While sisters Noemy and Gaby arranged dad’s wake service and funeral mass back home, I coordinated things in Miami with Jorge, who happened to be with us that week, and he stayed with David at the hospital. Mom flew back to Orlando and chose the scripture readings, the music and prayer for the memorial card.
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Coming into the house was difficult. Where we had gathered 6 weeks ago to celebrate my graduation, we now mourned our father’s passing. Hearts were heavy. Not having to think what to wear - just anything black - was such a relief. All I wanted to do was to see him at the funeral home.
Rev. Fidel Rodriguez The funeral mass at Sts. Peter & Paul was solemnized by Father Fidel, who God had used in such a jubilant way to welcome my father back to church. Dad had been longing to fully participate in mass and after a long visit with Fr. Fidel, he renewed his spirit at church and met wonderful people in his new faith community. At the mass, in a heartfelt manner, Fr. Fidel conveyed dad’s God-given gifts and how he shared that gift with others, how an earthly journey ended and a new life in God began. His prayers filled us with hope and his compassion demonstrated the unique bond they had built with each other.
Family and friends came to DeGusipe Funeral home in Maitland to say their goodbyes and accompany us in prayer and solidarity. As I walked towards the casket where dad laid so handsomely dressed in a white suit with David’s wooden cross in his hands, my heart pounded stronger and stronger as I got closer. On my drive from Miami, I thought of what I wanted to say. But then, as I kneeled in front of his body, I didn’t say anything. The experience substantiated what I had learned - that human souls are separated from their bodies when we die. I know it may sound strange but I was taken back for a moment. Dad wasn’t there. I don’t know or recall what I had anticipated but the experience completely transformed my perspective of life and death. Maybe it was because dad’s funeral was the first one I had ever attended of a close loved one.
My sisters had arranged a table with some of dad’s special belongings and a breathtaking power point, with lots of pictures, which included everyone.
I reflected on what I had learned and believed how when we die, we return to the point of origin, with our Creator. How saints believed they would meet their loved ones in heaven or pick them up to bring them to heaven. For example, “on her death bed, St. Thérèse of Lisieux promised her Sisters: “I’ll still be even more with you than I was before; I’ll not leave you. I will watch over Uncle and Aunt, over my little Lèonie, over all of you. When they are ready to enter heaven, I’ll go very quickly to meet them.” (The Integrated Catholic Faith, Sr. Marie Morgan, OSF).
My sisters had arranged a table with some of dad’s special belongings and a breathtaking power point, with lots of pictures, which included everyone.
I reflected on what I had learned and believed how when we die, we return to the point of origin, with our Creator. How saints believed they would meet their loved ones in heaven or pick them up to bring them to heaven. For example, “on her death bed, St. Thérèse of Lisieux promised her Sisters: “I’ll still be even more with you than I was before; I’ll not leave you. I will watch over Uncle and Aunt, over my little Lèonie, over all of you. When they are ready to enter heaven, I’ll go very quickly to meet them.” (The Integrated Catholic Faith, Sr. Marie Morgan, OSF).
Deacon Scott Lindeman Sts. Peter & Paul’s Deacon Scott officiated the service with genuine sympathy. His warm words touched all of our hearts and comforted us. It made me ponder that even though death is inescapable it is also a doorway into eternal life. My brother Carlos, sister Gaby, brother-in-law Hector and a few others spoke at the service. Eddy read David’s letter and uncle Luis Suarez recollected special moments with dad and shared how much he admired and loved him as the older brother. Dad would have liked his celebration. Now we would plan and coordinate for his burial in Miami.
 Carlos words to dad at the Wake Service. |  Aunt Mary, dad & Uncle Luis in the 70's. |
After all was concluded, we went back home and recaptured events with mom. We laughed and cried, we shared memories, pictures, feelings, and the “to dos” for the near future. Mom would fly back to Michigan, Noemy & Hector back to Ohio, Lucy was in Chicago, Gaby was relocating down south Florida, and I was to go back to Miami and focus on David’s recovery. Fernando would stay home with dad’s assistant Josuan and Jorge would travel once or twice a week to work in Orlando and back to Miami to see us. Nephews, sons, daughter, cousins, aunts and uncles head back to their daily routines and responsibilities.
My brother Carlos picked up dad’s briefcase, bundled his dog “Cha Cha” and flew back to Puerto Rico with sister-in-law Haydee to continue dad’s legacy.
It was time to go home. Our new “normal” had to sink in and life had to move on.
It was time to go home. Our new “normal” had to sink in and life had to move on.
How great it is that we will reunite with our loved ones when our earthly living concludes. Our prayers for souls can help them achieve heaven. The souls in purgatory cannot pray for themselves but can intercede for those on earth. We will stay connected even when we are gone. Dad, pray for us.
(1 Thessalonians 4:13-14; CCC 366; CCC 997; CCC 958)
(1 Thessalonians 4:13-14; CCC 366; CCC 997; CCC 958)