Nov. 2, 2023-After my Mom’s Memorial Mass-going forward with Justice

Life - Musings, Reflections and Stories

My thoughts on going forward with Justice. Staying Silent: Not to speak is to speak volumes – which means if we stay Silent – you will then be an accomplice to injustice; staying silent speaks volumes that you are trying to hide your head in the sand when you know something isn’t right; staying silent means you are agreeing to hate, lies, slander against yourself or others if you or others are being bullied or harmed with words or by actions of others; staying silent means you’re scared but actually speaking up gives you power, strength, a shaky confidence to fight for what is right; to fight for injustice against yourself or injustice against others who are being hurt or manipulated to hurt others but in the end, they get hurt themselves. By wanting peace sometimes costs more to yourself because you’re not standing up for yourself or others who are getting hurt. Walking away sometimes isn’t the answer when you think you have peace in your life, but you know others are being hurt and down deep in your heart, you know that isn’t right. Peace means sometimes, you have to speak – to speak up for yourself – or to speak up for others who can’t – who might be elderly, frail, beaten up in their minds, body and soul. This podcast is personal and are my recollections of my last gift for my Mom. She wanted her funeral to be at her beloved church of St. Kevin’s Parish in Val Therese, Ontario, but that was denied to her by her two sons. My dad’s funeral was there in a church they both helped to build and she wanted her funeral there as well. So, I paid for (and with the help of others-Tx, Jess) a beautiful Memorial Mass for my Mom on October 21, 2023 at her parish of forty-seven years at St. Kevin’s Parish. Eighty-one people came for the Mass and then seventy-five stayed for the Luncheon which so many contributed foods to. Thank you to all who helped me to do this honour for my Mom. The priest was wonderful, kind and understanding and the C.W.L. (Catholic Women’s League) ladies helped with the luncheon and read two with the Readings. Our kids and grandkids were represented by our daughter, Chanelle while she recited her Eulogy; my youngest brother, Patrick – represented himself and me as two of my parents’ six kids during his Eulogy. It was all so emotional but beautiful. My stepson, Rob and our daughter, Chanelle and my husband, Mike sang and played guitar for six songs during and after the Mass. That was so beautiful as my parents loved when our family sang to them and they loved music. I read the first Reading which I loved to do for my Mom during the Mass. We brought pictures of my Mom and one framed picture of my Mom with my Dad; some special specific items, some of the many floral arrangements we received to surround a small table near the Altar. I had designed a Memorial Picture card with my own obituary written for my Mom and also copied two pictures from the Funeral card (from Oct. 10, 2023) and then placed my Memorial Card in individual envelopes (which were my Mom’s at one time) for all to take home to read along with a plant clipping from the three plants I have that my Mother gave me, many years ago, so everyone can take a piece of “Sue” home with them. This plant will grow and grow as a reminder of my Mom who loved gardening. After the Mass and after the luncheon, we invited people to our home for a spaghetti dinner later on with singing of songs and a celebration of my Mom and my Dad’s life. I know they would’ve loved this party for them; they would’ve loved the singing and music, the abundance of foods and desserts, the joking around, the little kids running around, the family and friends atmosphere to remember them – who loved their family. Going forward… justice has to be served.