It took John a few seconds for his brain to comprehend what she was saying. “What did you say? We’re having twins! Let me see the picture.” John held the image in his trembling hands. “Ok, show me our babies. I have no idea what I’m looking at.”
Jenny pointed to each baby as she leaned against his arm. Tears pricked her eyes and she stared down at their precious children. A sudden wave of nausea had her dizzy. She reached for the ginger ale and sipped it slowly.
“Honey, are you still nauseous?”
She nodded her head as she closed her eyes. John picked up his phone and called the groundskeeper. “Aaron, turn down the air in the church ten degrees. Mrs. Brady is feeling a little nauseous due to the heat. Thank you, Aaron.”
“Have I told you today how much I love you, Pastor Brady?”
“Yes, but please do tell me again. I like hearing it.”
“I love you John, and I am so happy for you today. You’ve waited a long time for this day. Your sermon is beautiful.”
“I love you too sweetheart. You have blessed me with your love, your friendship, and now, two new lives grow in your beautiful body. I could not be happier than I am at this moment. I want to announce the happy news to the congregation.”
The church bells tolled, signaling the beginning of Mass. John escorted his wife to the church and was surprised to see his entire family sitting in the front pew. He walked over to them and embraced each member of his family. “I am happy all of you are here today.”
The church was full of parishioners, and it surprised him to see a few from his former parish. Taking his place behind the pulpit, John officiated his first mass. The homily was especially important to John. He wanted to be truthful with his parishioners and spoke from the heart. “I had a prepared sermon, but upon seeing all of you here today, I want to take this opportunity to talk to you from the heart. As many of you know, I was at one time a Roman Catholic priest. I want to share with you the story of my life.” Thirty minutes later, there was not a dry eye in the church.
“My life has taken many unexpected turns these past two years. Sitting before me are the people I cherish most in this world. In the front pew are my parents Colin and Margaret and my sister Mary. Next to them are my brother Adam, his wife Lydia and their children, Gail and Bobby. Thank you for being here with me today. Your love and support touch me deeply.”
“Most of you know that I recently married the most incredible woman I have ever known. Sitting next to my parents is my beautiful wife Jennifer and our children, Olivia and Jason.” John looked down at the image of his children, which held a place of prominence in the pulpit. “A few weeks ago, Jennifer blessed me with the news that I am to become a father.This morning, she showed me the images of our two babies, nestled safe and sound in her womb.”
Overcome with emotion, John wiped the tears that now stained his face. “I had always assumed I would live a solitary life. My years as a Catholic priest were fulfilling, and lonely. I had denied myself the opportunity of having a family, and at the time, I thought I could live with that decision. Olivia and Jason changed my life the minute I laid my eyes on them. Their unconditional love, exuberance, and innocence melted my heart. I found myself needing something more in my life. I wanted a wife and children. At the end of the day, I return home to a loving wife, and two beautiful children who ambush me the minute I step into the house.”
“If you take away anything from my sermon today, it is that no one in this room is perfect. Perfection is unattainable. God loves us just as we are, and the church is a place for healing, where people are not judged for past sins. This holy place is a sanctuary, a place to meditate, repent, and forgive. We are all sinners, and it is a true testament of our faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ to forgive the sinner. I stand before you today as your Pastor, but I also stand before you today as one of the forgiven. Go with God, and I hope to see all of you next Sunday.”
Epilogue
All eyes were on John as he sat in the patient waiting room. He had a death grip on Jennifer’s hand. “Honey, why are you so nervous?”
He leaned in and whispered, “Everyone is staring at me. I feel really uncomfortable.”
Jennifer tried not to laugh. “Well, maybe it’s because they’ve never seen a Pastor sitting in an obstetrician’s office. Relax honey, and let go of my hand. I can’t feel my fingers.”
“I’m sorry darling,” John said as he raised her hand to his lips and kissed her fingertips. Everyone in the waiting room once again stared at him. He felt heat creep up his neck, and nervously pulled at his collar. He thanked the heavens when the nurse approached them.
“Pastor and Mrs. Brady, please follow me.” The nurse escorted them to one of the examination rooms. “Mrs. Brady, please disrobe and put on this gown. The Doctor will be with you shortly. Pastor Brady, please take a seat on the other side of the room.”
When the nurse closed the door, John took his seat and watched his wife disrobe. His eyes devoured his wife. Jennifer looked over at him and raised her eyebrows. “Why are you looking at me that way? You should see the look on your face.”
“How do I look?” John whispered as he walked over to her and gathered her in his arms.
“You look like you want to devour me,” she whispered in his ear.
“You look beautiful standing before me, round with my babies. I have never seen you more beautiful.”
“You sure do know how to make a pregnant woman feel beautiful. Wait until I’m eight months pregnant and waddling all over the house. I won’t feel beautiful then.”
“Nonsense, you will always look beautiful to me.” John lowered his hand to caress his babies. “I love touching you like this Jenny darling. Words cannot express the joy I feel when I touch our babies. I love you, honey.”
The abrupt appearance of the doctor interrupted them. Dr. Cassidy laughed as she entered the room. “Please, don’t let me interrupt the two of you. I love seeing the tender moments between expectant parents. Pastor Brady, please take a seat on the other side of the partition. I’d like to begin the examination.”
John took his seat and several minutes later, the lights went off. It was time for the ultrasound. John stared at the monitor with wide eyes. The babies were animated and it was easy for the doctor to determine the sex of the babies.
“Well, would you like to know the sex of the babies?”
John’s rather loud yes drew laughs from both the doctor and his wife. He sheepishly apologized for the outburst. “Sorry, I guess I’m a little excited seeing my babies for the first time. Please, Doctor, the suspense is giving me a migraine.”
The doctor pointed to each baby. “This is your son, and this,” she pointed to the other baby, “is your second son. Two boys, Jennifer, you have two healthy children.”
Four months later
I have witnessed the most incredible gift God has bestowed upon me. My beautiful sons Gabriel and Ian came into this world at five-thirty yesterday morning. My life has come full circle, and as I watch my children sleep, I am hopeful for the future. My children will know their father loves them. I will support them, encourage them to live their dreams, and love them all the days of my life.
When I look back on the events in my life, I am amazed to have finally found peace and happiness.
The Confession Page 20