A Better Idea

ABI 52.1 - The Christening

A name is somethin that sticks with you your whole life, they thought. So we got to get it right.

Many names were kicked around. Ennis and Jack thought they were not up to the challenge alone, so one night they took the baby and went over to Jack's parents' house after supper. There was a fire in the fireplace, and the adults sat around drinking coffee and mulling over the obvious and not so obvious choices.

Jack started the brain storming by saying what the boy's name was not going to be. "No John, Jack, Johnny or Jackie. Got enough a them. I didn't name my first son after me, and this one won't be either."

Nodding, Ennis said "No Ennis either. Actually, I gotta Junior in my life and one's all I could ever want or need."

Claire looked up and said, "What about Will or William? It was my father's name and he was a fine man."

John said "He sure was, Claire. You couldn't go wrong with Will. Also, I've always admired the name Andrew, or just Drew. How 'bout that?"

No one responded very enthusiastically to any of these great suggestions, so they kept on throwing out names they liked. "Daniel", "Alex", "Taran", and "Ryan" were all heard but not adopted on the spot.

Claire lifted her bible from the side table and thumbed through it. "Ah, here's the perfect name for your situation. Call him Samuel."

"Why's that perfect for us?" asked Ennis.

"It means "Gift from God" or literally, "Answer to Prayers". I think that fits very well, don't you Ennis?"

He laughed and nodded. "Yup, that does fit for sure."

There was quiet for a moment, and then Ennis brought up what had been weighing on his heart. "I am so grateful for the gift of this boy but at the same time, I feel so awfully sad for the family that lost him. I think we should honor them, by naming him something that will always remind him and us that he had a birth family that loved him enough to save him."

John chimed in with agreement, "True, very true."

"Frederick? You want to saddle our little boy with a big ol' name like Frederick?"

"That doesn't seem to fit him, does it? And he'd be called Freddie in school. And later, Fred." Mom said, then added, "It seems like such an ordinary name for such an extraordinary child."

Ennis asked, "What about Branchard?"

"Well, you wanta have him grow up with a different last name than ours?"

After much soul-searching and discussion, a name was decided upon. They wrote it down in pencil. Then in ink. They tested it on their lips; did it sound right to their ears?

They decided to sleep on it, and then speak with the minister after services in the morning.

Reverend Robiskie had officiated at Fred Branchard's funeral. He had given his condolences and said good-bye to Camilla and the children, but had not realized she was leaving the area, and leaving their infant behind. He got the word a day or so later from Claire Twist, and has been very supportive ever since.

He could see them waiting outside the throng till all the other folks in the congregation had spoken with him, and had walked off toward the parking area. When he was free to talk, he nodded to them.

"Can I see him?" he asked excitedly.

Ennis brought the baby forward, and pulled the blanket away from his face.

"Course, here's our little guy. He is the reason we want to talk to you, if you have a few minutes."

The Reverend Robiskie ran his finger along the soft cheek of the boy, appreciating the sweet baby powder smell of the sleeping child. He then checked his watch and agreed that he had twenty minutes to give them before he had to sit down to a special luncheon. It was his wedding anniversary, and his wife had big plans starting at 1:00 p.m.

After they told him their concerns and their wishes, he answered thoughtfully. "I cannot advise you on the legality of what you propose, but I do think it's right for this baby, his first family and for your family, as well. So I will help you proceed with your plan."

"Give me the full name you want to use, and I will prepare a Baptismal Certificate ahead of time. Would you like the christening to be private with just your family, or would you like to have it at a regular service so the entire community can be a part of this celebration?"

They all looked at each other, grinning happily. Claire spoke up, "Everyone here knew the family, volunteered to look for his father, and grieved with them when he was found. I think they deserve to be a part of this chapter of his young life."

"It's also a way to forge a link from this boy to this community, out to his mother and siblings should they ever decide to look for him. No secrets; he will be easy to find. All of his life he will hear about his mother, father and siblings. He will never be alone in this world."

Ennis told the reverend to schedule the christening at his convenience, for a regular service, and just let them know. He handed the reverend a piece of paper on which they had written the selected name:

Branchard Twist Del Mar, son of Jack Twist and Ennis Del Mar.

born December 2nd or 3rd, 1984 to Frederick (deceased) and Camilla Rae Branchard.

Ennis explained, "He will go by Branchard T. Del Mar. We plan to call him Branch for short. . . or Bran when we're in a hurry."

The reverend offered to make a few phone calls to see if any of the ladies of the congregation had perhaps attended the birth, or knew for sure what the date of his birth had been.

"And now, I should leave for my . . ." began the pastor.

"Reverend Robiskie" began Ennis, "do you think you should keep this note from the mother, giving the boy to us, as part of the public record?"

"Please, Ennis, call me Brian. In this case, I have to say a resounding No. You should get a Safe Deposit Box at your bank if you don't already have one, and put that note, along with the baptismal certificate I'll be making up, and other important papers in it. Just in case your claim to him is ever challenged."

"But why would . . ?"

Brian clapped Ennis on the back before taking his leave, he was 10 minutes late already, and his wife would be getting anxious. "Ennis? Just in case. Okay?"

He waved to them all as he ran out the door, "see you at the christening!"

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Two weeks later, the Twist, Del Mar and Bell families were all assembled in the front pews of the Loveland Creek Episcopal Chapel. Harold Bell was almost overcome with the mixture of emotions he was experiencing. He had been the unfortunate person to find Fred Branchard at the base of that tree. And now to be attending this ceremony for Jack and Ennis' son - well, it was just amazing and wonderful. He looked at his wife, Margaret, and she understood most of what he was feeling. She gave him a big squeeze and kissed his cheek. He felt somewhat better after that.

Reverend Brian Robiskie spoke to the congregation as if they were not in church, but just having coffee together. He reminded them of the devastating power of the storm, the hunt for Fred, and the sadness of finding him dead. Then he told them of the inability of Camilla (whom they all knew and admired) to carry on without her Fred, and especially not with this new child. He spoke of the choice she had made, who she had selected to care for her boy, and why they were here today.

"And so I ask you now to celebrate with us as a new soul comes together with us in this community. Ennis, Jack, will you please come forward with the baby, and the godparents?"

Ennis and Jack had talked it over. They decided that if anything happened to them, that it was unlikely that any of this elder clan would be able to take care of their child, but they wanted to make a symbolic gesture anyway.

Jack asked his uncle Harold Bell to be the godfather, for obvious reasons. Ennis asked Jack's aunt Iris Bell to be the godmother, because he admired her and always enjoyed her company. He knew their child would be lucky to get her. She was a great hugger!

After the services, when the christening was over, and the water and oil was gently wiped away, the pastor turned them around to the congregation and introduced Branchard T. Del Mar and his parents to the community.

Everyone stood and applauded. Almost everyone. One or two walked out.

Ennis and Jack turned to the Reverend to shake his hand and thank him for all his support. "You've been more than kind, Rev. . er, Brian. We couldn't have done this without you. I'm curious as to why you have been so willing to go to bat for us."

"Not at all. I only did for you what I would do for ANY couple in my congregation. Blessings upon your family; and guys? Watch each other's backs, okay?"

They both chuckled, Brian blushed, and stammered. "You know what I meant!"

"See? That's why I'm wondering why you went out on this limb for us."

"Ennis, I am adamant that God loves everyone the same. He doesn't see color nor gender, nor nationality. Since I have the right to fall in love, marry, and raise a family with the person of my choice, then everyone should. Amen."

"Amen" they both said.

"Gotta run, see you guys soon!"

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All of the family members went back to Ennis and Jack's house, as the baby needed - all the things that baby's need: a dry diaper, a bottle, and his very own bed. . . even if it was still a shipping crate. His new crib was on order from Sears & Roebuck. But there was no hurry; he felt safe, secure and well loved in his crate in the corner of his daddys' room .

While the guys were seeing to the needs of the baby and getting him settled, Mom told Margaret and Iris her secret plan. They agreed to make some phone calls and visits to see if they could round up what she was seeking. This project would produce a treasure if she could pull it off.

The adults had a nice hot luncheon prepared by Mom and Aunt Iris. The main topic of conversation was the miracle that had taken place to bring about today's ceremony. By early afternoon, the plates and cups were all picked up, washed and put away, and the guests were taking their leave.

Ennis and Jack stood on their front porch waving good-bye to their family. Ennis put his arm around Jack's waist and pulled him close for a gentle kiss. "Care to take a nap with Branch's daddy?"

Jack seemed to be thinking it over. "Hmmm, let me think about that, I might get a better offer."

Ennis looked around, surprised, but determined.

"Okay then. Care to get fucked by your husband?"

Turning immediately toward the front door, Jack answered.

"Now you got a deal! I'll race you up the stairs!"

#

End of ABI 52.1

52.2 will be posted very soon - in a day or so.

Tbc~