A Blessing Beyond Measure

Alisha (Kara’s Sis)
Jan 16
4 min read

Updated: Jan 17

I’ve always looked at Kara with a sense of wonder. She has a light about her that’s hard to put into words, a presence that feels almost otherworldly. For as long as I can remember, if you quietly observe her, you’ll see her eyes darting around the room, her smile beaming, and hear her giggling, as if she’s in a joyful conversation. Of course I can’t say for sure, but I’ve always believed she’s talking to her angels.

Religion and our relationship with God can be a complicated thing. Sharing something so personal makes me a little hesitant, but I hope anyone reading this will do so with grace and understanding.

Our Faith Journey

Despite coming from a deeply religious family on the Espey side, Kara and I were never baptized. My dad hadn’t taken the proper steps to be in good standing with the Catholic Church after his first marriage, and my parents never settled into a new church. This deeply saddened my Grandma Sally and left me with lingering anxiety about how I might be welcomed—or not—into Heaven one day.

While I’ve always felt a strong inner faith and connection to God, I’ve also felt untethered, like a beautiful balloon floating around, waiting to be grounded in a proper home (yes, I'm going to keep going with balloon analogies for the foreseeable future).

When I went to Loras College, a Catholic school, I vividly remember the first time I took Kara into Christ the King Chapel. She radiated joy, and in that moment, all my anxiety about her not being baptized melted away. Kara is perfect—pure, innocent, and about as free from sin as anyone could ever be.

For the last decade, I haven't given much thought to organized religion or baptism. But when Kara was diagnosed with Cancer, my anxiety about it came rushing back. In one of my first emotional breakdowns after the diagnosis—when your brain just blurts out thoughts before you can filter them—I said, “You guys haven’t even baptized her, and Grandma Sally is so mad right now.” Oof. I immediately felt guilty for the outburst and apologized, wondering where that even came from.

In an attempt to ease my worries, I reached out to a friend from college who is now a priest. He kindly explained the steps needed for baptism and encouraged me to connect with our local parish. I hesitated, having no relationship with the parish myself, I was discouraged that I would be able to accomplish this. So I ultimately clung to my deep belief that of course Kara would be okay.

I know my dad feels some guilt about not baptizing us or helping us form a relationship with the Church earlier in life. For the record, I’ve made my peace with how we got here, and I’m not mad at him. (Although I stand by my earlier statement—Grandma Sally is definitely mad. If you know, you know.)

A Gift Beyond Words

In a conversation with my Aunt Kerri, my dad shared his regret about Kara never being baptized. Inspired to help, Kerri spoke with Deacon Jeff at Prince of Peace Parish, and with the support of their leadership and staff, they offered to take this burden off our hearts.

When I learned what they planned to do, I was astounded. All of us sobbed with relief and gratitude. Aunt Kerri keeps telling us to stop thanking her, but I understand this was her calling. It’s God working through her, and all glory goes to Him. But I am still eternally grateful to Kerri—not only for facilitating this but for teaching Kara, welcoming her into this beautiful religion, and introducing her to the Prince of Peace family.

A Day to Remember

January 15th was a day I will cherish forever. During a special Mass, Kara was truly beaming under the light of the Lord. Her Amen echoed through the church, resounding with so much joy and faith. God’s love shone through her brighter than ever before.

But it wasn’t just her baptism. In one miraculous occasion, Kara was baptized, confirmed, and received her first communion, becoming a full member of the Prince of Peace Catholic Church. This only affirmed what I've known all along, Kara's got some pretty incredible spiritual bonds.

This day was made possible by so many incredible people: Brenda, Deacon Jeff, Father Appel, and Kara’s godparents, Michael and Kerri Brisch. I'm honored to have my Grandma Sally, Winnie, Katherine and Aunt Kathy watching over us from Heaven - I could feel them everywhere in that Church yesterday. I’m also deeply thankful to my Loras College family—Dewey, Father Noah, Father John, President Collins, Faye Finnegan, Debbie Gross, and countless others—who have taught, inspired, and helped me grow in my faith. I truly do not know if we would have ever arrived here, without the fellowship at Loras.