“A baby is a little bit of heaven on Earth.” – Author Unknown
Babies are a gift whose giving never lessens; no matter whether one is experiencing their first child or their fifth, the joy is always absolute, always all-encompassing. The humbling knowledge of having brought new life into the world reminds us to be grateful for all we have, and for all that is.
During a recent tender christening in Limassol, I was treated to witnessing this wonderment first-hand, as a beautiful little princess named Elena, just few months old, was officially welcomed into the world. Surrounded by loved ones, she seemed truly bubbly, alight with laughter and wide-eyed with awe.
The sweet motions of loving fingers had dressed her and provided decorations, and the family’s joy seemed reflected in Elena’s smiling face as she gently touched hands with her elders, bringing full-circle the cycle of family life that I so often see when photographing christenings in Cyprus.
The newness and innocence of her seemed to infuse all around her with a shining energy; her relatives clamoured to take pictures of the happy events, cell phones raised high in the air, faces turned up to catch every detail of the proceedings. The sun blessed them with its rays, shimmering down from the light puffs of cloud in the sky, and brightening the eyes of all in attendance.
After little Elena was christened, the group departed for a hearty lunch at the nearby Golden Arches Hotel in Limassol. There was much chatter and many beaming faces hovering over the steaming food, as everyone spoke happily amongst themselves.
As I watched the bustling family celebrate the hope brought about by a fresh soul in their midst, I was reminded of a beautiful truth: There are better things waiting for us ahead, than any we leave behind.
