It's Officially Official

Looks as though the Catholic Church is going to be forced to let me join. ::grinning::

Going into RICA classes last fall [to convert to Catholicism] I had no idea the final requirement to the whole process would be a written test.

Yep. A test.  Tadpoles I don't know about you, but when our wonderful Priest informed of us of the test date I wanted to put my head down on my desk and just cry.   This is something I had wanted for pretty much my whole life but for reasons which are [only] valid to me I was unable to complete the steps until now. 

All I have thought for the past few weeks was, "Great. I am going to fail the test and they are never going to let me join."

Jokes on me I suppose, because Fr. S told us tonight that no one had ever failed and not to worry. 

Oh. Okay. Thanks for that.  Your late reassurances are not going to get me back the several sleepless nights I have experienced oh, lo' this month thinking of how I was going to tell my beloved in-laws I failed. THE test. The test of all tests. I love them as if they were my own parents. They are so wonderful.  And you know what?  They have never uttered one peep in my direction about not being Catholic, nor have they ever made me feel that I wasn't worthy of their Catholic son, who I sort of, kind of, have been forcing to live in sin for a lo-o-o-ng time. Nope. The complete opposite actually. And they are evidently very, very patient people, because here we are 18 years later and not only will I be baptized, confirmed and accept the Eucharist on Saturday night. . .

. . .I get to marry my very best friend, the love of my life, Pooldad, all over again. This time is even better tho' because it will be before God. And I can't even begin to tell you how much that means to us.

Four sacraments in one night. I told y'all I never do anything half way, now do I? ::wink::

As for the test [and before I scare any would be Catholics] it wasn't really a test, per say. It was simply a 100 fill in blanks type worksheet that we discussed after the hour was up. It is used to illustrate what you learned and what you should study further. Whew! 

I can't begin to describe the sense of peace that I have knowing that a part of my life will be complete.  The road to get here was a long and bumpy one, but I am excited for the journey this trip will be taking us toward. [Sorry, I don't do the whole "waxing poetic" thing very well, but there really is no other way to describe it and have you understand.] It's a good thing.

I owe so much to so many, but I do know that first and foremost I thank God every day for my continued existence and happiness on this earth.

And Tadpoles?  You can bet your lily pads I am thanking Him for all of you too. I know, without a doubt, that I would not still be here to celebrate this occasion if not for all of your love, prayers and good thoughts too.

I thank you.
So much.
Thank you.
Love, Skippy