A Letter to My Big Brother, Dennis
Dear Dennis
07-29-2012.
On the eve of your surgery, rest assured that God is with you and many are praying for you and your quick recovery. As Carmelite laity I have found great comfort in prayer and also have come to realize its importance. As one of favorite authors said, that would be a man who passed away in the same hour that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, “Once a man is united to God, how could he not live forever?” Dennis you are definitely united to God, there is no doubt. Also it is important to realize that you have lived a most beautiful and Christian life; therefore, he is with you, right now, tomorrow and the day after.
Another one my favorite authors, and I do believe he is yours also, was a man named John R. R. Tolkien. I don’t know if you knew this or not; however, both his parents died when he was quite young. He and his brother were fortunate enough to have a Catholic Priest take them in and provide not only the bottom-rung of Maslow’s Pyramid but an excellent education as well. I use his quotes quite frequently in my writings and lectures. Here are two that are both timely and most appropriate as you embark on this challenge;
(1)“I do not believe this darkness will endure.”
(2) “It is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit.”
July 30th is a special day; after all, it is the Feast Day of St. Peter (Chrysologus), he was a Bishop and a Doctor and I am certain you will have God’s Speed.
You are in my prayers,
John
