A Tribute To Dad
Who says Saintly intercession doesn't work?

As many of you know, my dad recently passed away. I've been debating if I should post anything about it. Well, below is a copy of a letter I just sent to a very wonderful woman and new dear friend. All of us should experience the end in this fashion...

I had to leave home (San Diego) and fly back to North Carolina on the day of his death. Dad died 1 1/2 hours after I lifted off. But their parish priest did show up (right after I left the house) and gave Last Rites once again.

Mom had a CD player brought into the master bedroom, and played "their song"... Moonlight Serenade by Glenn Miller. Mom cradled dad in her arms and slowly rocked him as they had their last dance.

Mom and the remaining six kids (along with various grandchildren and great grandchildren) then prayed a 15 Decade Rosary. As my kid brother told me, dad's breathing during The Rosary went from labored, to as smooth and easy as any of us lying down and watching TV.

Soon thereafter, my father... veteran of WWII, Korea, Viet-Nam; father of seven; madly in love with Libby until his last breath, was welcomed under the Mantle of the Holy Mother where she joyously introduced him to her Son.

From what I was told, as a child, my dad was very close to his grandfather (he called my dad by his middle name, Regis). I'm quite sure that my great grandfather greeted dad with a big hug and tears in his eyes saying "where ya been Regie boy? I've missed you so very much".

Yet again, thank you St. Joseph for assisting in a very peaceful death for the greatest man I ever knew.