The other day Dad and I went to an anniversary mass
for his brother in law,
I went because dad had catharact  removed from his eye
and he is unable to drive for a few weeks,
anyway, my uncle who I never knew had died 44yrs ago.

His family remembered him every day I suppose,
but every year they held a family mass,
it was held in one of the childrens' homes,
I had never gone before, or not that I remember anyway,
but Mam and Dad regularly went, it was hard for dad to go,
I think, but hard for him not too, so we went.

It was very nice, and personal and homily, I liked it alot.
I think its a lovely idea.
Maybe we will try it, (I'll have to get friendly with a priest though)
Seriously, It was lovely.

Anyway, my cousin and I were chatting,
he asked me how was dad doing and how was I
doing, I said the usual standard, you know okay,
its hard sometimes, Dad misses mam so much,
I miss her alot, then he said to me.

You are so lucky, Maria, I have no memories,
I dont remember dad, I wish I could say things about
him, about what I miss, things that I remember,
but I have nothing like that.
He was about five when his dad died,
I told him I was so sorry for him, and he was right,
I was lucky, I had mam for so long, and had such,
good and funny, happy, sad, hilarious, beautiful memories of her,
and those were the parts she left me, left us all.

I hope and pray I can rejoice in them, and count them
for blessings that they are, and be glad of them.


M.