WISH LIST

He spent years in Africa as a missionary. Lived in a village where guns were ubiquitous, security services minimal, and violence, poverty and disease staples of daily life.  But the people were magnificent. Humble, hard-working, devout. He loved and was inspired by them. They changed him.

Father Bob returned to the United States- to our super-sized stores and strip-mall abundance. To culture shock. The man who church-goers used to follow from church to church- just to listen to his sermons; the gentleman who had his own chair at my family kitchen table- who captivated us for years with brilliant conversation and great humor-  returned home from a far-way land with a haunted, knowing look in his eyes. He had seen and lived reality, and far preferred African village life to American life.

 

A school principal, Father Bob was called to be a Consolata Missionary because of his devotion to the Blessed Mother, and his desire to serve all people of the world-particularly those who were marginalized and abandoned.  An advocate of justice and peace, he traveled the world defending human rights. He made a difference to countless human beings by encouraging them to work hard and use their talents, smarts and resources to positively impact their corner of the world.

Father Bob was a beloved member of my family; a heartline rather than bloodline relation.  He was a man who listened to a kid's crazy dreams and told her to get moving and make them happen; a priest who had Mother Teresa and her Sisters of Charity- as well as half of Africa- praying for that grown-up kid's pound-and-a-half preemie to survive.  

Father Bob walked the walk. He encouraged everyone he met to look outward to the neighborhood, city, and world that was so desperate for compassion, hope, kindness, aid. His very presence reflected a greater purpose and plan. Be mindful. And act.

A month ago, Father Bob stood beside my mom and me in Room 209 and administered a final sacrament to my dying aunt. He was preparing to relocate to New Jersey- to assume the role of Provincial of North and South America. Instead, this past weekend, Father Bob's enormous heart stopped beating as he was saying his final mass. 

He will not return to the African villages he loved and missed so much. He will not continue to be a wise and determined voice for compassion and justice. Thousands of us who loved him will have to remind ourselves to be mindful and act. We will have to step up and do Father Bob's important work for him.

My sister poignantly stated that our beloved friend is on a direct flight to heaven. Imagining such a flight- and landing- takes the edge off profound and unexpected grief.  But I don't know anything about heaven. Haven't read any books or testimonials from folks who have visited and returned.  I know what my faith and the Bible tell us, what philosophers posit. I know a whole lot of people think the concept of heaven is nonsense. 

Not I.  Today, on behalf of all of us who will celebrate Christmas, Chanukah and the New Year missing someone we love, I am exchanging my Christmas Wish list for a Heaven Wish list. Like most wish lists, this one is subject to change, daily.  Questions or concerns must be referred to someone way above my pay grade. 

Heaven Wish List 2011:

1.  Guidelines for Admission: You loved. You were loved. (Especially when it was really, really difficult to do either.)

2.  Rules Posted: No illness. No hatred.  No narrow-mindedness. No discrimination. No bullying. No judging. No narcissism. No being mean. Swim (skip, run) whenever you want.

3.  A Wing of Divine Love and Understanding: Unconditional love abounds, as do the answers to every 'How?' and "Why?' question that humans find incomprehensible.

4.  A George Bailey Family and Friend Wing: includes all individuals who touched or were touched by your life.

5.  A Beloved Pet Wing: Free of bad smells, bad breath and uncontrollable itching.

6.  Music, Art, Literature, Science, Philosophy, Sports, Theater and Technology Wings: individuals with the most brilliant minds and talents in history roam, chat, invent, sing, and paint with the rest of us.

7.  A Passions Wing: Best kitchens, knitting needles, guitars, skis etc. for whatever you loved doing on earth- or never had a chance to try.

8.   A Complaining, Whining, Grievance and Forgiveness Wing: lots of staff and cubicles- for obvious purposes.

9.   Wine, bread, strawberries, basil, and really good chocolate- that doesn't smell or taste like a pharmacy.

  

10.  Beaches. Mountains. Stars. Lush vegetation and oodles of flowers (and holiday decorations- but only on holidays.)

Direct Flights when it's time to go Home.

 

Heaven.

QUING Hereby Decrees:  RIP beloved Father Robert Rezac. IMC