ASHTON SAMUEL PETER SEARS
NAMING - 3 JANUARY 2009
CEREMONY WRITTEN AND LED BY TROY ANTONELLIE
Family is a funny old thing. From our earliest days family is the epitome of warmth, security and love. The ones who are there to pick us up when we stumble, to support us when no-one else can and of course to sometimes embarrass and infuriate us beyond all measure – perhaps simply because they know us so well!
They say you can’t choose your family, but I say you can. I say that merely by choosing to be here today, each and every one of you shows yourself to be family to Ashton already.
Family is greater than blood, it is in the ties we bind ourselves with, the commitment we all make to help, to teach, to nurture. Each of us here has a role to play in this child’s life. And that makes us family.
CANDLE
In that familial spirit, I invite the utterly gorgeous Monique Antonellie to light the Family Candle which burned at Gemma and Garrison’s wedding, at Emerson’s naming and today burns once more to symbolise the new life Ashton brings into this community, this family.
RECOGNITION
We would like to take a moment to recognise everyone who has chosen to be here today, especially those who have travelled a long way to be here. Monique and I are used to being the ones who travelled the longest way, from the boiling wastes of Brisbane no less! But today we have been upstaged by Sandra, Ashton’s Grandmother, all the way from New Zealand and Matt who has travelled from Darwin, on leave from his duties in the Army. Of course the hardest stage of the journey is still before us – actually convincing Gemma to let us all leave!
ASHTON
Ashton arrived on the 19th of May 2008, to the strains of Pearl Jam (almost six hours’ worth on the iPod during the difficult delivery) greeted by his father Garrison, his grandmother Sue and the flashbulbs of Janet, who not only provided Ashton with a very useful introduction to the joys of being photographed (essential with his loving Mother about) but also provided Gemma with great support during the labour and at this pivotal moment.
Ashton entered this world with stalwart equanimity, the birthing room graced with the presence of this bundle of joy who scarcely cried, giving an indication of the peaceful and happy baby he remains.
Ashton always finds joy in the faces of his family and friends, especially his brother Emerson who has introduced his little brother to all of the finer things in life – Lightning McQueen, Thomas the Tank Engine and planes! Ashton, in turn, is teaching Emerson to share, though that is still a work in progress!
Every morning and evening Emerson insists on kissing his baby brother, an indication of his brotherly affection.
GRANDPARENTS
Ashton’s Grandparents already play a vital role in his life and wellbeing. He recognises you and delights you with every smile and new trick. He will learn much from your wisdom and have much to teach you in turn. May he bring you joy equal to the unconditional love you shower upon him.
Arthur, Sue and Sandra who also speaks for Peter today.
As part of family tradition, Richie will now present Ashton with his dog-tags, already inscribed with his name.
GODPARENTS
Godparents, spiritual guardians, play a special role in the life of their Godson, an active role to guide him throughout his life both mentally and spiritually, especially being there for him if his parents are not around.
Ashton’s Godparents, Richard and Erin, are already special people in his life. Richie is Gemma’s brother, Garrison’s friend and Ashton’s cool Uncle! Richie’s connection with both Gemma and Garrison is, in many ways, what first brought them together, through his friendship with Paul, Garrison’s cousin. Richie brings to the role of Godparent his love of music, his fierce loyalty, strong and amusing humour and his sheer love of life.
Erin is Gemma’s oldest friend and also partly responsible for bringing Ashton’s parents together. Erin brings her love for the arts and her undying devotion to her new role, and with her values and outlook on life, will be a strong model throughout Ashton’s life.
NAMES
Today we are giving Ashton his name – so what does that mean?
Well, a name is a joyful recognition of what everyone here already knows, that here is a unique individual, a strong personality already, with his own preferences, his own perspective with which to view the world.
A name also reflects his place within his family and in the wider community of humankind. A name is the song our heart sings when we see one that we love.
So a naming is more than simply receiving an appellation, it is a chance for us all to reaffirm our own roles in Ashton’s life, our commitment to be there for him in whatever capacity he may need us, that we are ALL a part of this little one’s life, both today and into the future.
Ashton’s name will have a special meaning to his parents. The name Ashton was chosen by Gemma and Garrison who wanted an old, strong name, knowing from the womb that this child would require one!
Ashton comes from an old English surname (a language and culture with which Gemma feels a strong affinity) meaning Ash Tree Town. The Ash tree, an important symbol in Celtic culture, was also a “month” from their calendar.
Ashton is also a brand of amplifier! So with Garrison’s talents and interest in music it seems apt and appropriate, also leading to Gemma’s practice of taking monthly photos of Ashton on “his” amp!
Samuel was chosen by Gemma in memory of a family friend who filled her childhood years with happiness and fond memories. Peter, of course, is for Ashton’s Grandfather, Garrison’s father and his biggest role model.
This has been and will be his name from the start of his life into the future, reflecting his connections and influences, his unique imprint on this world.
If everyone would please repeat after me …
We all agree
To call you Ashton Samuel Peter Sears
We wish you a long life and happiness
In a loving and peaceful world
May you bring joy to your Parents
To your Grandparents and Godparents
And to us all, your family and friends.
Ashton Samuel Peter – this is your name which you already know and are known by.
May you carry it proudly through childhood and beyond.
May you live up to this name.
I would now like to invite Erin to light Ashton’s candle, to burn beside that of his family.
CONCLUSION
We now come to the end of this ceremony, having welcomed Ashton Samuel Peter into this circle of family.
We all come from different places, from different viewpoints and creeds. What unites us today is our welcome and acceptance of this child, so as this song plays, please feel free to give your blessing, prayers and wishes for this child in your own way.
Welcome Ashton.
Thank you all.
(the official one for today)
