I should be sad, but that would be selfish.
Instead, I am happy. Happy that I knew Father John Thomas, and happier still that I could call him my friend. His obituary does not tell the whole story http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12012/1202966-122.stm
But it's close.
How can you describe someone who is eternally positive? Joyful? Spirtual? To know him was a blessing and an honor. As my son just said, "He was the man."
I got a phone call late Sunday afternoon that he would not be with us much longer. I did two things: I immediately wrote a thank you letter then I drove to the hospice, and rang the doorbell. It was after 7 pm and they rang me in. I gave the letter to the nurses and trusted they would see he got it. I heard yesterday from a friend that his daughter read it to him. That simple act gave me so much joy.
Years ago, when I was struggling, something happened that seemed miraculous, almost too good to be true. My then husband had had a sudden change of heart, and felt that God was telling him to stay with his family and me. I was suspicious, disbelieving. Father John had been counseling me through the difficulty of that time, so naturally I went to see him. I told him the entire story: The sign on the side of the road, the blinding sunlight, how my husband felt dizzy and came to the new conclusion that our family belonged together. I looked at Father and asked him point blank, "Is it possible?" Father John never hesitated in his answer, "Why isn't it possible?" And then he did what he did best, he took my hand and we prayed.
I saw Father John on a cold morning in December. He knew of my recent breakup and how it was impacting my life. We sat in his office and talked. I told him that when the bottom fell out of my life in November and I got my bearings, it was my faith in God that made (and still makes) me believe everything will be okay. It will work out. I will be okay. I said that in spite of all that had happened, miracles in the form of blessings were happening almost every day. He smiled, took my hand, and we prayed.
After all, why isn't it possible?
It's something I ask myself all the time now... as long as you have God, why isn't it possible?
That's what Father John would have asked. And I like knowing that.
"Did you just say that?!" How often has that thought crossed your mind? For me, I think it may be daily. I keep a document on my desk top where I have noted these amazing statements. It's time to share.
Me: Hello, Comcast? It's 5 pm and you haven't arrived to fix our internet connection, and my 30+ co-workers are beginning to complain.
Comcast: Oh, we were there but we left because we couldn't find a place to park.
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Co-worker, looking at my ID badge: Susan is that you?
Me: Yes.
Co-worker: When was that picture taken?
Me: Last year.
Co-worker: I would not have recognized you - you have gained so much weight.
(Note: 4 pounds is NOT that much!)
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Date: I don't think I can go out with you again.
Me: Oh?
Date: With that gray hair, you look too much like my great Aunt Sarah.
(Note: I have since begun to die my hair... but not because of this ... um... date.)
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Help desk person: Are you satisfied with the outcome of this call?
Me: No.
Help desk person: What? Why not?
Me: You didn't solve my problem.
Help desk person: So are you satisfied with the outcome of this call?
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A few years back I worked retail for a Christmas season at Williams-Sonoma:
Me: May I help you find a gift?
Customer: Yea, what do you have for my aunt?
Me: And may I ask what she likes or what is your price range?
Customer: Nothing - I hate her and don't want to spend a dime.
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At a gas station one Friday morning before work:
Me: Hey, I think you're gonna hit my car.
HEY! You hit my car!
Girl: I don't know how that happened.
Me: Really? You drove too close, that's how that happened.
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In an email to request office supplies, I asked for Lysol wipes.
Me: Please send us 6 canisters of Lysol wipes.
Co-worker: I can't order those unless I have a picture to click on.
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In a different email to request office supplies, I needed writing pads. I ordered 3 dozen each of 8x11, 5x8 and steno pads. I received 3 DOZEN of DOZEN PACKS! For a whopping total of 432 EACH!
Co-worker: Well, you know, us older folks aren't good with higher math.
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After another email for supplies, I noticed our order was incomplete.
Me: I wanted to let you know we still haven't received our full order.
Co-worker: You can't expect me to keep track of that.
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My son is sitting in a History class when during a lecture about the French revolution, a classmate says to him:
Girl: Wait! Is he talking about Bonaparte or Dynamite?
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I think it's the little things like this that make life funny. Because if you can't laugh....
http://youtu.be/RP4abiHdQpc?t=13s
