All Saints

I went to early Mass this morning, which turned out to be a good call because only about 40 people showed up. Sadly, with as much money as I give my Church, they couldn't see fit to turn the heat on and it was ass-freeze temperature in that big, bad stonewalled cathedral. But I stuck it out - even through the closing prayer. I normally skip out after communion, but Father Fitzpatrick once busted us doing that and announced to the entire congregation, "Well, lest we forget that Judas was the first to leave also".

Anyway, Father Cordoba had a very interesting little homily. He started off reminding his flock as to why we were there, 6:45 in the A.M., freezing our prementioned asses off... We are asked to remember the saints, and not just those whom stories were written about or the ones who have been canonized. He asked us to think of someone we considered a saint and to focus on that person.

Just then, the sun came up and the rays illuminated through the massive stained glass above the altar. The priest said, "I always remember my dad. He was the kindest person I ever knew. He had the most amazing laugh and hearing it made us all laugh with him. I miss him every day, but on All Saints Day is when I feel him with me."

Well, that was it for me. At that moment, I suddenly started whimpering like a three-year old because I truly felt the prescence of my Grandfather. He was there in the Cathedral, laughing his laugh, and dipping a spoon covered with peanut butter into a bag of chocolate chips. What an amazing moment, especially considering he passed away 14 years ago today.

It was so good to see you again, Grampy.


Then, Father Cordoba said, "And I remember my mother's sister. A lovely woman, stern, but caring and never selfish", and suddenly the tears turned to mortal fear as my Aunt Doris showed up and smacked me on the back of my head for not remembering her first.


Two of My Favourite Saints




To all those who have passed that I knew and loved (to include my Booja, Markie, Linus, Snatch, Mortica, Cleo, and everyone else), Happy Saints Day.