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Home » Categories » Holidays & Special Occasions » Father's Day » Remembering my dad, a man and a Knight! » Reprint Rights » Printer Friendly
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My dad passed onto his reward on July 4th 2003. He was 59 pounds and 89 years when he left us. He had been fighting Cancer, Emphysema and an infection caused by, of all things, a wart.
For non-believers they will most likely contribute what took place to everything but God, yet praise God, it was God, and also His Mother Mary who were involved in this small miracle. First my father was a member of The Knights of Columbus for many, many years. He lived and breathed that organization up until the end, even though his disapointment in his latter years was significant. That’s the truth and I’m sorry if they are offended but the circumstances are well known by many as to the why it was that way. Forgive he did, come out of he also did. However, my Dad was everything that defines a Knight in the true sense of Knighthood and that organization and he was loyal to his word. Their loss, but also in the end his vindication.
Now my father was devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He had built some shrines and while a young man he and some friends had actually seen what they professed was a vision of her. It took him forty years later to confirm this. They had seen her as young men in upstate New York with the CCC organization. He had asked the others, at this a much later time in their life, if they had seen something that day. To a T they all stated, "Yes, The Blessed Virgin" and they told him exactly how and where and how she looked. Now none of them ever spoke to each other of this at that time and from that time until the time he asked. Mass hallucination I think not. Now every one of these men grew up devoted to Her. I prefer to think that was the reason.
Now we were informed my dad would most likely not make it through the night. So I got down on my knees and prayed to the Lord to give me just a little more time with him. Now he was, as they say, at the door of eternity. Well my dad got through the night. In fact he got out of bed on his own the next morning, something he had not done in many months. He was 59 pounds and yet he sat at the table and ate everything he liked from pasta to ice cream. He danced and we had a good time.
However, he was mad at us. “ Why did you call me back he said"? We said "What do you mean, dad?" He said, “I was at the door and the Blessed Virgin said to me, you have to go back. It isn’t time yet." She handed him a clothes pin and said "Go back now." Now he was mad at my mom. "I had the ticket and you cancelled it." They were like the Archie Bunkers although married 63 years, contentious, but two lovebirds for all those years of marriage. But that was a wonderful week of time.
A week went by and dad grew worse again. Now he had said to my mom that I was the gentle one and as long as I was there, I suspect he wasn’t going to go anywhere. So, as it happened, my little girl who was on duty as a Life Guard forgot her lunch and called for someone to bring it. I was asked to bring it but I did not want to leave. My wife said it would be good to get some air. Well, you guessed it, during that time Dad passed onto his reward. I knew he just didn’t want me to see him go. He wanted it to be easier for me.
Now the clothespin I found out later from a friend, must have signified hanging between two worlds and when the time is right we will come for you. Simple but eloquent, I thought. Like clothes on a line hanging and when dry they are gathered.
Now here is the point, God is in control. God answers prayer if it is His will. In this case it was. Praise you Lord for that gift of answered prayer. You don’t have to believe me but the facts are the facts. No man knows just when anyone will be called home.
So my dad is no longer here on earth but he is at Home. It is the place all believers know exists. And skeptics doubt. He is at peace and he is with Jesus.
So I acknowledge openly in thanks to Jesus that act of kindness and mercy he extended to us that my dad be given a little more time. But always keep this in mind. Your loved ones are right there, just out of sight and when the time comes, you will see them again and your hurt will turn to joy.
God Bless.
Robert T. Melaccio Sr. 2007 Copyright ©2007 Robert T Melaccio Sr. |
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Robert Melaccio Sr. is 64 and has worked in the computer industry for 44 years in a diversified business and managerial environments. He enjoys freelance writing here on Searchwarp.com and Webgazine on the Internet and in between assignments he had been a Part Time Substitute Teacher, grades K-12. Mr. Melaccio does seminars for young adults and teen groups as well as being an accomplished poet with numerous awards and published poetry. He is married and has three children and two grandchildren with one on the way. He is presently involved with developing a new company.
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