A letter from my Sister

"Dear Friends and Family,

February 4th is the one year anniversary of my Father's death. I'm embarrassed that I have taken so long to write each of you. 2008 from start to finish was filled so much illness, sadness, and death that it paralyzed my family from completing many necessary and everyday tasks. Please forgive the tardiness of this note and know that we were only able to get through this year with the love, support, and most definitely all the prayers that each and everyone of you surrounded and provided for my family.

my Dad, T.F.F., was very ill for many many many years, My Mom would often say he was living on borrowed time for the last several years of his life. When I remember my dad I always think of the adage, "They don't make them like that anymore." He was a quiet soft spoken man who always did the right thing, never said a bad word about anyone, and took excellent care of those in need. He was a great father and probably the best person I have ever known. His last years were filled with many trips to the hospital, much pain from the cancer, and a lot of frustration with his memory loss from the dementia.

There were multiple incidents during his final years when we thought dad just couldn't go on anymore. On those occasions I would spend a lot of time in V. and many of you would pick my children up from school, feed them, and help in any way possible. Thank you for your years and years of support , help and prayers.

My Mother is adjusting to living alone. She now haa spare time which she devotes to the St. Leo's grade school stamp club, her study and investment clubs, her prayer groups, and her beloved libraries of WC. She is an amazing woman, The sole reason my Dad survived for as long as he did was the loving care and commitment provided by Mom. She was a shinning example: living up to her wedding vow of "in sickness and in health". There were several occasions when Dad had bad days and was confused as to who all the people around him were. Then Mom would step int he room, Dad would calm down, smile and say, "There's my beautiful bride".

When Dad was in his early 30s, doctors told him he had a very weak heart and would only live a few years. The doctors were wrong. Over the next 58 years his heart was giving and loving and never let anyone who knew him down.

On his anniversary this week, I know he is in heaven and I am sure he's sending all of you have helped over his rough years grace, peace, and well wishes."