Thinking

Its been nearly 3 weeks and I've had a lot of time to think about what has happened around me.

I was still traveling with Mary when I heard that Father Jerry has passed away. I was shocked yet aware that it was coming soon. Everyone around me was afraid that I would find out first and I did. Many people probably don't understand my grief over Father who didn't even know my name but he meant a lot to my family in so many ways. We gave Father back to Jesus and will continue our journey as a family to realize what Father did for our church and for all of us. Many things have happened in the 3 short weeks he has been gone. Our personalized gazebo pavers which have been on sale for over 2 years have begun to sell again, in Honor of Father. Our church hall which use to be the 2nd phase of our church worship space has been named after Father. And there is so much more to come. I sat in church the 1st Saturday he was gone and was taken back at how many people were surrounding me in tears, along with myself. Father built our church, he put even minute of his life into it. Being the only Father I have ever known until 2004, he was the it man. Asked by the diocese to take on this church in 1980 he jumped into ever aspect of it. Though we didn't start attending til 1996 after Poppa died we will always have great memories of Father.

In the weeks that will lead us into Summer. We look for support and strength to carry on one of Father's favorite projects. Hosting MCREST. You could always find him each night in the kitchen making dinner or visiting with the people. He loved every minute that our church was together for this event. Even during the different group meetings prior to our week he made himself present to make sure we all knew what was going to be happening. His legacy will continue through our work with MCREST and all the other events our church helps out with.

This summer is going to be a hard one for our church. Not only do we have MCREST prep weeks away, but by July 1st we will have a new Father. No one. I say NO ONE! Will ever take Father Jerry's place at St. Johns and our healing process is just beginning but as we look around to everyone we can continue to be that family that Father has created at our church. (We also hope that Fr. Doc is here to stay for awhile to be that familiar face we so desperatley need.) The future at St. John Vianney's is unknown at this point, but one thing is for sure we have each other and the memories that Father Jerry left us.

Just as I begin to deal with the healing process of losing Father Jerry, my life gets turned upside down again with my St. Luke Father in Allendale. Just by following the bullentins each week since I've been home, I've read that Father Brad is having a tumor removed this week. What else could happen to the figures in my Catholic Life? Prayers for Father Brad's recovery is all that can be done at this point. As I make my way back to Allendale this next weekend I will hear more about this weird similarity between two of the Fathers that have made an impact in my life.

As I continue to think, I am also very much looking forward to Rae's Grad party Saturday and starting my job in Admissions on Monday. I'll keep everyone posted on all the things happening in Macomb and Allendale, probably once I get back to Allendale.

Til Then!
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.