Thank you Laura for including Father
Connolly and I in Rich’s last days.
We always loved seeing Rich – Just a
month ago he was sitting next to me at Parish Council – not knowing it was his
last Council meeting.
Interesting phenomena on Ash
Wednesday – local church was doing drive through ashes – imagine – not even
time to get out of your car and say a prayer.
Take and go, it costs you nothing.
Rich was the opposite – how can I
give? Helping us figure out how to grow
the parish at Parish Council. With us at
Mass. Picture him at the Parish Picnics – at our God Squad Picnics – at the
Knights of Columbus –
Despite all his challenges he could
usually be found at St. Joseph’s Men’s group at 7am Saturday mornings. It was a
comfort to see him. He had a powerful
presence – a deep, faith filled man.
So, Laura let Father Connolly know Rich
was back in the hospital – little did we know it was the last time. Father
Connolly heard his last Confession, last Anointing.
On Sunday, he received his Last
Communion – Viaticum – Food for the Journey.
I sat down with him – how are you
doing Rich – he said how are you doing? How’s
that foot? Wasn’t he something?
Told him I loved him – that he was a
good, good man – and I thanked him for all he was and all he did.
He was surrounded by his family – his
beautiful family – mom & dad and all the rest. Still joking with you – hey
– guess what I’m giving up for Lent?
Cancer! You should have done
that last year! If only he could.
Pancreatic cancer in the news – Alex
Trebek – my mother’s favorite show – recited statistics – 9% survival after 5
years. Pray end to cancer – maybe a
young person here will find a cure?
Rich had long Lent – fought for 2 ½
years – he loved Laura and his girls, and he wanted to live with all his heart.
Monday came and the fight was over –
now we stood at the foot of the cross – the cross he carried without ever a
complaint - standing by his side until the end.
At the moment of Jesus death –
centurion cried out – surely this was the son of God.
Rich’s mom took on the role of the
centurion and reminded us – I am not saying this because I am his mother, but
my son is a saint.
Isn’t that the purpose of life – not
to have the most money, power or influence – but to become a saint?
Those who knew Rich could say – he
had 1 foot here on earth – and the other foot in heaven. And what poured out
from him always was love.
So that is my prayer today – that we
might love as God has loved us – who gave his only Son for us.
That we might love as Rich taught us
to love.
That God’s love might be poured into
the hearts of Laura, Kyra, Kate, Julia and Jena and all the Scampoli’s – and
fill your empty spaces with the deepest and most powerful love.
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of Rich
- and Rich, until we meet again, have peace!
