I received my great-grandfather’s First Communion certificate from my grandfather on the occasion of my First Communion. It is a beautiful certificate, over 100 years old now, and was in an old, ornate frame. I never changed it out, just moved it with me as I grew up and moved into my own home. Finally, my mom asked me if I had even taken off the backing. She had known – for I don’t know how many years – that there was a note in there from my now late grandfather encouraging me to hold onto my faith and wishing me God’s blessings. He had been gone for several years, so it was a sweet touch, but also quite well timed. I have taken off the back, reframed it, and the note is still attached, but no longer hidden. I thought that the gift was the certificate. It really was the thing hidden inside that took over 20 years to come out. I can’t believe my mother was so patient, but God’s timing was, of course, perfect.
