Services

There will be a celebration of Don's life and a Vigil at St. Rita's Church in Fairfax on Friday, June 5th at 7:30 pm and a Mass of the Resurrection on Saturday, June 6th at 10:00 am. Again, thanks to all of our friends for your love and support, it means so much to all of us. Jane

Peace...peace at last

Don found peace last night at 1:41 am. I know the exact time, because I was putting the microwave timer on every hour to make sure I was awake to give him his medication so he did not once again become painful. The medication also eased his labored breathing. Being very fatigued, I could not set the timer for some reason, so I decided to let it go and hoped that I would awaken on my own. I returned to the couch next to his hospital bed, and listened for his breathing. Very soon, I heard him take two deep breaths and then no more. At that exact moment, the timer went off. I had asked Don to send me a sign when he passed and I knew this was it. He had told me the day before that I was not to worry, that he was going to be OK and that all he wanted was peace. What transpired next was even more incredible. My sister-in-law had brought a rosary for Don to use that belonged to her little girl, Kaylee. Kaylee had received it from our niece, Amy, who had just brought it from a pilgrimage in Spain, El Camino de Santiago. We had placed it on the side rail of his bed. Most recently, his brother Bob had placed it around Don's right wrist, saying: "We might as well pull out all of the stops." Sitting at his bedside, just after his last breath was taken, everything was still. Suddenly, I saw a movement beneath the covers. It was his right hand being lifted and placed over his heart. For me, I know that the man who has loved me and that I have loved for close to 45 years, was letting me know that he will love me for all eternity and that "all is well." Peace and our thanks, Jane...

The Final Stretch

Our beloved Don is now on the final stretch of his journey. He fell into a comatose state about 1 am this morning and is resting very peacefully. He is surrounded by his family and friends, and the love is palpable. Between the tears and laughter, we are sharing some of the great stories of his childhood, teaching career, river rafting trips, zip lining (oops, that was me!) and more. We are hoping that his passing is a gentle one. I will keep you informed of his condition and of the plans for his services once known. Please keep him and his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers as this is a very difficult time for us. Gratefully, Jane.