The Blessing of Family and a Reminder that Life after Death Goes On....

Funerals and weddings are family reunions. It was a blessing to reconnect with so many members of our extended family at my sister Jeanne's funeral last Thursday. I think she would have been pleased. Over the years she wrote hundreds of letters and cards to siblings, nieces and nephews and friends. She sent cards: for birthdays, Christmas, Valentines Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and sometimes just because. It was her little apostolate. She didn't drive and lived alone, but she spread a wide net to the outside world. 

Jeanne collected notepaper and cards and we had a big bin to set out at the wake and funeral to share. We invited people to take some in memory of Jeanne with a suggestion to write a letter to someone in imitation of her little apostolate.

A few days after the funeral one of my other sisters (There were six of us.) came for a visit with her daughter and two grandchildren. They were supposed to come  the end of July, but Jeanne's death changed our plan. God in His Providence redirected things and paused our plan. 

So the priority for the past two weeks focused on celebrating Jeanne's life and laying her to rest with a plea for everyone to pray for the repose of her soul. We do not canonize our family members at death. We pray for them. And if they are in Purgatory, which is where most of us will spend some time, we would like a quick exit strategy. Pray and fast for the poor souls! You may some day depend on their prayers to aid you in your last days.

The visit cancellation was a disappointment for all of us, so we rescheduled, and I'm so glad we did. The past few days have been a celebration of life and the beauty of God's creation. We collected eggs from our chickens and laughed at their crazy antics when they walked around the yard. We harvested the last two frames of honey that I set aside for the children to do by the scrape and strain method. We enjoyed the pool, drew with chalk on the driveway, and chatted about anything and nothing. 

Family....It's the gift God gave us and planned for our joy and, yes, our sorrow. Good-bye's are hard, but they are a small part of the story. Most of life is filled with hellos and time spent together with loved ones and friends, and, hopefully, quiet time with God in a one-on-one dialogue of love. 

Of course, there are hard times, times of separation, misunderstanding, and alienation. Relationships are often muddy and mixed up. Jesus knew that. He was abandoned by His friends, betrayed and condemned by the religious leaders, hounded from place to place, asked trick questions in an attempt to trap Him. What evil or challenge can we experience that Jesus did not experience before us? Our best strategy is to maintain and protect our peace of soul through prayer and sacrifice.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.

Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.

St. Joseph, Pillar of Families, pray for us.