The following “letter” is part of the continuing series from the unpublished novel by James Garrett, “Benicia Letters Once More”. He does not plan to publish the book but instead is choosing to share the letters with the readers of the Benicia Herald. The letters continue the storyline of Garrett’s first novel “Benicia and Letters of Love”. Each “letter” tells of love in one of its many forms from a separate point of view. Benicia is represented prominently in the letters because of Garrett’s deep fondness for the city of Benicia. He hopes readers see themselves or others they know in the letters because the concept of “Love” is universal.

Mr. Garrett,
Being asked six times to be a godfather, and accepting, and having two children named after me was not something I ever expected. In fact I didn’t even know about those concepts until each happened to me the first time. What honor those young couples gave me. They asked, so I accepted. I loved each of them as much and as well as I could.
I asked the parents of the first child to whom I was named godfather why they had selected me for that role of responsibility. She replied it was because I loved them and they knew I would love their child. He said it was because he knew if anything happened to him I would be there for all the things a boy would need from a father.
Through the years I joked with my wife and the parents of each of the children about how quickly I wished the young ones would turn twenty-one years of age. That was so I wouldn’t be responsible in any way for them any longer, but I’ve loved each and every one of them and always will.
The families are now spread far from Benicia and the scenes we each once shared.
If a wedding was scheduled, we received invitations. When a special event occurred, a long sought goal was attained, or a unique experience took place, we were usually informed. Once we received the surprise telephone call each of us must dread getting.
My wife and I still receive an occasional contact from the parents of those children who honored us and sometimes from their children. Each year the number of Christmas cards decreases.
There is nothing abnormal about any of that. People grow in may ways, move, and change some, but still remain the same. It’s that leopard and the spots thing.
There were some long nights and long weekends and at times places where I didn’t really want to be. I could have spent all of that time doing a lot of other things. They asked and I accepted. In each case it was an honor.
It was all worth it.
James

James Garrett is a lifelong resident of Benicia and a former teacher at Benicia High School. He is the author of the following novels: “Benicia and Letters of Love,” “The Mansion Stories,” “Chief Salt,” and “One Great Season, 9-0!” He also compiled a three-volume work titled “The Golden Era: Benicia High School Football, The 1948 through 1960 Seasons, “A” History with Comments.”
He can be contacted at jgstoriesnpoetry@aol.com.

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