THE CROSS
   by Barbara Ennis

Every time I hear the story of Jacob stealing his brother is Esau‘s blessing, my most vivid memory of Merasheen comes back to me. Patrick James Hann (Paddy Jim) was my older sister Angela's Godfather who occasionally presented gifts. Sometimes they were not given to the one for whom they were intended.

It was October, 1959 and I was just six years old. Our family was leaving Merasheen because Dad had to go working in Long Harbour. I don't recall exactly how I felt about the goings on, but the people on the island seemed sad to see us leave. Perhaps some neighbour or relative had given me some money: I can't recall, but I found myself in the Co-op store.

Paddy Jim called me over to the showcase that had the big glass front. Inside on the shelves was a display of jewellery. De Beers’ showroom could have held no greater fascination for me. ‘Which one would you like?’ questioned Paddy Jim as one by one he took the gold chains with various stone-studded ornaments dangling from them.

I couldn't believe my eyes! I couldn't believe my ears! Paddy Jim was asking me to choose whichever one I liked best. I selected a beautiful cross with multi-coloured stones, gleaming as they reflected the light shining on them. In the center was a stone resembling a diamond, which when you gazed through, presented the words of the Lord's Prayer.

I could not contain my excitement as he wrapped it and passed it to me. I have often wondered if I even remembered to say, ‘Thank-you!" I flew up home. I am sure my feet never touched the ground.

Alas! My bubble burst when my sister Angela saw my beautiful gift.

She cried and cried, ‘Paddy Jim didn't mean to give you that! He is my Godfather and he meant for me to have it! Give it to me!’

Well, I don't need to relate the whole issue that ensued but suffice it to say that Mom brought a swift, peaceful ending to the matter by taking the cross and chain and putting it away. Neither Angela nor I was permitted to wear it, but I recall gazing at it longingly in its case in Mom's bureau drawer.

Doreen assures me that the cross was eventually presented to the rightful owner. My sister died accidentally while swimming in 1965, and Mom placed the cross lovingly around her neck. Mom, Paddy
Jim, and Angela have all gone to their heavenly reward and have no need to gaze with one eye to see the Lord's Prayer.

I am convinced that, unlike Jacob, I did not steal my sister's birthright. Paddy Jim made a mistake that's all. I am sure that had he known the consequences of his intended act of kindness, he would have presented both of us with a gift. I cannot help but picture three special people smiling down at me each time this memory springs to life in the special place where I keep it locked in my heart.