SituMY aotx:tt~, GAYU~ Motcrm', age forty-three, sat across the table from me. I had not had a serious conversation her in more than twenty years. After her marriage and move away from Louisiana, I had seen her only occa- when I returned to visit my parents. I was thrilled when, at fourteen years of age, I was askedto be godfather to the woman who now sat before me.Homafly, I didn't do a bad job of it until I got involved with and marriage and then moved away to another state.We were part of the Cajun culture in southwest Louisiana had strong family ties which were traditionally and cul- ~ in the Catholic faith. Being a good Catholic going to Mass, making those now-forgotten "Easter:[hlti~" marrying in the chur~, and raising your own kids I did those things and for awhile was closely knit to own godparents and godchildren.~ Yet C,~yle's 8urprise visit reminded me of at least six other godchildren with whom I'd had even less contact ~ir respective baptisms. In fact, I couldn't even re- the name of one of those godchildren. i~aC~lparent guilt~ came like a nagging voice which said, ~tholic deacon, editor, and author, you really have You did not follow up on your promises to help youri~ 11