WHEN ANGELS TAKE FLIGHT

Merry Christmas in Heaven, Nadine.

Love, Mom

Every year at this very special time of the year, I receive Christmas cards from friends across the country. One card that I look forward to receiving is from Irene Katyl. She always composes a poem about the spirit of Christmas and the birth of Christ. Instead of her yearly poem, she wanted to share one wrote by her granddaughter, Tanya, in honor of her beloved Aunt Nadine who entered Gods Kingdom at 52 years of age this past August.

WHEN ANGELS TAKE FLIGHT

The angel came down through the light of the night,

to guide our new angel to an everlasting life.

The gates opened wide with a welcome embrace,

As loved ones who passed put a smile on her face.

A spirit so vibrant, full of life and love

we know she'll keep watch on us from above.

Her mother, a friend through thick and thin

Will keep her heart and soul alive 'til they meet again.

A lover of kitty cats in a special way

always ready and willing to take in a stray'

She was greatly loved by all she knew

making people laugh was easy to do.

We say good-bye with a heavy heart,

Knowing we're truly never apart.

She's playing cards in the clouds with Uncle George and Pop,

having so much fun, she doesn't want to stop.

She was ready to take her place at HIS side.

With the wind in her hair she soars through the sky.

We love you and miss you and now say good-bye.


Author: Tonya Rygelski



Nadine was able to send her family a sign that she was happy in HEAVEN. This occurred shortly after her death. It brought comfort to her family. They were open to signs from HEAVEN. And a sign was sent that left no doubt as to who it came from. I have heard many stories of signs from loved ones who entered HEAVEN. How they reach out to us, comfort us in times of need. I hope someday to write about some of these signs.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

Dolores

WEDDING RINGS

Erik admired the cross that I was wearing. I met him while in San Francisco where my son was undergoing another major operation. He noticed that I had added our wedding rings to the cross. On occasion, I wear our wedding rings on the chain with my cross. My ring fits inside George's and they look well with the cross. In fact, they look as if they are part of this piece.

My five year old granddaughter, Lexi, has often heard people comment about this cross and now her attention has been brought to the rings. She and I often talk about her Grandfather, George, who is now in Heaven.

Lexi and I continued on one of the many adventures that we shared together while her Mom was at the hospital with her Dad. She is a bundle of energy and very inquisitive. I delight in her enthusiasm and energy and grateful that I have enough energy to keep up with her.

Out of the clear blue, she asked me if she could have our wedding rings for when she gets married. She wanted to give George's ring to her future husband and wanted to wear my ring. She said that "you were happy married to Grandpa".

I replied, "yes, I was and Lexi, the rings are yours".

Those rings were worn for 46 years with love.

When it is time for Lexi to have these rings, my fondest wish for her is that she will meet her soulmate as was my good fortune in life and that he will love and cherish her as much as her Grandfather had loved and cherished her Grandmother.

REMEMBER ME

Recently I read a blog that tugged at my heart. Love and courage filled the pages of the Sullivan blog.

I had received a simple but poignant e-mail from one of my longest and most cherished friends. A woman who George and I were blessed to call friend. She lives in Colorado and is so beautiful, both inside and out.

She asked for prayers.

Her nephews wife of 5 years, had just entered Heaven. Just two weeks after their 1st child was born. Chloe was born with a heart birthmark on her right arm. She is a beautiful baby. Brady and Sara rejoiced in the birth of their miracle baby. But time was short and Sara died at the end of September. She had been ill for some time. There story of love and courage is worth reading. I would not be able to do justice to their story in this space and so I will refer you to their blog.
Bandssullivan.blogspot.com

Brady and Sara are a young couple. Death comes to people of all ages.

Those of us who are left behind honor the memory of our deceased loved ones by how we go on with life. How they would want us to go on with life. Prayers are needed for those left behind to have the courage to go on without that special person and best friend at their side.

The journey alone is not always an easy one. Comfort does come from the spiritual messages that our loved ones from Heaven manage to get through to us.

My sister-in-law passed away just a short time after her second child was born. Before her 30th. birthday. A few weeks ago, I spent time with my niece who never got to know her mother. We talked about her mother. She only knows what people tell her.

Joan had a huge impact on my life and I make a point of sharing this with my niece. The first time that I had met Joan, she looked like a beautiful fairy princess to me. She was beautiful and wore a white suit.

I was young and people in the coal mining area that I grew up in, did not wear white suits. She was a vision to me.

I share my special thoughts of her with her daughter who never had the chance to know her mother. These talks are important to my niece and I.

Years ago, I came across a picture of my brother and his wife and sent him a copy of it. Little did I know that he had thought that picture was lost forever. His reaction was as if I had sent him a million dollars. He sent copies to his two daughters. He also wrote to me about where and when the picture was taken. He wrote of the happy memories of that time. A simple gesture of making a copy of a picture and sending it to him created much joy.

We all remember those who passed away in so many different ways. Sharing those good memories with their families can be a comfort to them. Take the time to share your thoughts. Make them smile. Bring joy to their hearts.

MAY I TAKE YOUR PICTURE

Startled, I looked up into the face of a lovely young women holding a professional camera. She said, " May I take your picture, you look so beautiful sitting there". She further explained that she was an artist and would like to paint my picture.....for , how do you say it? I replied, posterity! She replied; yes..... for posterity.

I smiled and agreed. She asked me to continue reading the book that I was holding. That was the picture that she wanted to capture. Please, she said, continue what you were doing.

I heard the click of her camera and then she was gone.

I did not tell her that I was NOT reading. My heart, thoughts and prayers at the moment that she saw me were in THE SPIRITUAL WORLD AND HEAVEN. You see, just hours before, I had received word that my 52 year old niece, NADINE, died.

I wanted to be with my family during this time. They were almost 400 miles away and I had planned the 8 hour drive the next day. I could not concentrate on what I was doing at home and decided to drive to clear my head. I pulled my hair back in a pony tail, covered my head with a lopsided, white baseball cap, wore a tank top and cut offs. BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! I hardly think so. The look that she captured, sitting on a bench overlooking the Atlantic Ocean was of a woman DEEP IN PRAYER and the SPIRITUAL WORLD.

At that moment, I had been thinking about my beloved husband, George, welcoming Nadine into Heaven. Of Nadine, organizing a poker game with Poopsie, her grandfather and the rest of our deceased family members gathering around. So many have passed away.

We knew that she would have a shorter life span due to childhood diabetes. Another cousin, who was a Dr. passed away at the age of 47 from childhood diabetes.

Nadine was not afraid of death. Years ago, she had a near death experience. As she described the experience, she had entered the tunnel filled with white light. It was so beautiful there. She wanted to stay but it was not her time and she lived.

Nadine lived with her mother, Irene. This was a tough summer for both of them. They were in and out of the hospital.

The night before she died, Irene just returned from a ten day hospital stay. She called me to let me know that she was home. Nadine said that they were fine. Things were looking better.

Irene had lost a tremendous amount of weight and Nadine had fun shopping for new clothes to fit her mother.

A Memorial service for Nadine was held at St. Therese's. Father Jim said just what we needed to hear as family and friends.

Nadine was cremated and her urn was in front of the altar along with a beautiful picture of her. I looked at that picture long and hard. She sported a partial middle part in her hair.

After the Church ceremony, all were invited to the home of her Uncle Bill and Aunt Cindy. As we told Nadine stories, my eyes were directed to the picture that was in Church. Now it was placed on the mantel of the fireplace. I kept looking and looking. I finally got up from the sofa that I was sitting on and looked closer. I picked up the picture and started to smile. Then I turned to those around me. I asked them to look at the picture as well.

Do you see it? What do you see? The middle part in her hair looked like a CROSS. Was it there all the time???????? And no one noticed.......OR was this a way that Nadine was able to let us know that SHE WAS FINE AND HAPPY IN HEAVEN.

THERE ARE ANGELS IN THIS HOUSE LOOKING OUT AFTER YOU

Out of the mouths of children.

Several neighborhood children just left my home. They range in age from 3 to 11. Every day, one or two will knock at my door to say hello and give me a hug. This has been going on since George died. Prior to that, I rarely spent time here. ( This was our vacation home.) I did not know these little ones. I was needed elsewhere and traveled back and forth to where I was needed. The children knew George.

This was supposed to be our retirement home. Cape Cod is a beautiful place and we had planned to spend the rest of our lives here. But......as those who read Revelation, George was called to Heaven.

Revelation tells how his Spirit prevented me from selling this home in Oct. of 2006.

For some reason, the children started coming to visit and offered to help clean up the yard, keep me company and invite me to cook outs at their homes etc.

When ever I pull into the driveway after being away, there is someone to welcome me back. I have come to love all of these little ones. I could write many stories of our times together.

Today, I was feeling low. Much is on my mind.......and then the doorbell rang. At first, two little girls came in. One just had braces put on and we talked about that. She had a cheerleading tee shirt on and we talked about that. It reminded me of the days when I was a cheerleader in high school.

Out of the clear blue, she said that I was going to be in the Guinness book of records as being the nicest person ever....................................WOW!!! Both little girls then started saying so many nice things about me that made my heart sing.......THE BLUES FLEW OUT THE WINDOW...........

Then the others came to the door and we had a houseful of little children.

Some of these children do not go to Church and had asked their parents about the crucifix in my home. They ask me about my Faith.

Another goes to Catholic school and she has told me that she feels good angels here. She has questioned me about George and his Spirit. She told me that the Angels are here with me.

I had never told her about Revelation or his Spirit here.

Much more conversation took place as the boys showed up. Now the talk has turned to fishing and kayaking. I fish with the boys and will kayak with them.

There is another knock on the door. Parents of these children have sent someone to tell them to come home for dinner.

As they left, my heart was filled with joy and love.........And to think, just earlier in the day, I was feeling so low............

BLESSED WITH AN EXTENSION OF LIFE

"I've been blessed with an extension, no telling how long, complete with a good quality of life. Whatever is happening inside me seems to have slowed to a point where I can think of celebrating the birth of a grandchild in March and even, more hopefully, the graduation of my youngest in June."

"Regardless of what happens though, I want you both to know how wonderful your gift to us last December was. It came at what has been our lowest point."

"Again my deepest thanks."

These words were part of a thank-you letter from one co-worker and friend to another.

I would like to take you back a few months to what transpired and how the generosity and caring of one human being for another made a difference in their life.

Marie and Mike were busy making plans to go on a two week vacation in Florida. They were booked into a villa in a five star time share resort.

Mike was visibly upset when he came home from work one evening and needed to talk to his wife.

Allen was in his office that afternoon and told him that he just returned from the Doctor. His test results were in and he only had a few months to live.

Allen and his wife worked very hard to provide a good home and education for their children and they rarely if ever had the money to go on a vacation. Now it was too late. Allen said that he only had months to live.

Mike asked Marie if she would consider not going to Florida and to give their time-share to Allen and his wife. Without hesitation, Marie agreed to this request.

Allen and his wife were ecstatic over this gift. Since the gift was for two weeks, they wanted to share this time with their children. And so plans were made. They would go to Florida for the first week by themselves and their family would join them the second week.

Mike told Marie of the plans and she decided to call their exchange company and see if they could get an upgrade to a three bedroom unit from the two bedroom unit that was reserved. Their exchange group was most co-operative after hearing the reason for this request and went out of their way to provide a three bedroom villa for Allen, his wife and family.

When word of this buzzed around the office building, others wanted to be a part of this gift to Allen. Sandy took up a collection and enough money was collected to cover the airfare for the family.

PRAYERS WERE SAID.........

For the first time in months, Allen was able to relax a bit. In his darkest moment, he confided in a friend and co-worker. He never expected that Mike and Marie, or for that matter, that anyone would care enough to send he and his wife away on a much needed vacation. HIS DEPRESSION started to lift.... HIS ATTITUDE changed.....

Instead of just giving up, he decided to make the most of every last moment with his family. He was going to fight for every last moment of his life.

When they returned from Florida, he felt so different.

He saw his Doctor and after more tests, surprising good news. He was in remission.

Allen saw the birth of his grandchild. He was there for his youngest child's graduation from high school. He had a new lease on life and lived for several more years.

THE OPEN WINDOW

Deep saddness....numbness.....disbelief.....she is not really there...........

These are some of the emotions of a new widow on her way to the funeral Mass of her soulmate of over 40 years. She was surrounded by family and friends. She was the ultimate hostess and mother, making sure that everyone was o.k and taken care of......This was not real. Tomorrow she would wake up to find out that this was a bad dream.

He was to be cremated. They did not have a burial plot. They thought that they had time. YEARS......

Little did they know that when they embraced, prior to leaving for the hospital, that he would not return. He hugged his daughter and said that he would see her in a few days.

He did not want his wife to drive him to the hospital at 4:O0 A.M. and told her to go back to bed. He would see her in the recovery room later that morning. A friend of his drove him to the hospital.

His surgeon told her that his operation was a success. BUT.....one hospital infection after another set in and then pneumonia. Her soulmate was dead.

Bill was a successful, unpretentious man of great humility. He was a good man. He was someone who did not want people to make a fuss over him. During his career, he had received much publicity and awards. He would credit others for his success. This was so like him and part of his charm.

When word of his death became known, people wanted to pay their respects. Most of their family and friends lived in other states but made arrangements to be either at his viewing and/or funeral Mass.

Chris made an appointment at a well respected funeral home to make final arrangements. The funeral director shortly became aware of who Bill was in life. He made a few suggestions and Chris gave him the go a head to do what was appropriate.

His funeral was far more than he would have planned for himself...he would have said, "why the fuss".......lighten up....He had an elegant send off.

Chris rushed from the house into the waiting limousine. She normally did not carry house keys. Her door opener was programmed to a device in her car. But, she was not driving.

After the Mass and reception, many out of town guests along with family and friends came back to their home to visit. Chris realized at this point that she had locked herself out. Numerous cars were arriving. Various people were walking around the house and looking for a way in. The place was locked up. No one could get in.

As people were milling around the front yard, one young man, noticed a second story window open a slight way. He brought this to Chris's attention. She shook her head and said that he was mistaken. That was her office window and it was never opened. It was always locked.

That window had a view that she enjoyed and so she had placed her leather top antique desk in front of it. She took great care of that desk and worked at it many hours during the day. She never opened the window. It was difficult to reach over the large desk.

But sure enough, the window was open a bit. ONLY THAT WINDOW......

Some of the men borrowed a tall ladder from a neighbor. Mike climbed the ladder to the cheers of those watching and was able to crawl through the window.

This diversion broke the somber mood of the people who gathered to continue the celebration of Bills life and to tell "Bill stories"

One could almost hear Bill say, "this is more like it"....."no more pomp and ceremony ". He always had a way to put people at ease.....Could this have been his way of making us laugh? LETTING US KNOW THAT HE WAS WATCHING OVER US?

Who opened that specific window? The window has been locked ever since......It was always locked before.........

Everyone exclaimed! "Bill did it"

KEPT SAFE IN HIS ARMS

The evening was supposed to be a fun filled evening. A few young men were out on the town. This was the beginning of spring and spirits ran high.

Sometime during the course of the evening, two good friends got into an argument. Jim decided to leave his friends rather than continue arguing.

THAT DECISION SAVED HIS LIFE......................

Later in the evening, the remaining friends were murdered. Shot down by someone not from the area........a senseless shooting.........

One can only imagine the thoughts going through Jim's head. The emotions that he experienced. He was alive, his friends were dead. The last conversation with his best friend was an argument.

Time passed and Jim looked into his inner self and developed a deeper spiritual awareness.

He could never take back the argument that transpired between he and his friend before the senseless murders. He had to live with that.

Jim was by himself, driving a compact car when he was involved in a car accident. He was not wearing a seat belt. The car was totaled. Broken glass everywhere. No one could survive this type of accident.........................

When Jim was extracted from his crushed vehicle, not only was he alive, but he had very few injuries...................

SOMEONE HELD HIM AND SHIELDED HIM INSIDE THE CAR.................. He saw his friend in the car with him. He felt someone holding him as the vehicle was destroyed.

His friend kept him safe........the memory of their last words spoken in anger was replaced by the wondrous act of his friend who came to him, protected him in his time of crisis.

Why was he saved? Why was his friend murdered?

I do not know Jim. I met him briefly when he was at work and he noticed the Cross that I always wear. A casual conversation relating to his job took place and then he shared this story with me. There is more to the story and at a later time, I may be able to expand on it........but first, I hope to meet Jim again......................

THE PILGRIM ROSARY

Dear Marie,

In July of 1959, Dolores and Steve were joined in marriage at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Plains, Pennsylvania.

In that same year of 1959, Pope John XXIII made an announcement calling for the first Ecumenical Council since 1870.

One of the invited delegates to this Ecumenical Council was Bishop Stefan Woznicki of the Diocese of Saginaw, Michigan.

While in Rome, Bishop Woznicki purchased a rosary as a wedding gift for Dolores and Steve.

Soon after, he met with Pope John XXIII and asked that his Holiness personally bless this rosary.

When the Bishop returned to the United States in 1960, he called for a meeting at the family homestead.

At this gathering, he presented the Blessed Rosary to Dolores and Steve.

In 1962, Pope John XXIII convened the Second Vatican Council in Rome.

In 1963, Pope John XXIII died.
In 1968, Bishop Woznicki died
In 1989, Dolores died

Since this Rosary has personal and historic significance, I would like you to accept, to keep and to protect this Rosary for as long as you are able.

Love,
Steve



Marie received this letter along with a package containing the rosary. She was delighted to be the recipient of this gift. She called Steve to thank him. In the ensuing conversation, he told her that when Dolores died, he put the rosary in a closet. He was very depressed at the time. The rosary stayed there for years.



He had forgotten about it. One day, as he was passing the closet, a strange feeling came over him. Someone needed help. It seemed as if the rosary was calling to him. He felt that someone needed help..He thought of Marie who had gone through difficult times. He decided to send this rosary to her.

Maries sister, Deb, was involved in a serious crisis at this time. Marie was aware of the problems in Debs life. She called her and said, "this rosary was meant for you".

Both sisters had been scheduled to meet in Colonial Williamsburg the next day and Marie would give her the rosary. Perfect timing, the rosary would be hand delivered rather than put into the mail.



Steve was told about this and decided to meet his sisters in Colonial Williamsburg. It was a wonderful family reunion. Marie gave the rosary to Deb. At that time, she said that this will be our Pilgrim Rosary. It will travel to the person in the family who needs it the most.

AND SO THE JOURNEY BEGAN...........



Deb prayed the rosary every single day. She carried it in her purse during the day and kept it under her pillow at night. This was a difficult time in her life and she needed help. And so she continued to pray. She prayed to the Blessed Mother and God. Her prayer was for strength to get through these difficult times. And also the wisdom to make good decisions that would have an impact on other lives.



Her prayers were answered. She received strength and guidance. There was light at the end of the tunnel. But............still .........things were not back to normal and never would be. She had to accept that. But prayer had helped her to accept.......



Marie had told her to keep the rosary until someone else asked for it. And so the rosary was with her in Mexico when she broke her leg.



The Orthopedic surgeon at the hospital told her that she would require surgery. She asked for another opinion before resorting to surgery in Mexico. While waiting for another Surgeon to arrive, she took out the GREEN CHRYSTAL ROSARY and started to pray for guidance. Her broken leg would heal one way or another in time. Actually in less time than the healing of her broken heart.



Simply concentrating on prayer kept her mind off of her painful broken leg. The color green of the rosary reminded her of peace and healing. She reflected on that as well.



Examination time again...........The second Orthopedic surgeon came in and felt that surgery was required. But then he paused, conferred with the first surgeon and said that he just had a fleeting thought. They re looked at the ex-rays and suggested an alternative course.



There was a slim possibility that they could set the leg and see if it would mend without surgery. The chances were slim but possible. If the setting and cast did not work, then the leg would have to be broken again and pins put in place. That would be done in the United-States.



Deb kept fingering the rosary and felt confident that setting the leg would work.



The Surgeons then asked her what color cast she would like to wear. She started to laugh. She only saw casts in white before. Now she had a choice. With the green rosary still in her hand, she said that she would like a GREEN cast. For peace and healing.



The green cast was put on and she returned to the resort where she was staying. Her green cast received many comments.
As did her wheelchair.


Her leg took longer than usual to heal but heal it did. She did not have to have it rebroken. It healed perfectly. Her heart was also starting to heal................



Marie called when she returned and asked her to send the Pilgrim Rosary on to someone who needed prayer and healing. This she did.



Weeks later, she received a phone call. Once again praying the rosary worked............



I believe that Steve died in 1999. He was pleased that Marie wanted to share this rosary with others but Marie is all about sharing in life. She is a very special woman and an inspiration to all who know her.

AN UNEXPECTED PRAYER

Sherry was a passenger in a vehicle that was involved in a multi-car accident. An uninsured driver, driving an uninsured vehicle passed a number of cars and hit a patch of black ice.

This vehicle started spinning out of control and numerous vehicles were caught up in this disaster on a very busy highway.

Sherry never expected to survive the onslaught of vehicles crashing into their car. She turned to her husband to say good-bye and to say I love you when she hit the windshield. She suffered serious injury that required years of therapy but they survived.

Miraculously, as one car was spinning around, Sherry's husband saw an opportunity to direct their vehicle to push this vehicle through the overpass and create a path for other vehicles to avoid crashing into them and crushing them. Their GUARDIAN ANGELS were with them.

Bob's quick response to a split second opportunity saved not only their lives but the lives of others.

Their car was totaled.........but then began the road to recovery.

They had excellent car insurance with a company that they had been loyal to their entire lives. Their insurance had to kick in since the person who caused the accident was UNINSURED. Most of what had to be taken care of insurance wise was handled in a professional manner but not all and legal action had to be taken.

It did not matter that they were long term policy holders. What mattered was that the company had to make good on the UNINSURED motorist portion of the policy and had to pay the claim without recourse to another insurance company.

She did not go into details, but felt so frustrated trying to resolve the insurance issue while trying to heal her body at the same time.

She was grateful for being alive. The car was replaced. Her body eventually would heal.

She had to speak to someone from the insurance company on one particular day when she was in intense pain.........the woman that she spoke to encouraged her and helped her with her concerns........FINALLY........

AND THEN AN UNEXPECTED LETTER ARRIVED......

Dear Sherry,

I wanted to let you know that I felt your soul cry. I wanted to encourage you. I know a man named, Jesus the Christ who came, bleed and died for reasons like this. As I sit here and thought of what you told me about your accident, I began to weep. Then I was reminded that in the Bible it says that "weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." I said this to encourage your soul. That if you believe that God is able to restore your body, He alone will do.

What I am going to do is to hold you up in prayer.

Father, in Jesus name bless Sherry. Father meet her physical and emotional needs, God for you alone are able to heal her bones, heart and soul. Father bless her indeed and enlarge her territory that your hand would be with her. Father bless all that come and reside in her house. For I know that you're able. AMEN.....

Sherry, I want you to trust that God would bless and heal you.


This letter came at a time when Sherry needed to hear this message. A stranger cared enough to reach out to her in prayer. Sherry was deeply touched and has kept this letter over the years. This customer service rep was a very caring person.



A STRANGER CARED ENOUGH TO REACH OUT........

This act of kindness has had far reaching results. Sherry and her friends reach out to others in kind and in prayer.

COMING HOME

Sandy was born and raised in the Catholic faith. She attended very conservative Catholic schools and was totally indoctrinated by those who taught her. She believed.......she trusted.....she never questioned.

As she grew older, graduated from college at a time when very few women attended college and married; she found that she had to open up her mind to the entire world around her; not just the protected world and years of childhood in the safe cocoon of home and Church.

Once she did that, she started to question some of what she was taught. Some of the scare tactics that kept one in line for fear of God and going to hell. She believed in a more loving God and had a hard time comprehending these scare tactics.

She also felt betrayed by two priests who she believed in. They did not practice what they were preaching.

And.....so like many others, she stopped going to Church.

Still that tug was there......she felt a void when she passed a Church and did not go in.

Years passed and this successful, intelligent woman no longer felt the tug nor the void. Her faith in God was still strong but not her belief in organized religion.

Her son loved the architecture of old Churches and every time that he would visit out of state, he would encourage her to visit different Churches with him. She agreed, but only AFTER Mass was over.

As he wandered in awe of the beauty of many of the old Churches, she reflected in prayer and found peace while meditating.

Soon she would stop in for a quick visit even when her son was not visiting. She did NOT attend Mass. She still felt a sense of betrayal. Her reasons were her own and as I was told her story, I did not question...........

She began to feel comfort in those visits.

A friend invited her to brunch one Sunday and suggested that they attend Mass together and then go to brunch.

It had been so, so many years since she had attended Mass.

As she listened to the homily, the Priest had mentioned some of the things that were taught in error due to misinformation and personal interpretation eons ago. They were some of the same things that she had questioned. The Priest talked about our loving Father who welcomes us with open, loving arms. With unconditional love........ This Priest touched her heart with his homily.

Brunch with her friend was great and also the ensuing conversation about the Church community that her friend belonged to.

Sandy decided to talk to the Pastor of the Church about her concerns. He helped her to see her concerns in a different light.

She made the decision to go to confession and attend Mass for a time. When she received Holy Communion; the Priest looked into her eyes when he said, "Body of Christ". He smiled as she answered, "Amen".

An overwhelming feeling of love for God and her fellowman came over her at that moment. SHE WAS BACK WHERE SHE BELONGED............

The celebration of the Mass was so different from the latin Mass of years ago. She listened to every word and reflected on what she heard. The first time that someone turned to her and offered their hand and said, "PEACE BE WITH YOU", she was not sure how to respond. Now that is a very favorite part of Mass for her.

People in the congregation turn to one another and say, "PEACE BE WITH YOU". Some people hug one another. There are many smiles as men, women and children express peace to one another. One can feel positive feelings of love and peace in this atmosphere.

Sandy felt so welcome. So much at home.

A friend invited her to brunch.......a kind, caring Priest answered her questions...members of the congregation wished her peace......

SHE CAME HOME TO THE CHURCH THAT SHE LEFT MANY YEARS AGO..........

A GIFT OF LOVE AND LIFE; AN ACT OF STRENGTH AND COURGAGE

The most difficult decision was to donate his skin to burn victims; one who was an infant.

Many years ago, I met a couple with four small children. We developed a life time friendship along with other young couples who had small children. This was a group of energetic, enthusiastic, fun loving, church going, community minded volunteer workers and most of all loving families who raised their children in a loving atmosphere.

We rejoiced in one an others success. We tried to comfort one another during times of loss. How can one comfort someone who has lost a child? Who has lost a spouse?

I would like to share the story of one special family at this time.

Vince was a sixteen year old who was returning home late one evening when he lost control over the car that he was driving. He hit a tree and died. He and his parents believed in organ donation. As most parents, they expected that Vince would be there to carry out their wish to be organ donors. Little did they know that he would pass on first.

He was a young man in good health and many lives were saved from his gift. His parents had never talked about or considered his skin. When they were approached about donating his skin as well, they needed to think long and hard. They made the decision to donate his skin to a number of burn victims.

They were made aware of the successful transplants and the lives that were saved as a result of being an organ donor.

Years passed and the memory of Vince remains strong in the hearts and minds of all those who loved this young man during his short life.

His parents had a very long and successful marriage, raised their other children and became proud grandparents. Now was the time to enjoy retirement.

For a short time they were able to do this, then Ron became ill. Last November, he passed away.

We live quite a distance away and the last time that I saw him was at my husbands memorial service. Ron and Sharon were a great comfort to me. I hope that in some small measure, I was a comfort to Sharon.

Sharon has a great sense of humor and she told me that Ron had always wanted to go to medical school and that he finally made it. As his final gift to his fellowman, his body was donated to the New York Medical College. I could hear her heart breaking as she told me this.......I could relate.......

I would like to quote from his obituary, "Ron's beautiful soul was revealed in his warm smile, the laughter in his eyes and his heart much bigger than his size. His sense of wonder and awe of nature, art, music and beauty was a gift to all who knew him."

I truly admire this family who firmly believed in helping others. Their unselfish love of their fellowman was shown first as an organ donor of their child and then Ron's desire to have his body donated to a medical college.

I googled information about the position of the Catholic Church concerning organ donation and donating ones body to science.

In an article published in 2005 titled Organ donation -- the life saving agreement by Brenda Rees she wrote: "The unselfish act of becoming an organ donor recently took on a new shine with the revelation that Pope Benedict XVI is the first Pope on record as being a card-caring organ donor." " To donate one's organs is an act of love that is morally licit, so long as it is free and spontaneous," he said. Pope John Paul II described organ donation as "everyday heroism".

Pope John Paul II's encyclical, Evangelium Vitae discusses this issue.

Ron has joined George as well as our other friends in Heaven. The legacys that they left behind are everlasting. The memories precious.

Grace Moments by Dolores Martin

Recently, I added the titles of a number of writings to the right side of this page. This was done at the request of some readers who wanted to share a specific story with someone without having to scroll down through all of the various stories.

Please look at the various titles and simply click on the one that you would like to read.

Many people have Grace Moments in their lives. Please contact me at dmdoloresmartin@gmail.com if you would like to share your story. Your story may just be the one that someone needs to read.

ARE YOU GOD?

Do you believe that I am? I believe with my whole heart that you are God. He replied, "THEN I AM".

Delia passed away on April 10. 2008. Her daughter, Diane, was at her side. Diane experienced a "revelation" at the time of her mother's passing.

Many of us who have lost loved ones can share experiences of what happens at the time of passing ( or as in my case, approximately one month later) For those of us who experienced a first, some question their sanity. The reality is that our loved ones are reaching out to us and letting us know that they are HOME and HAPPY.

We are all capable of receiving these messages, however, our minds must be open and receptive. In these stress filled times, that is difficult for many to do, but once it occurs........comforting messages are relayed to us.

I would like to share Diane's story with you.

Delia was dying of cancer. Diane was her caretaker during this difficult time. She rarely slept and tried to comfort her mother as best she could.

This was precious time spent with one another. Diane was going through difficult times of her own but her mother provided comfort that all would work itself out.

As the time of Delia's passing drew near, she was unconscious. In the wee hours of the morning, approximately 3 hours and 24 minutes before Delia died.........Diane saw angels surrounding her mother. She also saw deceased relatives surrounding her mother.

Another figure appeared. She could not see a face, simply a figure in a white robe with a gold crown on his head. She communicated, Are you God? The man replied, "Do you believe that I am? She replied, "I believe with my whole heart that you are God. He replied, "then I am".

She looked at her mother and saw a transformation and softening of facial features as her mother passed away. Her mother was 88 years of age but looked much younger as she passed. The wrinkles seemed to disappear, the pain was gone........her face had an express of pure joy.

Diane thought that she was going crazy. She relayed what happened to her friend Susan. Susan told her that her faith was strong and people of strong faith experience moments like this.

Her mother is HOME with our HEAVENLY FATHER. Diane is a peace knowing this.