Gilroy
– Fourteen hours into the new year, the first baby was born at
Saint Louise Regional Hospital. Tristan Velasco was the only baby
born Jan. 1. To his parents he brought joy, and to his aunt hope
for a reincarnated loved one.
Gilroy – Fourteen hours into the new year, the first baby was born at Saint Louise Regional Hospital. Tristan Velasco was the only baby born Jan. 1. To his parents he brought joy, and to his aunt hope for a reincarnated loved one.
The 7-pound, 14-ounce baby boy arrived at 2:55pm after five hours of labor. Bernadette O’Donovan, 26, the baby’s mother, was induced because it was believed that Tristan was too big to wait for his Jan. 4 due date. At 19 inches in length, he was not as big as expected, but his father Jesse Velasco, 27, was more concerned about his health.
“I’m just glad he’s here and healthy,” he said.
For Tristan’s aunt Bridgette O’Donovan, 23, the arrival of her new nephew meant the reincarnation of her boyfriend – Gilroy Police Officer Ray Hernandez, who died in November 2005 at age 39 from a heart attack. He was also born Jan. 1.
“I got a new addition to our family, and I believe that Ray is back in my life. It’s helped me hope,” said Bridgette, through tears.
Bridgette was at the cemetery paying her respects to Hernandez when she got a call that her sister gave birth to Tristan.
“I was so happy, I had just came from the cemetery, and on the way back I started crying,” Bridgette said. “I was so excited when I saw him. I held him for a long time, and then I whispered in his ear, ‘Hi Ray.’ ”
When Bernadette became pregnant, Bridgette would often tell her that he would be born on the 1st of January.
“She thinks it’s (Ray) coming back to her in a way,” added Bernadette. For Bridgette, it was more than an coincidence.
“I don’t believe in coincidences. I think that (Tristan) was born on New Year’s Day because I think Ray came back to us,” Bridgette said.
The name Ray is one of the baby’s three middle names: Tristan Denny Ray Mateo Velasco. Tristan is Bernadette’s and Jesse’s first child together, and his name is an example of their unity, they said. It includes the name of important people on both sides of their family. Both Jesse and Bernadette attended Gilroy High School and have been living in Gilroy for 10 years.
“I know how much Ray meant to my sister,” said Bernadette, when asked about the source of inspiration for the baby’s name.
After one day at the hospital, family and friends have already visited the new child and left the room decorated with blue balloons and white roses. Bernadette wore a blue night gown, and the baby was also wrapped in blue. Bernadette has two other children, Salvador Lopez, 8, and Angelina Lopez, 1. Jesse also has two children, Jesse Velasco, 8, and Savana Velasco, 6 from a previous relationship.
Although this was the easiest delivery for Bernadette, thoughts of having another child simply made her laugh nervously and nod her head. The thought of Tristan being her sister’s favorite nephew is a relief since she will be helpful in his upbringing. Tristan has brought new responsibility to his parents, but he also brought hope to Bridgette’s life.
“I believe that he’s come back,” said Bridgette.
