Print Issue: September 19, 2002

'Out Of Tragedy, A Ray Of Hope' A Newborn Baby Brings Joy In The Midst Of Sorrow

By Gretchen Keiser, Staff Writer

CONYERS - Dennis Gomes, 41, the husband of Cindy, and the father of a little girl named Mackenzie May, was at his job at Fiduciary Trust on the 94th floor of the second World Trade Center tower last Sept. 11.

Gomes, the blue-eyed nephew of two Conyers families who belong to St. Pius X Church, was killed.

A bundle of joy, Christopher Dennis Gomes, 3 months old, is held by his mother, Mary Lou, while his father, Robert, stands at her side. The couple, who had been childless, believe their son is a miracle received by the family nine months after Sept. 11, 2001. Robert's cousin, Dennis Gomes, was killed at the World Trade Center. Also shown (l-r) are Dennis Gomes' aunts and uncles, William and Louise McGuire and Donald and Catherine Gomes, who are also the new baby's grandparents. All belong to St. Pius X Church, Conyers. (Photo by Stanley Leary/Archdiocese of Atlanta)

A year later, his aunts and uncles, Donald and Catherine Gomes, and William and Louise McGuire, are still in sorrow, although they like now to bring up "the happy times . . . the Christmases, the camping."

"He loved jazz. He was a Giants fan and an avid Yankee fan," said Catherine Gomes. "He loved Las Vegas. That's where he met his wife."

His wife and daughter live in a two-family house in Queens, N.Y., above his parents, Richard and Nellie Gomes. Sometimes, "she'll stay with them," Catherine said, a closeness that helps all of them a little bit.

It comforts her to know that priests like Father Mychal Judge, the Franciscan fire department chaplain, gave absolution at the scene as the tragedy was unfolding to everyone who was there, a grace that covered Dennis. They are comforted that his body was later recovered and the family could have a funeral Mass as well as the memorial service they held first.

But, most importantly, the Gomes are comforted by what they consider a miracle.

Married for five years, Dennis' first cousin, Bobby, and his wife, Mary Lou, were childless and no longer anticipated pregnancy.

Last fall Mary Lou felt tired. Eventually she even joked aloud about maybe being pregnant. "You're crazy," her husband said. Finally on Dec. 7, 2001, she went to the doctor. Pregnant, yes, and due on June 12, 2002, - nine months after the loss of Dennis Gomes at the World Trade Center.

"I was shocked. I just had no inkling," Mary Lou said, cradling blue-eyed Christopher Dennis, now three months old. Despite health problems during her pregnancy, Christopher Dennis was born strong and healthy. She believes that the baby is a God-given consolation to those who mourn.

"Someone came into the world and someone left the world. I definitely believe that," she said. "Out of tragedy, a ray of hope."

Has her only grandchild brought joy? "You can't imagine!" said Catherine Gomes. "My husband is just thrilled to death. When she brings the baby into the house, his eyes just light up. I'm already planning to make him cookies and brownies. I'm already planning to buy him Christmas presents."

"To me, it was a miracle. It was one of God's greatest gifts."