Tuesday, March 09, 2010 My dear friend, Fiona and her husband, Al are have just had their little baby girl today and I have spent a lot of time thinking about them over the last few weeks... especially the last 24 hours.

Today, while thinking of Fiona and Al, I was reminded of another dear friend, Ali, whose Blessingway ceremony I attended when she was pregnant. As part of the ceremony we passed a thick red crocheted thread around the circle of friends wrapping it around each one of our hands as we shared a blessing for our pregnant friend and her husband and soon-to-be born baby.

It was lots of fun and also very intimate creating a sense of closeness and connection. After everyone had spoken I cut the red cord so that each person could take their piece home. I acknowledged our bond and the importance of our continual support to Ali and her family. I pinned that piece of red crocheted wool on the noticeboard in my office and I would see it every day and think of her and her beautiful family. It was a powerful symbol of connection and supported my prayers to them on a daily basis.