Our Sarah -- A Life Well Lived

     Thanksgiving was just around the corner, and Sarah continued to ‘hold court’ with all family members who visited. I had made my plane reservations and was counting the days, like a child waiting for Christmas, till my visit December 10th to the 15th. 

     Praise be to God; Sarah was really good and enjoyed everyone’s presence so much that it seemed to lend to her wellbeing. Her joy was then contagious to those around her.

     Her children and their families were all coming for Thanksgiving. There would also be two birthday celebrations, to add to the festivities. Everyone would help with the feast and Sarah of course, would supervise, making sure everything was prepared to her liking.

     Sarah’s three oldest grandchildren surprised her with a visit the day before Thanksgiving. This truly delighted her as she sat there with her twelve grandchildren, soaking in joy, love and activity that filled her home and heart. 

     The day to ‘give thanks’ came, and boy did they give thanks for Sarah’s presence. Realizing this would probably be her last Thanksgiving, they wanted to make the most of it. There was feasting, laughter and love, served to all present.

     At this point, the idea and hope, that just maybe she would make it to Christmas was starting to grow in all of our minds and hearts. Although Sarah was limited by what she was able to do, her presence was vibrant and full of life! She was truly living in the present moment and enjoying every bit of it, as she gave thanks and praise to God.

     The visit with her children and their families was wonderful; so many memories to cherish. Before leaving, Sarah’s daughters Miriam and Rina decided to decorate for Christmas. What joy this brought to Sarah. She loved Christmas and was delighted to orchestrate the decorating as each piece was taken from its box. Miriam took a picture of her parents in front of the beautifully decorated tree: Sarah glowed, and David looked so happy, holding his dear wife close to his heart!

     Long hugs and kisses were exchanged as each family member departed. Things would be quiet for a number of days until the next guests arrived.

     Sarah wanted to take advantage of this time to do her Christmas shopping online. She was on a mission to have something for everyone on her list. She also wanted to schedule a visit from her pastor, to have her confession heard and administer to her the Sacrament of the Sick. As usual, Miriam took care of every detail while also attending to Sarah’s needs with love. 

     Our brother Jacob and his wife, Nora, arrived on the 30th of November. They were pleased to see how great Sarah seemed! They sat in the kitchen chatting while having dinner and soaked in her presence as she told stories and laughed.

     Father Peter was coming a little later to visit and give Sarah the sacraments she so yearned to receive. She was well aware of keeping her soul in as good a shape as possible, and Father was happy to fulfill her requests. Father stayed for a visit, and it was a delightful evening for all.

     It was now December 1st…nine days away from my visit! I was making sure I was prepared for Christmas before my departure, and ‘fitting in’ my routine doctor appointments, as well as tests needed before the end of the year.

     Sarah was on my mind so much that day. Although we had spoken a good bit before her company arrived, I felt like I wanted to ‘touch base’ with her. I hated taking her time away from others while they visited, and I felt like it was more important for her children to talk to her. I decided to let it go and speak with her another time.

     At 8:30 that evening, I received a text from Miriam: on our way to the E.R. Somethings up with Mom. Will keep you in the loop. Please pray!

     My heart sunk! I felt like this could be the beginning of the end. Sarah’s daughter-in-law said something like this could happen. It’s totally out of our hands. We immediately turned to prayer!

     Miriam was so good at letting us know what was happening; each test, along with the results and the updates, as the evening progressed. In between tests, Sarah realized she had not said her Divine Mercy that day. She asked her husband David, and her daughter Miriam, if they would pray it with her. Unbeknown to them, Sarah’s children and their spouses were praying it for her as well, in their homes. Sarah had been a Divine Mercy Apostle for many years, and she would not miss benefitting the promises of the devotion: Jesus had told St. Faustina that “whoever will recite it, will receive great mercy at the hour of death.”

     It was some time after midnight when the medical team believed Sarah was stable and could be discharged to go home. It would take some time, but she would eventually be discharged. I was pleased for all of them. Sarah would be more comfortable in her home and could rest more easily.

     Being so far away was difficult. I could not sleep. I prayed rosary after rosary, and Divine Mercy after Divine Mercy. I sent my angel to be with Sarah since I could not be there. I wondered how she was doing and if she had been discharged yet. 

    Shortly after 2 A.M., my cellphone lit up. I could see my brother’s name. I grabbed my phone, but we got disconnected. When I called back, I heard Miriam’s voice. “Mom’s gone!”, she sobbed. “Mom’s gone!” I couldn’t believe my ears. Stunned, I asked what happened. I honestly can’t remember if she told me or if my brother got on the phone and told me what had happened. 

     How could this be so? She was sent home and it seemed like the danger had passed. That is what we all thought.

     But God saw things differently. As Miriam was getting Sarah ready for bed, something was not right. She called for her dad. Sarah passed shortly thereafter, from this life to eternal life, while being held in the loving arms of both David and Miriam. 

     The inevitable happened…and we were not at all emotionally prepared for it. Sarah had managed to live her life fully till the end and somehow, it felt like this would never happen.

     A call to Father Peter was made and he came to anoint her once again. He prayed a Divine Mercy with David and Miriam, in the presence of Sarah. Father stayed for hours and comforted them and did what he could to bring God’s peace to all present.

     Funeral arrangements were made; December 9 at Sarah’s parish. December 11, up north.

     The church was packed! Sarah had been an active member of St. Mary’s since their arrival, almost thirty years ago. She participated in almost everything and delighted in serving both God and His Church. She had made so many dear friends, who were more like family to her. They would not miss the chance to pay tribute to Sarah by attending her funeral Mass. They had shared so much together and supported each other both in good and difficult times.

     Sarah’s Mass was beautiful. Father Peter was so reverent and prayed with such sincerity. It was a solemn Mass, with chanted music. Father’s homily was moving and very personal. He made it clear that he knew Sarah well and admired her for her strong faith. He commended the way she lived that faith in her daily life and most especially throughout her long illness. He then directed his words to a lighter side which brought levity to the congregation. He told us that Sarah was the first parishioner he met when he came there, which brought a smile to our faces. That was Sarah’s way.  She was the first to welcome him to the parish and pledged her support and help in any way that was needed. 

     The altar servers for the Mass were two of Sarah’s grandchildren, and her daughter-in-law was the lector and proclaimed God’s word. All did a beautiful job!

     They hosted a luncheon afterwards and the whole congregation was invited. The Southern hospitality was so refreshing, and the food and desserts were plentiful!

     I had met a good number of Sarah’s friends from time to time when I’d visit, and it was great to see them again. Sarah was the biggest booster of ‘Avia Joy’ and had shared my blog with them. It had been some time since I had published anything and many of them wanted to know why. I really didn’t have an answer and told them to pray for inspiration for me. They shared with me the way ‘Avia’ had helped them on their life’s journey and encouraged me to begin to write again. 

     I was standing with my niece Miriam when another of Sarah’s friend came up to me and said the same thing. “I think Mom is trying to tell you something,” Auntie! We both laughed and could imagine Sarah smiling down on us.

     We went back to ‘Sarah’s’ after the luncheon. Although the whole house was filled with people, somehow it felt empty without her presence. Miriam suggested I spend some time ‘with Sarah’ on her prayer chair. Sarah had spent countless hours in prayer on that chair and her presence was palpable. Tears streamed down my face as I touched the fabric of the chair and drank in her presence. 

     Although it helped, it was at the same time bittersweet. We had this funeral behind us and another to attend in two days, after a long ride home. 

     David, Sarah’s husband, as well as their children and their spouses, traveled north for her Memorial Mass. 

     We had a visitation time before the Mass and greeted hundreds of people who were mourning the great loss of Sarah…so many memories shared…and much love poured out…tears shed.

    The Mass was beautiful: the music, the readings, all chosen by Sarah and a testimony to her life and strong faith. Sarah’s siblings and godchildren did the readings, prayer of the faithful, and brought up the gifts, and the eulogy. The organist was wonderful, and the cantor had the voice of an angel. 

     My pastor knew Sarah personally for many years and gave a homily that was both touching and comforting to all. The eulogy touched on all aspects of Sarah’s life, which was all tied together by her Catholic faith which guided all her actions. 

     Sarah had been an inspiration to so many and a light that shone through the darkness of a dreadful disease. She and all of us, were grateful for all the extra time God had granted to her and for feeling well enough to live her life fully…even till the end. Sarah lived her life with grace and joy and brought that joy to so many, family, friends and strangers, along the way.

     We all have a hole in our hearts with Sarah’s passing and miss her terribly. But we must remember, she is with us in a different way. Let us continue to talk to her often and ask her to beseech all in heaven, for the intentions of our hearts. Afterall, she is a mover and a shaker and once she takes on a mission, she will not stop till it is accomplished. 

     Like Sarah, let us fix our eyes on heaven, our true home, and live our lives as she did, to be united with her one day. 

     Sarah, we love you! We miss you! Please pray for us and know we will pray for you!