Gabe's Visit

As they gazed at Hope, their daughter, Maura and Jose's feeling of calm and assurance was dispelled as a shadow passed over them. The unexpected shadow brought their attention back to the present. Simultaneously their faces turned and looked up. Standing in front of them, both in the light and crowned by it, was the imposing figure of a man.

Before them stood an African-American man, easily six feet tall, wearing a long leather trench coat. On his head was a black knit hat, covering most of his forehead. At first glance there seemed to be a hardness to his face. Maybe it was the small scar on his right cheek, barely noticeable, but a little bit pink in the cold. He wore black leather gloves. His right hand was raised breast high with palm open, thumb bent. His coat was slightly open, so they could see that he wore a black turtle neck sweater. Around the neck of the sweater was a large, gold chain with a gold cross attached. His black cuffed dress slacks and black shoes were noticeable as they extended below the hem of his coat.

Jose's instantaneous thought was defense. He was sure that no one big and black, standing in front of him in the middle of the night, could be up to any good. Jose had seen enough turf battles in his day to be leery of strangers, especially blacks. Jose's was an automatic distrust built up over the years, fed more by rumor and stories, than by personal experience. Ever since his arrival in the States he had been warned by other Mexicans to avoid the unpredictable and often violent African-Americans. With fear running through his body, Jose began to stand, preparing to put himself between the stranger and Maura.

Maura had had few encounters with African-Americans, having grown up in a fairly wealthy area of Connecticut. For the most part those people could not afford to live in her town. Even if they could afford to live there financially, most African-Americans felt out of place, and unwanted, in such communities. So Maura's initial reaction, upon seeing him, was to instinctually draw Hope closer to herself, attempting to protect her.

Before they could speak they heard the man, with his hand still raised, say, "Fear not."

Jose heard the two words and almost allowed himself a sneer. Fear not? he questioned to himself. I find myself in a run-down part of Springfield, Illinois, and a stranger, a black man, tells me not to be afraid. Being afraid is what has kept me alive. Simply being approached unawares by you, a stranger, is reason enough to be fearful.

Maura was confused by his words. But, as she studied him a bit more, she saw a kindness in his eyes that she had not expected. His words had sounded almost like a command, yet there resonated more in the baritone voice than just command. There was a kindness and a gentleness to be heard. There was also an air of confidence about him. Perhaps it was how he stood before them - so certain, so calm.

After allowing time for his few words to sink in, the stranger continued. "My name is Gabe. I saw the birth and thought company might be welcome at a time like this. By the way, congratulations." Gabe knew the fear he was facing. He had been judged too often by the color of his skin and not by his intentions. So he remained where he was and waited for a response.

Jose was upset by this unexpected visit. He had forgotten how public Hope's birth had been and still he was incensed that someone would invade his privacy. He stood up and in a low, menacing, but fear-filled voice Jose asked, "Who are you? What do you want from us? We have no money. There is nothing that we have that you would want. Go away and leave us alone."

Even before Jose had finished speaking Maura had reached out to gently pull him back down. Jose heard her soft voice saying, "It's okay, Jose. I'm sure he means us no harm. Let him speak."

The stranger's face turned briefly to Maura with a smile that said thank you. Then he addressed them both. "As I said, my name is Gabe. I was not spying on you, yet I could not help but see your desperate situation. Hope is a most appropriate name for this child. She comes to you in the midst of darkness and distress. She comes bringing new life, new possibilities; indeed she comes bringing new hope into a world very much in need of hope. I desire only to encourage and support you in this your time of need."

Having said this, Gabe reached inside his coat. Once again Jose sprang to his feet and reached for his knife, expecting the worse. Instead he was surprised to see the stranger's hand emerge with several large briquettes of coal, which he threw into the burn barrel. Jose sat in bewilderment. Maura smiled, bemused, and said, "Thank you, Gabe."

Gratefully accepting her words of thanks Gabe said, "On such a cold night I thought these might help to warm you a little bit and would last longer than the wood you have been having to scrounge for. You have a rough road in front of you, but God is with you. Continue to place your trust in God and you will be cared for. It is time for me to go, but I will send help. Remember, you are not alone. And, fear not." With these final words, Gabe turned and disappeared into the darkness of the night.

No sooner had he left than Hope began to cry. In the suspense of the nocturnal visit both Jose and Maura had forgotten Hope. It was clear that she was hungry. Despite the cold, Maura opened her coat and blouse, undid the front of her bra, and brought Hope up to her breast to nurse. Jose placed his arm around Maura, as she nursed, and together they slid closer to the fire for warmth.

As Hope nursed, Maura and Jose sat in silence, their thoughts captured by Gabe's visit and what it meant. Who was he? What did he mean by "rough road", "God is with you" and "I will send help"? But strangely enough, both knew that their fear was gone.