The day has been dragging on slowly. It began with an early funeral service for a woman of our parish. Her name is Rose. A very special lady who Ive known for many years. She had a great love of music of course, she played the church organ. She also had an amazing trust in God. I believe as most christians do that there is life after death and it is the resurrection that makes this possible. But Rose, not only did she believe she had a first class ticket to heaven, she believed that we would be celebrating her life today and throwing her one of the greatest services Ive ever witnessed or been a part of.

Rose since 2007 was battling Pancreatic cancer and this last week she went to our Pastor and said, Father, can you do the mass the way I want it? Of course he had no problem with that, though they didnt always see eye to eye on music. The music that was arranged for the service was all composed and written by this most talent woman. The readings and the hymns she selected. The most meticulous notes of the eucharistic prayers which the common ear never gives a second thought were composed by Rose. During the medication we sang a duet, the words of the song brought tears to my eyes and as her grandaughter trembled beside me.

The church was packed with family and friends. And one other thing that Rose would have loved to see, a full choir 20 strong singing her beautiful music. She is an amazing woman and I hope her life has only just begun.

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