The Godfather

I have been asked to be Godfather . My wife's brother had a second child and I was given the honour.

I have been both Baptised and confirmed so I should satisfy the requirements of the Anglican Church . My apathy towards organised religion is another matter but I will not trouble the church with my misgivings.

I have done a little research. The font of wisdom that is Wikepedia provides a description. For many church denominations a godparent is someone who "sponsors a child's baptism". The modern secular view of a godparent tends to be "an individual chosen by the parents to take an interest in the child's upbringing and personal development." The sponsorship is straightforward. I will endeavour to take an interest in the youngster's upbringing.

I will turn up for the Baptism this time. I am ashamed to admit I did not when asked previously. I am godfather to my brothers eldest. When I was asked I didn't realise it conflicted with a previously booked trip to Paris. Paris won . The flight was with Ryanair so a change in flight was unthinkable . They didn't fly to Paris either but that's a different story.

My brother forgave my nonattendance. In retrospect I should have gone to the Baptism and gave Mr O'Leary whatever he required to change the flight. Paris will always be Paris ( or Beauvais to be more precise).