Two years ago today I conducted my first funeral. It was for my mother. June 9, 2012 Plainville Cemetery Plainville, New York Graveside Service for Patricia C. Pope Presided by Rev. Kevin J. Pope My dearest family and friends: We gather here today in a time of grief and sorrow. We gather to mourn the passing of a sister, mother, aunt, a cousin, a grandma and especially a wife. Patricia Cullen Pope At these times in life, words are often hard to come by. There is always the big question “What’s it all about?” Each of us knows Patricia in a variety of ways. To her parents Michael and Maria Cullen, To her brothers Michael Edward, Kerry Sean and Dennis Ralph, To her cousins (Adrian) she is known as “Patty”. To her friends simply “Pat”. To her son, me, Kevin Joseph and to her daughter Bridget Mae just “Mom”. To her grandchildren Michael Daniel, Amelia Mae, Nialls James and Matthew Lawrence – “G’ma, Grandma Pope, Miguk Harmony (American Grandma). And to the person closest to her for 39 years. To her loving, devoted husband Austin Lee Pope she is know as Honey, Sweetie – My Baby terms of endearment – all. So many names, so many titles - and one great connector - that of Love. The love that each of us share in so many ways. That connects us and brings us hear today. Back to the question - “What’s it all about?” It is about a life filled with Love, Joy, Happiness and Peace. Of course, there are sad times, angry times, confusing times but all these times shared are still connected by love. We make plans and dreams. We have great desires. Some come to fruition. Some fall away. The Gift of Life given to us on Earth is short. IN our life we have to choose carefully how we live. Patricia (Mom) taught me regardless of the difficulties we have in life – Love of Family keeps us strong and together. I am grateful for that lesson. Each of us has learned so many things from one another and especially from Patricia. She dearly loved her brothers and did the best she could for them. She truly loved her children and grandchildren and did the best she could for them. She helped people. She cared for the elderly as they suffered from Alzheimer’s. She supported groups like the VFW’s Ladies Auxiliary. She loved her cats – all of them! (Mom) Patricia did her best for all those around her. And as for Austin her beloved husband. Above all others she loved him. She gave all she could - through easy times - she did her best. Through hard times – she did her best. Austin was first and foremost on her mind. In October of 1973 Mom, Dad, me and Bridget left Phoenix, NY for a new start. Over the years Mom told me one of the things I said as we journeyed was that that was the happiest I had ever seen her. She was happy because someone loved her so much he would do anything for her. ---“What is it all about?” It is about a journey of life with bad times and good times. A journey of life that is filled with love and hope. The body of Patricia is gone, but her essence has begun a new journey we all someday will take. We are gathered to see her off on this new journey. We are sending her off with tears of sadness and smiles of fond memories. We must never forget though her body be gone - she is still with us. Here are words of love and hope from Patty, Mom, Pat, Patricia, Aunt, Grandma and Mrs. Austin L. Pope. Listen Now: Fill not yours hearts with pain and sorrow, but remember me in every tomorrow. As you journey on your way I am still with you doing the best I can. Remember the joy - the laughter – the smiles. Dry your eyes and remember me not now as I am but as I used to be. Because I will remember you all and look on with a smile. Understand, in your hearts that only my body rests here. As long as I have the love of each of you – my spirit can live in the hearts of all of you. This day go in peace to love and do the best that you can for each other. I love you!
Posted on: Sun, 08 Jun 2014 15:22:18 +0000
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