Roby

Roby's godfathers are Uncle Nat and Uncle Mike.  Uncle Nat is Nathaniel French, named for Robert French Leavens, my Great-Grandfather.  He was named for his grandfather, Roby French. Just like Uncle Mike, Roby is the "older" twin, though for the record, we're not planning on telling them that. 

Uncle Mike, who is very busy at the moment, authored a late night heartfelt and very funny note to Roby which was read by Aunt Ellie (also kid number three of four) at the baptism.

Roby - the internet tells me that your name means "bright fame" or "famously famous". So if you're going to be a celebrity someday, you probably could use some god-fatherly advice.

Firstly, there are lots of ways to become famous - however there are ways to become famous, and then there are ways NOT to become famous...

For example:

- Developing a real talent

- Inventing something

- Being extremely charitable

- Setting a world record

As opposed to:

- Becoming a reality tv star

- Committing a crime

- Embarrassing yourself on YouTube

So, for your family's sake (and that other kid who looks a heck of a lot like you), please choose your path wisely.

Secondly, don't forget where you came from. From what i can tell this is something that a lot of hip hop artists say. Admittedly it may be somewhat less relevant for you, but i think the key take away here is to always remember how fortunate you are to have such a loving and supportive family. I'm sure this will come in handy someday - most celebrities hit rock bottom before they truly make it.

Lastly, as a warning, when you become famous, there will be a lot of people following you and trying to take your picture. Luckily for you, you've got an identical twin to blame everything on and to send out as a decoy for the paparazzi. So my last piece of advice is to be nice to your brother (even when he picks on you for being "too artsy") - you're really going to need him someday.

Your loving uncle,

Mike

Uncle Nat read a the prayer below.  This was read at our wedding, Grandma and Zeke's wedding, and at both Sarah Jane's and Anna's baptisms.  Roby has a special connection to this as it was written by Robert Leavens, for whom he, Nat and Zeke are all named.

Immortal Love,

            all human loves excelling,

            of all human loves the source,

How shall we thank thee

            for the bonds of affection with which we

            are made members of one another?

To those who gave us birth and have nurtured us,

To those who have been the guides of our

            childhood and youth,

To those who are our brothers and sisters,

To those whose lives are linked with ours in

bonds off friendship

To these, to all others, dear to us, present or

            absent

            near or far,

            companions invisible,

            a cloud of witnesses surrounding us,

We pay the tribute of our grateful love,

And because of their faith in us,

Here before thee we pledge anew our loyalty

            to them.

Prayer written by Robert French Leavens,

Unitarian Minister and Great-Great-Grandfather of Roby