A Valentine's Day To Remember

Paw Paw always said, "Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil"

On Friday February 11th at 5:40 PM the angels & good Lord called my dear Paw Paw Perret home to Heaven. I'm not sure what all to say; however, all I know is that Paw Paw's wake & funeral were certainly a CELEBRATION of his extraordinary life. Paw Paw died at home & peacefully. He died shortly after my mom noticed sweet Miles' picture (on his bedside table) seemed to be smiling larger than usual and my Aunt Ruthie told him, "Dad we're going to take care of mom. Go run to Jesus & go meet Miles." And that he did! And now we say, "Paw Paw is dancing the tootsie roll with Miles in Heaven!"

Paw Paw's wake was full of JOY, full of people who loved him sharing fond memories of his life & family. Paw Paw's funeral was PERFECT in every way! The Gospel reading was the miracle of Jesus feeding 4,000 from Mark. In the priest's homily he related the Gospel to Paw Paw's life by pointing out over & over how Paw Paw lived an ordinary live, EXTRAORDINARILY! And he most certainly did! He was an incredible man of faith who lived out the sacrament of marriage by being an incredible husband and father to 10 children. The priest also said that in a marriage the husband & wife are to help one another get to Heaven & he said that Maw Maw & Paw Paw have certainly done that.

In addition to the priest's homily nailing Paw Paw's life on the head, Uncle Hank (the oldest son) gave a beautiful eulogy. He spoke of Ted Williams having a natural swing to hit a homerun & to understand that you had to see it in action. He said Paw Paw was someone you had to see in action! He was a natural as a father & husband. He spent his life serving. He served our country, his wife, his family, & most importantly our Lord. He frequented the sacraments and had a great devotion to Saint Padre Pio. At the burial Paw Paw was remembered as a Veteran & Lieutenant Colonel in a very special way with the American Flag & 3 gun shots. We ended his services with all the grandchildren releasing heart balloons & one smiley face balloon to heaven as we shouted, Happy Valentine's Day...We Love You!

This Valentine's Day was indeed the most special & full of love that I have ever experienced. I will treasure it forever.

Much Love & Many Blessings,

Mauree