I’ve had an incredible three days. I went to say goodbye to my dear prayer partner and friend of 23 years. His name is Paul. He was at home dying of Lymphoma and Leukemia and his liver and kidneys were failing. His lovely wife was by his side and his only son and his family were there to. My husband told me I had to go. He said, “If you don’t go kiss him goodbye, you will regret it.” I didn't at first think I needed to go. I knew where he was going. He was one of the holiest, humblest people I knew. Then his wife said, “I think you should come. Please come.” Five flights and a rainstorm and I arrived in Virginia from Billings, MT at 9:30 at night. His wife brought me to his side and whispered, “Marti’s here Paul, she made it here.” He didn't open his eyes. He simply said, “I’m glad you’re here.” The next morning I was up early and was looking at his bookcases filled with hundreds of books on the subject of Catholic Church teaching, Apparitions of the 20th Century, Medjugorje, Fatima, Garabandal, Rwanda and many others. There were a hundred video tapes of Marian Conferences and great speakers and CD’s and DVD’s enough to fill a library. When Paul’s wife got up she said, “Would you like to bring him some coffee? I walked in and he was propped up in bed because he cannot sit up or roll over and I cheerfully said, “Good morning sunshine!” “It’s about time” he said with a grin. He couldn't say much. His lung had collapsed and he had coughing fits if he said very much. A priest had come and left Jesus in a pyx on a small altar at the end of his bed. The perpetual light shone next to the little golden box that held the pyx that held Jesus. A beautiful crucifix was next to that and an Icon of our Lady and child was hanging above it. Later that day, I blessed Paul with the anointing oil that our Spiritual Father Bishop Roman Danylak had made himself on his stove. He had prayed and fasted for days while he slowly mixed the oil and herbs one at a time as he said exorcism prayers over it. I gave Paul communion and prayed a Chaplet of Divine Mercy with him. I felt like the luckiest woman in the world to have known him and his wife. He had told his wife he wanted me to have all his books, videos, CD’s and DVD’s and Icons I wanted. I walked away with three suitcases full and boxes to be mailed. I especially treasure the messages or ‘holy thoughts’ he received while before the Blessed Sacrament. We spent many hours on the phone talking about them and how good God was to us simple minded souls…We had traveled all over together. He was like a big brother. Sometimes like a father. But always a friend. He was the best friend I ever had. He was totally honest and sincere. We were both children of Mary and we accepted that role. We were always in awe of God's grace and the events happening daily. We traveled to Canada, Rome and all over the United States. Our spouses thanked God for our relationship because frankly, we were fanatics...and all we wanted to talk about was Jesus and Mary and the glory of God. My life is at a turning point now and I'm not sure what to do. I will never have another friend like him, but I do know God has a plan. I trust in Him. I called a few close friends and they spoke to him on speaker phone and said goodbye. Tears flowed, but the knowledge of Eternal life in front of us gave all of us such a sense of hope! I kissed him goodnight and told him I was leaving before he would wake up. I was there less than 24 hours. I told him to remember me when he came into the Kingdom. I told him I loved him and was blessed to know him. Tears ran down his cheeks and he said he loved me and that he would pray for me. I snuck in to say goodbye to his wife, sleeping at his side in her bed. She sat up and said, “You were such good, good friends Marti. Thank you for being his friend.” I then made the sign of the cross on his forehead as he slept and asked the angels to protect and fight for him. That God in his mercy might take him quickly and to hold his wife’s hand. Then I left. Knowing that I did the best I could. Now it was up to God. What a gift it was to be able to do that! On the way home I got a call on my phone from my friend Dick K. He is in his 80th year and he was one of the people who I had called to say goodbye to Paul. I’ve known him for about 20 years. When I got home I went straight to bed exhausted. I then was going to call Dick today about six different times. I finally go into my truck and put on my headset to talk on the phone and called him. He said, "Hey there Marti, How are ya!" I said, "I'm great now, I had a wonderful visit with Paul. I'm at peace and so is he." He said, "Where are you?" and I replied, "I'm getting water in my water truck." Then there was silence. I said, "Dick? Are you there? Hello?" He garbled something. I said, "Dick? Are you ok?" He garbled something. I knew immediately he was in trouble and having a stroke. He told me once a couple of years ago he was having small strokes. He had told someone else that also. I said, "Dick, you are having a stroke or a heart attack, sit down or lie down and hang up the phone if you can. I will call 911. Don't you worry, I will get help!" He hung up the phone and I immediately asked the angels to help me contact someone who could help and I called my friend who lives in the same town but far away from him and said, "I was on the phone with Dick. He has had a stroke or a heart attack. Please call 911 now!" She did. And she called a lady who lives near him. Apparently she went over and opened the door. The ambulance came and the flight for life was late getting there because they couldn't find the place. The guy said "He's plummeting." Meaning he is going fast. They have flown him to the hospital in a nearby city and his children have been notified. I pray he goes tonight. I pray he doesn't suffer. I pray that on this Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (WOW!!) HE IS WITH HIS BELOVED WIFE (who died a few years ago from Alzheimer’s disease) !! I never knew a man who loved his wife so much!! God bless him. I cannot believe the precise moment I called him this happened! Seriously---he could have ended up on the floor over night or for days. I said, "Boy, Paul is going to be surprised! He's going to say, "Hey! What are you doing here before me! I just talked with you the other day!" Our great Apostles of Mary are going. God be with them. God be with us! We have prayer warriors praying for the battle! May God grant them eternal rest and repose! God is SOOO merciful--may His name be praised forever! NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE ANGELS!! In His Mercy--marti--
I am still up--couldn't sleep-was answering cards for my Mom who also passed away. You sure did your best and now have friends in heaven surely. What a friend you were! My Mom also had the scapular and Rosary beads around her neck for years blind for 25 years and The Chaplet was finished and then she died-May they rest in peace. What a friend you had.God will bring more friends into your life.
Marti, what a sad but moving post mixed in with the joys of heaven...I swear your life is a walking movie script.
It really is Jimmiz. I wish I could write fast enough. Time is just passing and I say, who the heck would want to read this! But, from people in my life who see angels and demons, mystics who visit me, taking in families who need help, incredible miracles in my life and life changing conversions, Saintly priests and words from Jesus and Mary and dangerous situations like having the bomb squad come to our home, God waking me up with a gall bladder attack just in time to see a man walk into our back yard at 3am in the morning who was planning on breaking in our home, close calls and phone calls from my dead grandmother...and three spirit children my husband brought back with him from Korea...lol Yep, I lead an interesting life!
My lesson from all this is that the more we give the more we get given, Marti and I can see you gave a lot. A friend in heaven is a friend indeed. Proverbs [17:17] Friends always show their love. What are brothers for if not to share trouble?
Thanks so much for sharing - Look how the Lord is using you! Now, please take some time to show mercy to yourself. Kick back, rest and allow the Lord to fill you back up.
Sirach 6: 14 A faithful friend is a strong defense: and he that hath found him, hath found a treasure. 15 Nothing can be compared to a faithful friend, and no weight of gold and silver is able to countervail the goodness of his fidelity. 16 A faithful friend is the medicine of life and immortality: and they that fear the Lord, shall find him. 17 He that feareth God, shall likewise have good friendship: because according to him shall his friend be. May Our Lady cover Paul and Dick in her Mantle of maternal love and protection! For the sake of His sorrowful passion have mercy on Paul and Dick and the whole world!
Oh that is sooooo beautiful Mario! I don't think I've read that before, and if I have it now has new meaning! Thank you!! I will recite it at his funeral....
Such a heartfelt tale MS7. That was written with so much love for your friends. I'm moved whenever I read stories like this...
