For my father

  Today is the anniversary of your death.  You went through more than enough purgation in your last life, I can't imagine why you would need more.  Still, I pray for the repose of your soul on a daily basis.  Even if you are in purgatory, I know you suffer, but you rejoice for that day when you enter paradise.  I know, Dad, that your father had the same disease you had, and one of your brothers has died from it, and another has the diagnosis.  I know Dad, suffering has meaning.  Every time I've gazed upon a crucifix, or looked at the cross around my neck (which I rarely remove, I wear it even in the shower).  I know the saying is true "amor vincit omnia", the Romans knew it, and I know it too, and I ask, if you are in everlasting paradise Dad, to pray for me.  I miss you Dad, but I know that if you hadn't died, I wouldn't have my little sisters.  Shannon, my twelve year old sister, is so much like me.  She has some of the same issues I do, and I know that you'd pray for her too just as you'd pray for me.  Dad, when I was 21, I dedicated my life to Christ.  I was Baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, received my Confirmation and my first Holy Communion.  I have pieces of paper proving as much.  One of my favourite possessions is your Baptism certificate.  It says that you were Baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran church Davenport, Iowa.  It has a quote from the Bible, "He that believeth and is Baptized, shall be saved". (Mark 16;16).  I am a little confused how you were a Lutheran and were born in 1952 but Baptized in 1961, since Lutherans generally Baptize infants (says the Catholic that was Baptized at 21).  I have heard (according to your eldest verifiable daughter and my eldest verifiable sister) that you became Catholic on your deathbed.  I don't know if it's true, but I like to believe that it is.  If not, I know you at least wanted to be Catholic.  Our family always said Grace before meals, sadly, we don't do that anymore.  I've tried to pick up the habit of making the sign of the cross before eating, but sometimes, I legitimately forget.  Dad, I want you to know that, through your suffering, I know suffering has meaning.  I love you Dad, pray for me.