From the desk of Paula

 

It is with profound sadness that I must tell you that my beloved brother Chris, age 55, lost his valiant battle with cancer on Wednesday, September 26th. He was, right to the end, faithful, grateful and hopeful. He had so much to live for, especially his wonderful wife Michele, and their daughter Janine.

Chris was many things to many people. But one thing he was to everyone was loving. He was kind, funny, loyal and full of life. His sense of humor was unmatched and with him right to the end. To me personally, he was more like a son than a brother. Our parents both worked, and back in the 50's, there were no laws about childcare. We had no babysitter. I, at 9, and he at 6, sort of just managed on our own. I was always there when he needed anything and that bond continued all throughout our lives. I was there during his long illness, doing everything within my power to help him heal. We tried everything conventional, alternative, nutritional and spiritual....left no stone unturned. There were, unfortunately, many medical errors involved and these caused a series of events which led to his deterioration and ultimately, his death. But until 2 days before his passing, we continued to work for and pray for, a miracle. Tragically, it was not meant to be. Although our prayers weren't answered in the way we had hoped, he was indeed, healed. Totally, physically, emotionally and spiritually healed, and for that I am forever grateful. Most of all, I am eternally grateful to have been with him when his journey ended, soothing and comforting him in his greatest time of need.

I wish you all could have met him because your lives would have been blessed as ours were. He was an accomplished musician (drummer), an incredibly talented artist (In the near future, I hope to be able to post photos of his many beautiful paintings and drawings), and hands down, the funniest man I have ever known. All throughout the weekend during his services, the common thread running through the conversations were about his humor. People told stories of how they used to stamp their feet, tears streaming down their faces as they begged him to stop because they were laughing so hard. Even the priest's eulogy included a poem about Smiles. His greatest purpose on his journey, in my opinion, was his role as a Peacemaker. Even as a child, he couldn't stand fighting and was always trying to negotiate or intervene so that relationships ran smoothly. As with all families, we had our share of squabbles and estrangements. It was his lifetime goal that we all be reunited in peace and harmony. That was achieved during his illness and tragic passing. I only wish he could have lived to enjoy it. But in my work, I have come to know about life after death, about the continuation of our lives from one form to another, and I know that he will be with us always, in times of joy as well as times of sorrow....certainly where we are right now.

A light has truly gone out of my life, but I have no doubt that the heavens are now dancing to the beat of a magnificent heart. Goodbye for now, my dear Chris, and know that we will be together again some day, and until then, rest in the arms of our loving Lord and Father.

 

"Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God".

Paula