Last Sunday, a day fittingly matched with blue skies, white clouds, and a shining sun, Valencia was blessed at the local LDS chapel. Encircled by the priesthood, and witnessed by many friends and loved ones (and many more of you who were there in spirit), she was given a name and a blessing. While I won't go into too much detail about the blessing, I can tell you that it focused on our daughter's name. The naming and blessing were not compartmentalized, as they often are. Instead, they were intentionally intertwined, given the natural harmony between the two.
Valencia comes from the latin word "valentia", which means
power. It shares the same root as the word "valor" and "valiant", all tying into the theme of strength, bravery, and courage. Valencia was blessed to possess these traits throughout her life.
Soleil is the French word for
sun. Besides sounding pretty and having a complimentary rhythm to the first name,
Soleil is ripe with symbolism, from light to warmth to the Savior of the world. Christ said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matt 5:16). Valencia Soleil was blessed to be a light unto the world.
Olsen is the Danish version of the name
Olson, which literally means "son of Ole." Ole is the Danish version of the name
Olaf, which is derived from the Old Norse name meaning "ancestor's decedent." Our daughter's name carries with it a legacy of many brave and notable relatives and ancestors that have come before her: farmers and pioneers, temple presidents and railroad workers, and yes, a lawyer or two. Though physically she was surrounded by only a few of them on that day, Valencia Soleil Olsen was blessed with an innumerable sum of loving family members to whom she can rely upon for love and encouragement throughout eternity.
It was a beautiful day. Thank you to all of you who came to the service, especially those of you who traveled from out of town. And an extra big shout-out to my mother. I can't express how happy we were to have Grandma Cozy in town for the event. She was such a blessing to us throughout her stay, and I know she cherished every moment she had with her newest granddaughter, our Sunshine Angel.
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| A beautiful spread, prepared by Norma and Celeste |
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| Valencia with Uncle Dolph aka "The Godfather" |
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| Maddie and Vali |
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| Winding down after a long day of church and friends. |
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| Cozy, Jack, Vali, and Les |
