff... She doesn't have anything to do with the church and Brian is the one baptizing him... However, if it were reversed, I would want to be in on the planning - at least be the one to invite my side of the family, so maybe I'll ask her if she wants to do invitations with me or give her the invitations on her side to distribute.
Am I being WAY too concerned? I plan on having a light luncheon so do I invite her to contribute by making something? Or will that come across as bossy? I've been told that by her before, which I suppose I can be, but I was blinded by just trying to do what was right for Clay. I have reservations about how I can and can't act so... yeah, that's why I am concerned. I want it to all go over smoothly and have everyone happy and comfortable. I imagine it will fulfill a little curiosity for Clay's different relatives of the family to see the other sides... or maybe they couldn't care less... I don't know. I do know, however, that I really respect Clay's maternal grandparents. They have always been genuine, so very kind and generous.
Okay, I've decided. I'll tell Mary of my plans with plenty of advance notice and give her the option of being involved however much she wants. Everyone will be invited to the luncheon afterward and hopefully we can have it in the outdoor area at the church to avoid a million people squeezing into our house... The Lord knows I want this to be a special day for Clay, and he wants everyone to be there to celebrate with him... so I'll let you know how it goes!
It's all what's best for him anyway, right?
