Weird name for a post, huh? I'll explain but bear with me. I have a story to tell first..............
--Eleven days ago, the patriarch of our family - my 97 year-old father-in-law passed from this world after a brief hospitalization.
Because we are a Catholic family, and it was right before Holy Week, we weren't allowed to proceed with the funeral until after Easter Sunday. That being said, we had his wake/rosary service at the funeral home last night.
Now that wouldn't be such a thing to write an entire post about but again -- bear with me.
Here we were, family and friends, gathered in the chapel honoring our loved one, his silver casket open and appropriately draped with the American flag. He was an Army veteran, and proudly so. He was also a first-generation American citizen; a child of immigrants. Gregorian chant hymns of the Requiem playing, goes silent as the priest announces the beginning of the rosary.
We are ready. The days of waiting have been a little excruciating. It is the first time for viewing as well. But thoughts of world events had us sitting on edge. Here we were possibly teetering on the precipice of another world war! Everyone has their thoughts racing anyway. Strangely enough, there was a quiet peace in that chapel last night. It's as though for a brief moment time stood still for our rosary and our crazy racing thoughts. And we were filled with peace, and joy for a blessed long life with our Grandpa, (EVERYONE called him Grandpa) my father-in-law. I know the world hadn't stopped spinning, but in there for a very brief 30 minutes, it felt like that moment was all there was in the universe.
His two surviving sons had placed 4 red roses into his arms for Grandpa's four sons, two gone before him (the baby lost at birth represented by Guardian angel). On each rose, tied with ribbon, are Catholic medals representing the ten grandchildren, one pre-deceased him - it is also a Guardian angel medal.
The rosary was absolutely beautiful - (If you've never heard of the Scriptural Rosary - check it out!) Emotions were abounding, but respectfully and with dignity. Then, it is over. And I realized we were, once again, part of the rotating earth.
This is where the story comes in. And it's sweet, and a little funny. Isn't that strange that I found it funny? But doesn't that happen at the most solemn moments in our lives; just a touch of levity right when you need it???
My niece had asked that Ave Maria be played right at the end of the rosary. The priest announced it. He even said, "if you know this, please feel free to sing along!". We waited. The song began. Turns out the funeral director played Andrea Bocelli's traditional Ave Maria in Italian. It was moving! and beautiful! Then they played the Latin Ave Maria we'd all been expecting.
Later we all agreed none of us happen to know the Italian operatic version of Ave Maria! But it was a moment I'll never forget. Sweet, funny, poignant; and you know what? Perfectly perfect for that moment.
Maybe this didn't need to be a post. And maybe, just maybe this is me processing........
Thank you for sticking with me as I ramble, and please keep Grandpa M. in your prayers (and his family). These words are just my own, but I hope the others share my sentiments.
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
Blessed Octave of Easter, He is Risen as He said, Alleluia. Indeed He is Risen, Alleluia!
