grace in all things

The surf was up and rolling as we watched the remarkable focus of the border collie on his Frisbee.The Frisbee sailed from his owner's hand and the dog leaped joyfully to corner it.A lazy week at a Florida beach .As we drifted back to the condo, we could see a paper stuck in the door;"Call home,now.Family Emergency."

Many calls later ,we packed,headed home and, eventually lived out the saddest of weeks.My husband's brother had unexpectedly left us and ,as much of the clan that could ,gathered in Pennsylvania to honor his rich life and support his devastated family.And in all of this, the Spirit hovered.

My brother-in-law had collapsed at home and had bled on the bedroom carpet leaving deep red stains that would be impossible for his wife to face.A friend called a service and before Toni got home from the hospital ,the rug was cleaned and spotless.

Family members from as far away as New Mexico,Texas and the East, flew and drove to hold Toni and Beth,his daughter, in their arms and witness to Bob's life,so well lived.Nephews carried the gifts up at Mass,acted as pall bearers and a niece stood by Beth's side for days,holding,whispering,helping.

At the Mass, Toni so wanted the incredibly moving song,"To Where You are" sung but knew no one that could sing it.Another friend found that someone and the song soared to the heavens where Bob and his son
are in peace.The beauty of it comforted us in our pews.

Later in the day, a neighbor came to offer his three sons as gardeners to take care of the yard that Bob so loved.And a young woman Beth had met at the park the day before the funeral made sure that a beautiful memory wind chime was sent to the funeral home.

Christ promised never to leave us.Each of you were His Hands.