I relaxed this morning and just stayed in my suite. At 11am, I headed out to Leisure World to pick up Barbara Ostrye and Addie Luftus, two old friends of mine who live out there. We went to lunch and talked and laughted and had a great time. We solved many of the problems of the Church.
Martino was kind enough to take exposition for me and so I didn’t have to rush back. I didn’t get back till almost 4pm.
I had the 5:30pm Mass, which was for Michelle Heidenberger. She was a parishioner who was a flight attendant on the plane that flew into the pentagon. I didn’t know her but I know her husband and some neighbors and they were at Mass and it went well. It really was a day – all day – when we thought of that horrible day 11 years ago. We pray that such horror may never come again.
Since I was out for lunch, I had turned off my cell phone and didn’t turn it back on until after Mass. I had lots of missed calls.
When I was in my office, Fr. Ron came in and closed the door. He said, “While you were out, you had some phone calls. It was sad news from the South. It was from Georgia. Jesus came and took your sister, Maureen home to heaven” He was very kind and although I was shocked, he helped me a great deal.
God is very good. Yesterday, Rick, her husband, called me from a parking lot – because he didn’t want her to know he was calling. He told me that she was having real difficulties breathing and he was worried about her. I called her – not letting her know Rick and I had talked – and we had a wonderful converdation. She was going to Atlanta for a treatment and said she’d call me on Tuesday night and let me know how it had gone. We closed with what has become – since September 11, 2001 – not “Goodbye” but “I love you”
Tonight, I spoke with Rick, who was with her in Atlanta. He said, it was going badly when she got there. She just couldn’t get her breath. The doctors later told Rick that she was on 100% oxygen but that the fibrosis of her lungs were so harded, she just couldn’t breath. It is hard for all of us, expecially Rick and the boys and their families, but all of us believe that she is with Jesus and that brings some comfort.
Don’t know what arrangements will be made but I know it will be in Georgia, her home. Keep everyone in your prayers.
Maury, I can’t tell you how sorry I was to hear this news. I know Maureen has been struggling, but I had such high hopes for this new treatment. Know that you and the rest of your family will be held in prayer as I give a series of workshops this week in the Diocese of Owensboro.
Call me when you get a chance.
Much love!
Maury, It is with deep sadness that I read of your sister’s death. May God keep you and your family in his loving embrace and may your sister shine in splendor in her heavenly Home. Much peace and love to you.
Helena just sent us a text telling us of Maureen’s death. (She knows we probably wouldn’t have seen your 9/11 post).
Our hearts ache for you and your family. We’re so glad you have had some extended quality time with Maureen and your sisters in recent years. With your diagnosis she knew you understood how she felt and what she was going through.
Like you, we thought the specialists would be able to make her breathing less labored and improve her quality of life. Unfortunately, that quality of life wasn’t to be here on earth. Her quality of New Life is better than anyone can imagine!
We love you.
Sheila and Keith
Maury,
Kathy and I are so sorry to hear about Maureen. You and your family will be in our prayers during this difficult time. We will always remember the great time we had together on the cruise last year.
All our love.
Dave and Kathy
We are so very sorry to hear about the passing of your sister. You and your family will be in our prayers. Sending lots of love and hugs your way.
My heart goes out to you and your family. I will keep you all in my prayers. Death is always a shock if it is sudden or expecting it with illness. Loosing a sibling is a hard one to take but just knowing she is in a beter place and in the arms of our Lord brings comfort.
Love,
Ed and Jeanne
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss. May the wonderful memories help keep you strong throughout the rough days ahead. Hugs and prayers to you!!!
I am so sorry to hear about Maureen’s passing. I don’t have the right words to say right now. I pray that God will comfort all of you.
Maury
I was so sorry to hear about Maureen. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Maureen is at rest without having to fight to breath. I’m sure you have lots of memories of time spent with her and that wii help you get through.
Love
Gail