Godchild, Mama & Me

I became a Godmother at 18 years old…a rather unbelievable 20 years ago. When my cousin asked me to be godmother to her daughter, my immediate response was “yes”

The Britannica encyclopedia provides a really comprehensive understanding of the role of the godmother:

“In the modern baptism of an infant or child, the godparent or godparents make a profession of faith for the person being baptized (the godchild) and assume an obligation to serve as proxies for the parents if the parents either are unable or neglect to provide for the religious training of the child, in fulfillment of baptismal promises.”

There’s also a very different relationship that exists between my cousin and I when it comes to Chloe. In recent years, I was brought into conversations concerning her studies and career, I was the one that accompanied them on Matric dance dress shopping. I’ve baked her birthday cakes and she spends weekends with me. When she faces some tough moments, I’m the one my cousin calls. With this in mind these are the lessons my godchild taught me:

• I learned to focus on children when they are around me. I was never naturally maternal but Chloe gave that to me. I felt a sense of responsibility that I never felt towards anyone which to this day, has been a reminder to show up for her, to make a plan for her in a way that only parents can.

• Being intentional with my words and keeping my word. This little one with her piercing eyes and loveable spirit would see into my soul (well at least I felt that). As a result, I leant to only make promises I could fulfill. 

• Embracing parenthood before I became a mother.

• Accountability for my faith as I discussed hers with her over the years.

Ultimately, this three-way relationship is sacred and my role is a beautiful combination of the nurturing role of mother intricately intertwined with the role of fun and hopefully wise older sister. Now that I think about it, it highlights a very precious aspect of sisterhood for me.

By Kim Jansen