Posted: 11/2/2014 7:54:06 PM EDT
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My Dad passed away this morning due to complications from pneumonia.
In college, he was scouted by the Boston Red Sox and the Celtics, but he always wanted to do more for others than for himself. Instead of following a path to become a sports hero, he went into seminary and became an Episcopal priest. He is the man who taught me right from wrong. He showed me how to be courageous--he marched with Dr. Martin Luther King in the 60s for civil rights despite the klansmen lining the streets, throwing trash and spewing hate. He ministered to soldiers returning from Korea, Vietnam and as recently as Desert Shield/Storm. He listened to broken men talk about horrors of war that he couldn't even begin to understand. Despite this, he supported my decision to join the military because he understood that it was my calling, just as the priesthood was his. He was always there when I needed him. He had a laundry list of medical problems--stroke, torn mitral valve, diabetes, Alzheimer's.... His last 2 years were spent bedridden or in a wheel chair. I saw him 20 days ago as he was going in for a surgery. I'm glad I got to tell him that I love him. The prayer request isn't for my Dad--he's gone home and his suffering has ended. Please pray for my Mom, my brothers, my sister and for me so that we can accept our loss, and know that we'll be reunited when our own time comes. I'll miss you Pop. |
And stand tall knowing that you carry on what he taught you.