My sister called me the evening of April 30 to tell me that a very beloved member of the family had died.

He was my father's first cousin and the two of them were best friends growing up.  In fact, he introduced my parents to each other while they were all in high school.

My first cousin, once removed (is that how it goes?), became a Catholic Priest.

But he was never removed from our family.  As I was growing up, Father Tom was always a part of my life.  He and his parents, my great-aunt and great-uncle, as well as his brother and sisters were constant in my life.

When my parents celebrated their 25th Anniversary, he performed the ceremony renewing my parent's wedding vows; in the home of his deceased parents (my father's aunt and uncle, my great-aunt and great-uncle.)  Afterward, we kids had planned a surprise party for our parents and Father Tom kept them after our dinner so we could escape to the surprise party.

That small indulgence to us pales in comparison to what he did in his own life.

After his brother-in-law died of cancer and five years afterward his sister died of cancer, Father Tom took in his four nephews.  He was not only guardian of the four boys; he was a father to them.

As well, after his parents died, he gladly and lovingly took into his care his "mentally-challenged" older brother.

Imagine that...a Catholic Priest with four young boys and his brother.  As well, his parish as pastor and a Catholic priest.

He reared those young boys into fine men.  His brother passed away May 1, 2007.

I find myself remembering this strong, robust, loving man who embraced everyone, especially family.  I remember the holidays, and whenever he visited, and how much enjoyment I had seeing him.  I remember my father and him laughing and joking and acting with each other like they were still 12-year-old boys.  No matter the reason for the visit to our home, Father Tom always had little gift for each one of us, my sisters and me.

Father Tom.... cousin Tom.... is as much a part of my life as anyone could be.  More than that, he was an inspiration and leader with love, kindness, sincerity, understanding and faith.

 Remember to maintain your safest maximum speed!

Joey