Posted on 06/08/2002 4:15:32 PM PDT by Siobhan
"member since November 8th, 2001"
Seven months to the day, and we have lost him. That's not a long time to have known such a man, but it was more than enough to take his measure. Though not as flashy or ubiqitous as some - or perhaps because - he was one of the true giants of this forum: not only an active poster, but one who bore much good fruit; not only passionate, but modest and courteous and charitable; not only learned, but wise. How I wish I could have met him, and I give thanks for his life!
I'll remember him - nay; I'll ask Jesus to remember him - at Eucharistic Adoration tomorrow.
"Roses." Why am I not surprised? And why am I not surprised that even his death is a means for bringing new life into the world? This is how grace works, Siobhan, making life not just bearable or better, but new -- by transforming and redeeming this fallen world. And as Flannery O'Connor said, because grace changes us, it hurts - you know how much - and that is why we resist it so. Though nothing can fill this hole in your hearts, please be comforted in remembering that your father is chosen as a conduit of grace, and must be very near to God.
You are worthy to be your father's successor, and I too hope to see you here often. Blessings to you all, especially to Finn and Aileen.
I'm so sorry about your dear Da. How bittersweet, with Finn's and Aileen's engagement, but what a beautiful, holy death!
Please don't be sad on this Father's Day. He's so happy in Heaven and can be an even greater father there than here, watching over your family and protecting you by prayer -- prayer made even more intimate with God because he now sees God's face. And how much more he knows and understands how much you love him. What a joyful Father's Day for him!
I thought of him today at Mass. Fr. John was wearing a green chasuble with a beautiful gold Celtic cross on it. We were very blessed to have your Da with us on FR as long as we did, and I know we're going to miss him badly. I'll have to play the only DVD I have in his honor from now on -- "The Irish Tenors."
God bless you and your family, and especially Finn and Aileen.
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