Monday, October 14, 2013

Stairway to Heaven: Nancy J. Boyle (1924-2013)


When my mother passed away 10 days ago, and even before the inevitable end of her many years on this earth, I considered what I might say if asked to speak at her service.  No matter how hard I tried, I could not bring myself to write anything down.  Somewhere deep inside I knew I would never be able to hold it together long enough to deliver such a speech, no matter how well written, no matter how well rehearsed.

My brother Tom fought his grief enough to write an incredible eulogy and found the strength to deliver it.  It touched the hearts of everyone present because it perfectly described Mom for the loving person she was, and it gave voice to the underlying reasons for her greatness as a human being.  His words were elegant in their simplicity yet profound in their meaning.

Although I knew could not speak without breaking down, I wanted to do something for Mom.  So I sang.  The Prayer of St. Ignatius only came forth because I closed my eyes and let my heart sing to her.  I know she is happy now with Dad, once again has all her faculties, and is not bound by the physical restraints of this earthly plane.  Still, knowing she is in a better place will not lessen the pain of her absence here.  Only time…only time.