The Internment

 It will be six years in October since my Mother passed away, and four years since my husband passed. So it may seem strange  it was only today they were both interred. Their final resting place some might say

                                                      

I suppose the long wait in keeping their urns was because I felt I still had some control; like it was up to me to guard what remained of them - my beloved Mother and darling husband. To keep them close. Even though my faith tells me, and I truly believe their resurrected bodies renewed and made whole are at peace in the Heavenly realm, that their spirit is always with me I still couldn’t surrender them, let them go to a new location, a different resting place not our home where we shared so many happy times. Where there was so much love.  

But slowly my thinking changed. I say God’s grace, His patient guidance. I began to wonder what would happen to their ashes  after my passing. Or if an urn got broken, or misplaced.  Is that a responsibility I wanted to leave my sons? The answer was no. 

I made an appointment to talk with my Pastor. With  his understanding, and kind pastoral counseling we chose a niche 

in the Columbarium at Holy Family Catholic Church ( my parish 

church)  and picked a date. Today, August 1.

Mass was celebrated in remembrance of Mom and Gary. I didn’t share with many about what was taking place. Only my sons, Garrett and Gavin, and a few friends. Because Gavin and Garrett live a long way away in different states, I told them it wasn’t necessary for them to be here. I was keeping this as a private, solitary happening. But to my great surprise, long time family friend, Jeanne Joly walked into the church. Tears welled in my eyes when I saw her.  It seemed so right she was there. My Mother and Gary both died at home. Heartbroken and sad, it was Jeanne I called. She came immediately to hug me through my tears. To wait, and watch with me as the mortuary 

came to take my departed loved ones away.  And now here she was again to sit with me while I shed more tears, and say another goodbye to Mom and Gary. 

In her words, I came to say a final farewell to my dear friend, Lenora and to Gary. 

How very pleased my Mother and Gary would be. And so endearing

 to me.

Father Jeff Core also invited a few devout daily Mass goers to join us. Most,  friends from our Monday prayer group. At the Columbarium  Father prayed the traditional prayers for the dead, Eternal rest grant unto them, May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed , through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. And he blessed the urns and gently placed them inside the niche. He then closed the door inscribed with the nameplate; Mom and Gary’s remains now there for perpetuity. On holy ground. Near the House of God. 

…. And forever in my heart.

 Bound together for all eternity; a never ending love