As weeks turned to months, hopes and plans to action, Eddie succumbed to pleadings from his family and friends and consented to taking off time and flying to Sydney for medical examinations and various tests.
“You are to take the month off,” he was ordered by Mark Levitt.
His welcoming committee included not only his entire family, but also Julian and Sinead.
During dinner Tony, with a smile, called all to silence. “A bit of quiet now, please. We have a couple of announcements.
Eddie’s head jerked up, expecting a problem.
“All’s well – very well,” smiled Tony. “Firstly… over to Kate and Shane.”
“Well, little brother,” smiled Kate. “You are to become an uncle in a few months’ time – and the celebrant of Baptism for your niece or nephew. We’re keeping that a surprise for us, too!”
Eddie jumped up and hugged his sister.
“Oh, Kate, how wonderful! Congratulations… and to Shane,” he added as he squeezed the father-to-be’s shoulder.
“Now, if you’d like to sit down again,” laughed Tony. “I haven’t finished.”
“More! On top of that,” smiled Eddie as he sat down again.
“Yes!” This time Julian spoke. He took Sinead’s hand as he continued, “When we heard that you were coming down and had a month’s leave, Si and I became quite busy and organized our wedding. We have date, place, invitations, all bookings, etc., etc. The only part still to organize is the celebrant – or celebrants as in our case. We have already organized Joe. Now, Eddie we’re asking you to be the concelebrant with Joe… actually, we’re asking but somehow telling,” he added with a laugh.
Eddie rose quickly to congratulate them both. As he returned to his place at the table, Eddie looked toward his father with a grin, “Any more news?”
“No, that’s it,” his father laughed.