As Catholics we believe my father is most probably in heaven because he received the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick 2 weeks before his death. Nevertheless we have a kneeler in front of the casket to pray for his soul. I don’t think any of us are ready to see the face of God until our souls are purged of all stain of sin.
Our father taught us so many things by the way he lived. I never saw him preach or stand up in front of people and give a speech, but as St. Francis said preach the Gospel always and if you must – use words. He just always did the right thing.
He fought for our freedom in WWII and received a silver star, a couple of bronze stars and a purple heart. He was brave, courageous, and strong – he taught us to fight for the underdog and never be afraid to stand up to anyone for what is right.
He had impeccable honesty and integrity. He was in charge of church money for I don’t know how many years. If there was a church event – he was counting the money.
He worked at the [First National Bank of Cincinnati] bank for 43 years and taught us loyalty to family, friends, and employers. He showed us how to live within your means, be frugal, and save for the future. At the same time he showed us how to have fun and be generous to others.
He taught us how to be the perfect host. You all know how welcome you were when you visited his home. He taught us how to care for the sick. He took care of his sisters Vera and Emma when they needed help. He brought our Aunt Margaret into his home in her final days, and he cared for my mother in her last years of Alzheimer’s disease with unbelievable patience and love. And as you know patience was not one of his best virtues. He taught us to be prompt. Anyone ever see him do this? [looks at watch and taps]
He taught us how to love as a husband, father, and brother. He adored our mother and it was a common sight in our household to see him hug and kiss her. We learned the meaning of unconditional love and the marriage covenant from them.
He taught me how to play golf, and how to compete and how to win on the first tee, as well as how to lose like a gentleman.
So he taught us how to live, but then taught us how to die. He used to love to play the stock market – then it crashed a couple years ago. He used to say as long as I can play golf I am happy – if not, I don’t think I want to live anymore. When his health was such that he couldn’t play golf anymore – then it was as long as I live here in sunny warm Florida I am happy – but his health forced him to move back home with Eileen for the last 6 months. But as long as I have happy hour and can play cards and watch baseball and golf I am happy. His desire for a drink and his eyesight deteriorated until these things were not with him anymore.
In the end he was happy, gracious, loving, and grateful to have family around him, to feel the soft kiss of a great-grandchild, to squeeze your hand.
We all get caught up in this world and we can make playing stocks, playing golf and other desires as Gods in our lives. But then he taught us Corinthians 13 which says in the end there are three things faith, hope, and love – and the greatest of these is love. Love goes beyond death – Love is eternal.
So we ask two things of you today in honor of our father. One – when you think of him say a prayer for his soul. And two tell someone you love them today, because that will last for all eternity.
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