Prayer:
   Eternal rest grant unto them oh Lord and may perpetual light shine upon them.

Gratitude:
   I have been to two funerals in one week.  Last Sunday I went to a memorial service at a Baptist church.  It was for a friend of my mother-in-laws- her name was N.  (don't want to put real names on the internet)  She was 89.  It was a wonderful tribute to a very special lady who touched many lives in her journey. 
  Today I went to mass of Christian Burial at my church of St. Elizabeths.  It was for a man I will call D.  I didn't know him that well but Tom liked talking to him after mass on Sundays.  I knew his wife a little more.  It was a wonderful celebration of his life which was very interesting.  He was 79.   I don't know  many people who have received all 7 sacraments in their life time.  He was a priest for 26 years then marrried in 1987 and had two daughters who are now college age. 
  I find comfort in the mass of Christian burial but it does bring sadness too.