Recently, one of my aunts lost her battle with cancer. It's a terrible disease. It leaves one in weak and in great pain. It also brings much pain and suffering to family members and friends. My aunt was only 58. She had been married to my uncle for nearly 40 years. Such a good witness to marriage...two Catholics staying together through thick and thin. That's a rare sight in this day and age. God will judge us based on our entire life: what we did, what we said, what we thought. My hope is that with my aunt, He looks upon her and says "You kept the faith. You were faithful to your spouse. Enter into My heavenly dwelling place, good and faithful servant." What great hope our Catholic faith brings when a loved one's life ends. We hope for her eternal salvation while continuing to pray for her soul.
While at her funeral, burial, and bereavement dinner, although much sadness was present, much joy was there as well. Even my uncle, although deeply saddened by the loss of his wife, let out his famous laugh on several occasions (thanks to many, many family and friends being there to comfort him). What I was blessed to witness throughout the day were the smiles on the many faces when people greeted our daughter, Gianna. My wife and I were both pleased to know that Gianna was able to ease some pain during a most difficult time. As usual, she was passed from person to person, sometimes even to total strangers. But she remained, aside from a few moments of shyness, happy...and she brought happiness. At the cemetery, I had to let out a smirk while Gianna fiercely pulled the grass off the ground while grunting. As my wife would say, "she melts my heart!"
Verses from Ecclesiastes 3 resonates in my heart when I think about the events from yesterday: "A time to be born, and a time to die...a time to weep, and a time to laugh." A new life bringing joy and laughter, an ending of another life bringing sorrow. Aside from the afflicting emotions, there remains the virtuous gifts of faith, hope, and love: Faith in God's mercy, hope in eternal life, the love of Christ which he showed to us on the cross. May God shower my aunt with His ever abundant mercy and love and comfort the hearts of those who mourn her passing.
Requiescat in pace, Aunt Dianne.
