The Lord has been preparing me for an unknown cross for some time, and on Thursday it became apparent in my soul that Friday, July 25th, the 40th Anniversary of Humanae, would be the beginning of this. Can I drink the cup? I wondered, remembering the Lord’s words to St. James, whose feast day it would be. At work we had put out a press release to the secular press, and in a town that likes to persecute my bishop and the Church, I was expecting that having my name as the interview contact would be the beginning of some semi-public persecution regarding Humanae Vitae, the Church, contraception and me in defense of Christ’s teaching.
It turns out that was far too wide a scope, and too high of a vain martyr’s hope. Instead, in came in the form of a call from my dad, sobbing my name over the cell phone. I have never in my life known my dad to cry in front of me, so I knew instantly what it was, and that my cross had come (or at least just begun). “Mom’s dead.” The cliches are the only apt expression–it was like a train ran me through. Her heart stopped suddenly and quietly late Friday morning while standing in the pool with her dog. My itinerant dad was in town and at home, right by her side, thanks be to God. The emergency and medical drama lasted an hour or so, and persisted into the afternoon until she’d posthumously received anointing, had a visit from the coroner (to make sure there wasn’t anything suspicious), and my dad met briefly with someone from the funeral home. The definite cause is not known, but my dad is fairly sure that she died in his arms, and that her death was nearly instant. The doctor thinks it may have been an abdominal aneurysm that ruptured so deeply that her heart was drained swiftly. She was only 55.
Though my heart is broken and death casts a deep shadow over my soul, God has sent many little consolations in this desert time, and for that I’m grateful. This woman who was plagued by many secret sufferings, but found her consolation in the images of angels, was buried on the feast of Our Lady of the Angels.
Eternal Rest grant unto her…and let perpetual light shine upon her.
17 Responses to Humanae Vitae & death
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I’m sorry for your (and your Fathers) loss.
Our prayers are with her, and your family.
Blessings through our Lord and Savior,
Tim
May she rest in peace.
I’m so sorry sorry for your loss. The pain must be very difficult to bear. I appreciate your courage in sharing this with the rest of us and admire your strength. You and your father are in my prayers.
You have my condolences.
If you would be so kind as to email me with her name, I would be very pleased to have a Mass offered for the repose of her soul.
Doing so for my grandfather (who passed a month ago) has brought me much peace.
ASimpleSinner@Gmail.com
You are all in my prayers.
My prayers are with you and your family. My heart goes out to you. Jeanne
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I will pray for you throughout this day. I appreciate this forum for NFP. It has strenghen my resolve to continue practicing NFP with joy and patience.
Prayers, Love, and Hugs to you and your family from all of us.
Thank you so much everyone. I have my moments where I’m chipper and balanced, as well as some very lonely and sorrowful moments, so I’m grateful for your prayers, particularly for the repose of my mother’s soul and for my grieving father. Pax Domini.
praying for your mom’s soul, and your family in this time.
May the grace of God, the love of Christ, and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you and your family.
I am praying for you and your dad and the repose of your mother’s soul. What a difficult time. Hang in there!
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I know that in a deep and profound way your mother will be addition to the angels and saints protecting you. I know that is small consolation now. Thanking you for setting up this blog your a breath of fresh air. I know that your Mother must be so proud of you. L.o.l and prayers
I have been praying for you since I received your out-of-the-office e-mail about a death in the family, but I didn’t realize that it was your mother that passed away. I will double my efforts to pray for the soul of your mom, Renee, and for you and your family. Please except my sincerest condolences. May God make beautiful things possible through this incredible sadness. His Peace be with you.
His perfection shines through our weakness….you are and will continue to be in my prayers! He will bless you through this as He has already. Keep your chin up, and keep the faith!
Amen, Laura. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement!
I came upon this late, but I felt I had to say something. My condolences to you and yours for the loss of a loved one.
Thank you so much, Chris.