I was not able to be with my father when he died 6 years ago today but Our Blessed Mother was. When I was little, my mother always taught me that I already have a mother in heaven, who would be there for me too, even after she and my dad were gone. It was a great comfort to me that if my dad had to die, as all men do, that he died on the day we celebrate the Blessed Mother's Birthday. If I was not there to hold his hand, she was. "Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, amen."
This window is in my church and I get to sit directly across from it every Sunday. It's my personal favorite. I only wish that I could take it from the right side, as in "real life" the light streams in in an ethereal way - which I just can't quite seem to capture without overexposing. The water, from that angle, almost looks like it's moving. Someday! I've been "saving" her to post today.
I've used this picture of my dad before, but it's too good not to use again.
Edward Henry Horn
June 18, 1932 - Sept. 8, 2001
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June 18, 1932 - Sept. 8, 2001
7 comments:
What a truly moving post! thanks for that...
He looks to have been an All-American-Hero. I agree with Jackie.
What a beautiful reflection Karen! I agree with both Jackie and Philip.
Thanks! Dad volunteered for service a few days after his 17th birthday (the minimum age you could go in with parental permission) -- just a few months before the Korean war started, then served his about 4 years, then he served in the Naval reserve for a number of years. When I was going through hi effects, I had found a little autograph book of his. In it they had a place for the student to put their favorite songs, teachers, etc. In "ambition" my dad wrote (age 12 or so) "be in Air force AND Navy) -- and he followed through on both. Dad was a radar man.
Lovely post. Thanks for sharing.
Very sweet post. Sad to hear about the anniversary of your father's passing. I was very close to my dad (a Navy man) and miss him every day. Reading this reminded me that my mother passed away 20 years ago on the 20th. The story your mother told you is wonderful and comforting. Will have to tell me kids something as gentle and sweet.
Swissmiss - yeah, my mom died 12 years ago this summer not long after her birthday - some days it's still like it was yesterday. How blessed I was that she instilled a very deep faith in my at a young age. I'd have been lost without her training. So simple, and direct. Just like the simple faith passed on from her old-world parents. My mother's parents (especially HER mother) came from a simple peasant background. When I was growing up, in my grandmother's house we would NEVER throw away bread crumbs. They were always carefully brushed from the plate and eaten - particularly blessed bread. My grandmother often baked homemade bread. Certainly when her own children were growing up - and often for the grandchildren.
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