A dear friend of my family died on Thanksgiving Day after a prolonged battle with cancer that caused his health to deteriorate slowly over the last two years. He was bedridden for the past ten months.

With the usual offerings of sympathy being given to his family at the wake and funeral (we were present for both events,) I was struck by what most people said. Although our friend had a laudable career and was remembered for his volunteerism in coaching and being involved in community organizations, what almost everyone commented on was his love and dedication to his family and support and affection for his friends.

Our friend had a deep spirituality, and he asked for and received the Holy Eucharist almost daily, laying in the hospital bed at his home.

We were also moved by the love his wife and children showed him as they watched his health slowly deteriorate, taking on the roles of direct caregivers, sometimes under trying circumstances.

All of this reminded me of what Jesus calls each of us to do daily, to love God and to love each other.

People at the funeral talked about relationships, compassion, and love. Accomplishments took a back seat; in fact, they were not even mentioned at all, to my knowledge.



When a person dies, he or she is often remembered for who they were in life, more so than what they may have been achieved. What is noted is how a life was lived.

May we always remember that it is our relationship with God and each that matters in life. Everything else seems to fade in the wind.

May God grant you eternal rest, dear friend. 

By: Deacon Tom Gryzbek