My father's brother's passing...

The following are excerpts from the eulogy my father wrote for his brother, Mick, who passed over last week... Even more than blood brothers, they were true brothers in Christ... These words are proof to me that the grape does not fall far from the Vine... (Lavin means Vine means Jesus...)

"When chosen, we all will pass over... Mick was first of his three brothers and sister to pass to eternity, having also "passed" the earthly test we all are taking... We, the worldly, should not be afraid but strive to, not only take the Lord's examinations but, pass them with flying colors... Mick passed, with his Veteran's Colors draping his body... Mick's support for pro-life organizations showed his love of humanity, his military service showed his concern for his country...civil service showed his concern for proper government, school board- his concern for children...family dedication showed his love of family values... Mick's wife Diana passed her daily test for about 25 years -- taking care of some, then many, then every one of Mick's needs... Multiple Sclerosis slowly took his ability to walk, to move, to type on his computer, to see... But, at his side, gaining her angel's wings, was his angelic wife Diana. Her lifelong care and love for Mick is a stunning example for all but a guarantee of eternal happiness for Diana... Some say the evidence that there is no God is that the world teems with wars, diseases and despair. But can there be ups without downs, mountains without valleys or laughter without sobs?...let us be mindful of the dark side so we can be the light... The afflicted, the disabled, the depressed, the disenchanted, the Terri Schiavos... every unwanted child-to-be needs our compassion, our love and our help... And we need them for both their own merit and as objects of our love - to be able to excel in our own life's audition...Let no organization tell you that the cripples are so far gone that they should be forgotten, left to die or euthanized for the good of society. Let no one inhibit your will to defend, protect and enhance human life... We owe it to Mick, to Diana and to ourselves to promote human life, family values and to dedicate ourselves to speak up for humanity... Mick was an outdoorsman's outdoorsman. He is now free of being cooped up inside. He can now sense the fresh air, the greenery, the nature he loved, being right next to the Creator of nature... We should be thankful that no restriction now prevents him from spiritually acting with God for human good and on the last day reunite his entirely restored body with his God-like soul. Let us know, it always was and always will be His will, and it always was and always will be completed in Jesus' name, Amen."

In loving memory of Mick Lavin... God rest his soul...