Adam's funeral was this morning. 18 priests concelebrated the Mass. It was awesome. So many friends and family. Lots of tears and still unbelief that Adam is really gone from us. But what a beautiful way to say goodbye. The guys did so well. They all seemed to make it through the Mass with much composure. But at the grave site they seemed to realize that this was the final time they would be with their good friend. They let the tears flow and everyone knew how much Adam was loved and how much he will be missed. I have been so very impressed at this group of young men. They really do love each other and take great comfort in each other's company. Bede and I stood with parents of some of the boys and we all wept with them and for them. It is so hard to see their hearts broken. To know death at this age is unusual and I think very painful, more so than for those of us who have lived enough years to know that we are not long for this world. At 21, 22 years of age, life is forever, you are invincible, or so it should be. These good friends have been slapped by reality. No 21 year old should die. No child should die. Sadly life is not made up of what should be, but what is.
Next time you read in the paper or hear a news story on tv about a child who died, or a young man or woman who died, remember they were someones son, daughter, someones brother or sister, someones best friend. They were loved, and someone is full of sorrow. Pray for them, pray for all the souls who have died. Pray for those left behind. Then thank God for the great gift of family and friends. The great gift of life. Thank God for his love and mercy. Hug your children, your spouse. Love your neighbor and friends. Value the relationships we have been blessed to share. Every word spoken, every moment spent with another may be the last, so speak well and with love.
To have so many people feel such sadness speaks well to a life well lived. Even such a short life.
