Welcome to the World!

You came into our world nine months ago, but emerged from the womb--your head and then a victory thrust of your arm--on January 9, 2010 at 9:43 am: 7 pounds, 3 ounces; 20 inches; full of energy. This blog will be a gift to you one day when you can read, which by dad's calculation will be sometime this summer. So, first things first, about your great name. You should know that there are about 7 different stories/meanings behind it, but most importantly it just seemed to fit, a noble name as the nurse put it. And we did not name you until after you were born and we had met you for awhile, in fact dad here kept almost calling you Benedict out loud in the hours after your arrival but knew we had to wait to be sure. And we are sure.

So why Benedict John? Of course there is the great St. Benedict, the monk from the sixth century. In addition to you learning about his cool life, you can one day find out if the name helped you as a baby to follow his tradition of keeping long periods of silence, especially when you parents were trying to sleep! And we have had quite a few Benedicts as pope (the same nurse also said with your name you could be pope someday!) One of your parents favorite popes was Benedict XV. He was called "the peace pope" because during World War I he tried to have all the warring nations reconcile. Right...not so successful, but he was faithful. And Benedict XVI, who serves the Church as you enter it today, he's a holy shepherd too. Your dad even met him in 2007. You should check out his latest letter on society and economics. Okay, we can wait awhile for that material!

Don't think we are done... your name itself has a great meaning, Latin for "Blessed." And that first part of your name, Bene, is the root in many languages for all things "good," as in Pace y Bene "Peace and Good." By the way, that's the deal here kiddo. We provide you the Pace, you provide us the Bene. Pretty easy, eh?! As for your middle name, that was kind of a last minute, gametime decision. You see, this weekend we celebrate the big feast of the baptism of Jesus. And who baptized him? John. So you also have this great saint, John the Baptist, to inspire you. He was a strong, zealous dude, on a mission from God. You also have some great Johns in your family. Your Uncle John Gehred, a man of great care and attention to others--and who was like the only brother never to pick on your mom! And your great Uncle John on your dad's side, who died way too early, a good man who always looked out for others. Truth be told, he even helped pay for your dad's education, and your dad is one smart dude! And many other Johns in our life: you even got a blessing from our great friend Fr. John DeRiso before we left the hospital.

So what's in a name? Turns out, quite a lot! And now this is your name, son. Know that we chose it with great love for you, just as God chose us for you with great love. Welcome!