
Continued from: In Waiting
Name day at last. All day family had been gathering in the country home, helping with the preparations. The home would pass to the little one, when the time came. The floors of the house and every wood surface gleamed, mirrors were polished, cobwebs swept away, fresh bedding laid out and blankets aired out. Flowers were brought in from the garden, and the curtains were thrown back to welcome in the light. The old girl cleaned up good.
One last check in the mirror told her she was old, but today she didn’t even feel the normal aches and pains of her age. Her happiness was the only medicine she needed. Today she wore her ‘hair’ naturally, after all this was a family gathering. No need to put on appearances for others today.
Her daughter opened her door and announced, “We are ready.” Her daughter walked near her, ready to provide support if needed, letting her set the pace. She entered the room, filled with family, surrounding her granddaughter and the beautiful baby girl dressed in the gown passed down from her mother and grandmother. Each member of the family held a glass of wine from the grapes of the estate.
As she approached her granddaughter, she stopped to greet family members who she hadn’t seen in a long time, who traveled far to be here. She sat in a chair, the family around her, and the baby was placed in her lap. Her “hair” straying into her face, falling on the baby girl.
Her voice sounded strong as she gave the baby her blessing. “May you experience everything life holds. May you grow in knowledge and wisdom throughout your life. May you grow in love and compassion. May you know your strength, but never abuse your strength.”
The moment was upon them. “My precious girl, may you carry our name proudly.” A tear fell from her eye as memories crowded her thoughts. Memories of loneliness, of people being unkind and suspicious, but also memories of kindness and love filled her thoughts. Yes, all the things life holds, the good and the bad filled her thoughts.
“From this day forward your name will be Medusa, not mythical, but a blessing of strength and power to the world.” The toast to Medusa was given, and each member of the family took a sip of their wine.
She heard a soft hissing from her ‘hair’ in recognition and a tiny hissing in response from little Medusa’s ‘hair.’ Outside the window, in the clearing of the lawn, gleaming in the sun was a unicorn, pawing the ground impatiently. Handing the little one over to her mother, she instructed her to take little Medusa out to the lawn so the unicorn could greet her.
Medusa watched from her chair as the unicorn nuzzled her namesake. Life could be hard for anyone different, but it would help little Medusa grow to be both strong and compassionate. For now, there was nothing to do, but to enjoy the family.