The Structure of a Family

We have lost one more from our great extended family. Just this past December we said goodbye to Dorty McDonald, the grand matriarch of the McDonald family. Today, we begin our goodbyes to her husband, Packy. Two wonderful people. Two much loved parents.

Their son, Terry, is one of my brother's best friends and whom I consider one of my "adopted" little brothers. But, it wasn't until today that I realized what draws me to the McDonald family. Yes, they have a zest for living. Yes, they, especially Terry, are thoughtful, kind, and a heck of a lot of fun.

But, what I noticed today and what broke my heart the most is that I see in their family so much of what I see in mine. This is a family of faith and tradition. When I think of an Irish Catholic family, I think of the McDonalds. They can celebrate St. Patrick's day like no other family I know. Yet, it is more. Much more.

Theirs is a family built on the foundation of two people, one love, one faith. Theirs is a family of values, of teachings, of history, of belief. Oh, so familiar. So, as I knelt in the church clutching my rosary beads, it occurred to me that if the McDonald's must bear this incredible grief of losing their parents too soon, so can we. Families, at least here on earth, are not forever. No matter our strengths, our faith, our love, we are not immune to loss.

I found comfort in the words of Father Pat, as well as Dan, one of their son-in-laws, words that spoke of how strange it was to see Packy alone without Dorty, but now they are separated no longer. Six months they were apart. No more.

And while Packy and Dorty have left this earth, they will never be gone. They will remain the foundation of the McDonald's through each generation. In this, I can believe and trust because I am blessed with the same foundation through my parents, two people, one love, one faith.

God speed, Packy and Dorty.