New beginnings

A bittersweet day.

Friday, certainly a day of endings and new beginnings.

We recently lost our former Pastor, Father Anthony Zepp.

Fr. Zepp gave my Mother a wonderful opportunity to serve our church for so many years as well as becoming a member of our extended family (he and his family).

He will truly be missed. I'm sure this was his greeting for so many, but I loved when he welcomed me by saying, 'Hi Honey' and gave me a big hug!

Mom and I were quite fortunate to see him only weeks ago as I sang a funeral for one of our parishioners. Fr. Zepp was ailing but attended the funeral Mass.

Friday, we said goodbye to him so he could begin his life of eternity with the Lord above. I'm sure the first face he saw was his Mother, who we also miss!

His funeral Mass, a moving and deserving sendoff. There had to be over 200 priests on hand saying goodbye to their brother. Bishop Anthony Pilla officiated the Mass. It was so nice seeing former parishioners, friends, and members of Father's family we've not seen in years.

I'm extremely proud and blessed to have my religion be the main staple in my life. Though we were at a funeral mass, it was not a sad occasion. It was a joyful, beautiful remembrance of a truly great man.

And, seeing how faith-filled my Mother is and hoping that one day, I too, will carry that trait makes me look forward to each new morning.

Mom has garnered so much respect being such a wonderful woman.

During the ending procession, Father's nephew, a Pall Bearer, leaned over and gave Mom a big kiss.

But wait. There's more.

During the ending procession, Bishop Anthony Pilla did the same. He not only greeted Mom but lay his hand on her head and gave her a blessing.

I'm in awe at how much love is extended toward my Mother. She certainly deserves it, but the fact that there are still caring people in the world offers hope for our future.

Father Zepp went immediately to heaven. That's a given. We mourn his loss but praise his life and rejoice that he is no longer in pain and has met up with family and friends who have gone before him. We extend our prayers and thoughts to those left on this earth that we all can carry on his legacy as caring, loving servants of God.

Now the next bittersweet news doesn't even compare to the death of a loved one.

However, none the less, a life-changing event.

Friday, one of my most cherished possessions was taken from me for good.

It was first taken from me back on March 25, 2009.

Friday, my car was towed to its final resting place. Very telling. As we were at Father Zepp's funeral, the insurance tow company took my totalled vehicle.

Not seeing my car in the garage anymore --reality hit as I realized my car was gone for good, gone forever.

Again, it's just a 'thing.' But a momentous occasion in my life as well.

One chapter closed, the next one opened.

God's in charge and knows what he is doing.

We just need to follow his lead, do the best we can and know that no matter what, God is on our side and with us every step of the way. Every trial and tribulation. Every joyous event. Every time someone persecutes us for doing what we believe is right. He's right by our side.