Monday, September 22, 2008

The Wake, The Funeral

Fr. O'Brien's wake was from 3 to 7 PM last night. There was an influx of nonstop visitors: Old, young, parishioners, neighbors, friends, family, everybody. There were tears, prayers, hushed conversations, stories, pictures, and laughter. The evening ended with the rosary; A fitting send off into the arms of our mother.

I brought my camera, but never took it out. The moments went unrecorded except in the hearts of those in attendance. But I want one shot today. To arrive early and to get a picture of the empty church. Father's casket lying before the altar.

The girls are coming today. Opting out of school, and playing with friends. To sit one last time with the priest that lead them in the Halloween parade and whom threw the best parish picnic ever... their words.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

i'm so sorry you lost your priest, Patty. you're writing is lovely.