... it's great to have beloved, memorized prayers to fall back on.
That's what I told my children, as we all tried to catch our breath, gasping, shaking and crying over the news of my dear sister Nonie's passing, just yesterday.
(She's gotta be gratified by just how miserable we are. And we truly are miserable, No'n.)
Our family's favorite prayer, handed down from my dad, is known as the "Power Pack." It's our go-to prayer in time of crisis. It's where I'm going today.
Here's another of my sisters, Trisha, recalling the prayer's origin, from a family website post 13 years ago:
I am so excited because I actually can submit a Dad story. Mom and Dad visited here today because they always liked me best and Dad told me the PP story. [Ed.: whatever you say, Trish :) ]
He was at a funeral for a cousin of Mom's (Leo Leary, perhaps) and three young freshly-ordained Franciscan priests were there (one of whom was Leo's son). Dad overheard the three whispering in the back of the vestibule. One asked the others, 'What do we do now?' and the response was, 'Well, I guess we should say one Our Father, three Hail Marys and a Glory Be.' Dad thought, "WOW! That must be a powerful combination!" and he has called it his Power Pack ever since.
I said a Power Pack for Nonie this morning. And I swear, she was right here saying it with me.
Miss you, Nonie. More than I can say.
Love you and I like you ... and I'll see you in the morning. :)
Sending hugs & prayers in this difficult time. XOXO Patti
Posted by: Patti Delgado | July 12, 2013 at 12:04 PM
Thanks, Patti. Your thoughtfulness means so much.
And if Nonie herself were to respond to this post, her exact words would be, "I just love that Aunt Patti!" :)
Posted by: Eileen | July 12, 2013 at 01:00 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss, Eileen. It's so good to be able to trust in Our Heavenly Father at such difficult times.
Posted by: Barbara | July 15, 2013 at 09:10 AM