Born in the Caul

My grandmother told me that Uncle Red was born with a veil, or caul. This is the delicate membrane that encases the fetus. In many cultures, to be born in an unbroken caul is to be marked as endowed with supernatural powers, or to bring luck. It is said that a child born with a veil has the gift of second sight; Grandma said it meant he could see ghosts. I never talked to him enough to know if he thought this was true. He was a man of few words. He would talk to you if you talked to him but I don't remember him ever starting a conversation. If he had a gift for you, he would just hold it out to you, and, maybe, say "Here." There's a rumor that he was once married but I don't know if I'll ever be able to document that. I remember Uncle Red as a reformed drinker who turned to the C.O.G.I.C in his later years. He sat quietly and watched us grow, sometimes sharing the treasure of his smile.