Good Friends

It was a great Irish Wake, and my niece would have loved it.

Ironic that such words cross my iPad as I recall my reluctance to attend similar traditional observances of my childhood.

When I learned of Deb’s passing earlier this week, I immediately knew there was no possibility I could share in any goodbye, or observance that her beloved husband and children would arrange.

We live in different states, not neighboring.

And there is the stark reality of my age with all its physical limitations. I would not be able to travel and share their sorrow or provide any words of comfort

However, I, also, knew the grief I felt would not begin to subside without a celebration of Deborah’s life.

I felt a need to say goodbye, and I did not want to do it alone.

And so, I called the four friends I have made since I abandoned my world six years ago and moved to another State.

Although none ever met Deborah Dehont, I wanted to tell them of the joy she had given me throughout her lifetime.

Two of my guests are Christian, and the other two share a different Faith. Both are Jewish.

Accordingly, we combined the farewell tradition of both beliefs, a Shiva and an Irish Wake.

And as I shared the memories held in my heart, each of my friends opened theirs with generosity.

Arlene wore her Chai, which she explained means “Life.”

I realized that was in memory of Deborah who lived her time on earth well, sharing it with all who crossed her path.

Anne (with an e) spoke of her experiences as a Novice in a convent before leaving to pursue a medical career.

She touched briefly on the Church we once shared, and she now has chosen to abandon. Yet her words, her very presence, bound us with the communal belief we all hold in our Maker.

Shirley contributed a generosity of comfort not only with words, insight and wisdom, but the traditional gift of food.

Her exquisite tray of homemade chocolate was not only visually beautiful, but also, filled a hole in my hungry heart with love.

And Pat’s remembrance of a woman she had never met but learned more about this morning was an enrollment for prayers to be offered by the Capuchin Friars. I am grateful and I know they will be heard.

Indeed it was a great Irish Wake, and Deborah would have loved it.

But it also reminded me of another of God’s gifts, good friends both old and new.