Within three hours they arrived at the hospital and were advised that Kate was in advanced labour. Shane was with her. Eddie resisted suggestions from his father that he take him home to rest.
“No way, Dad. We have all waited a long time for this. I’m fine.”
Not long after they arrived at the hospital Shane appeared hurriedly.
“Kate sent me out as soon as they told her you had arrived,” he added to his greeting.
“You won’t mind,” he added, “if I leave you and return to Kate.”
“Of course,” Margie laughed. “Go back to her and give her our love. We’re thinking of her, of course.”
“Will do,” breathed Shane as he raced away.
An hour passed. Eddie and his mother and father spoke spasmodically. Their thoughts were with Kate. Time passed quietly and slowly in the waiting room – that is, until Shane rushed in, smiling broadly.
“Well?” Tony was unable to control his impatience.
“It’s great!” exclaimed Shane. “A boy – as healthy as they come. And Kate is fine. Come on – come and meet our son. Grandparents and uncle will be very welcome!”
Soon they were hugging Kate and admiring the little bundle beside her.
“Who’s first?” asked Shane as he proudly held his newborn son.
“The grannie first!” laughed Tony as Margie looked down on the little one who would mean so much to them all.
“Now to Poppa!” smiled Margie as she gently transferred the little one into the arms of the smiling Tony.
Minutes later, Tony looked toward Eddie. “Your turn, Eddie. Sit down… He’s heavy,” he added with a laugh.
As he gently eased the baby from his father’s arms, Kate looked over to Eddie now holding her new-born baby and whispered, “Edward Anthony, meet your Uncle Eddie!”
Kate and Shane smiled at the surprised faces.
“Yes,” Kate continued. “Shane and I both agreed on the name without any discussion. And we hope and pray that our little boy will grow up to resemble his special uncle and grandfather.”
Noting the tears welling in Eddie’s eyes, Kate continued, “And our parish priest has agreed to our little son’s Baptism in the church at any time to suit us – apart from official parish times of course – and to his uncle being the celebrant.”
Eddie smiled while thinking his prayer of thanks that he had been spared for this.
Kate and little Edward returned home within the week. As planned, Edward Anthony was baptized the next weekend by his uncle Eddie. It was a joyous occasion. Eddie’s pain had increased over the past few weeks. But, with the help of pain relievers, he conducted the ceremony with love and joy. Extended families swelled the numbers attending. Julian and Sinead emailed from abroad as soon as they received word from Eddie. A surprise visitor for the day was Joe.
Eddie was unable to hide his joy when he saw his friend. “Joe! How great to see you! You’ll assist, won’t you?”
“No,” answered Joe. “This is a ceremony just for you to perform. If you need me, I’m here. But you’ll be fine. And, in years ahead little Edward will boast, ‘my uncle Eddie baptized me.’”
Later, at the celebratory lunch at home, Eddie and Joe found a quiet time together.
“How are you really travelling?” Joe asked quietly.
“Joe, it’s great to see you. And to you I can really say I’m okay most of the time. But at other times I question. Why? Why me? Is it punishment for something? I really know it’s not, but sometimes…”
“Eddie, you and your feelings are you… are real. I think you are coping better than I ever could. Feel free to question… I know I would. Yet there are some questions without answers. One question I certainly can answer… this is not a punishment. You have given your life for God and others. This is not a punishment!”
“Thanks Joe. I know I can get things out of my system by talking to you and Julian.”
“Then please do, Mate. Any day, any time. We help each other. Remember how you and Julian helped me when I was almost at breaking point.”
“And now?” asked Eddie, changing direction of the questioning.
“I’m okay, thanks mate. Have an odd off day. But, that’s life! I’m okay.”
“And I’m so grateful for your coming today. I knew you’d be able to take over if…”
“You did a great job Eddie. We’ll all remember this day with joy.”
A call from the kitchen invited them to refreshments.