Thursday, February 6, 2020
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Dear Cousins,
At nine years old I fell in love with Marie Ryan.My Mom (aka Aunt Sally) said that her kid brother(my namesake and godfather) would visit our family with his fiancee. We were curious.It was instant love for all of us.
I remember their marriage in St. Jerome's Church and the wedding reception that followed.I can still see and hear the newly weds dancing their first dance to a then popular song,"If you were the only girl in the world and I was the only boy..." It was an icon of the deep love that was so evident in their marriage.Many years later in Long Beach Hospital I would anoint my beloved Uncle Tommy and close his eyes--with tears flowing from my own. Etched in my memory is the cry of deep pain and grief when Aunt Marie first beheld her husband in the coffin.And this young widow would suffer the pang of more deep swords in her tender heart in the coming years.She never cursed God.Her lively faith and deep hope allowed her to be sustained by His sustaining grace.Her radiant love and joy were never shadowed by her suffering loss and pain. She was a brave and strong woman.
.Each time we spoke--as late as Christmas--she spoke of Uncle Tommy,her children,living and dead,and her grandchildren.She so loved you all.She was so proud of all of you. But she was anxious to see her family on the other side. She had complete confidence in Divine Mercy.She lived a saintly life and died a saintly death.She was a truly holy woman.
Now for the rest of the story--the best of her story "where eye has nor seen nor ear heard nor has it even entered into man's imagination what God has prepared for those who love Him." It all for you, Aunt Marie. Alleluia!!!
She would always end our conversations with,"I love you,Tommy." My refrain then, today and forever:"I love you, Aunt Marie."
Tuesday I offered Holy Mass for her. She remains in my prayers.I ask this good and holy woman--my precious and sweet and gentle Aunt Marie--- now to pray for me in the Kingdom.
Dear Cousins, you are in my prayers also during this time of painful loss.Always remember the deep faith and great example of your wonderful parents. Death is not the end of the story. One day we will be reunited in glory. Praise God in His Son's Resurrection that fills us with hope.
Now, with heads lifted high and hearts full of hope, thank God for your gift of such parents.Continue to make them proud
.
Fr. Tommy O'Connor Curley
