Prayer Request - Updated - RIP Mary Davis

UPDATE
Tom's mother, Mary, died yesterday evening just a few days away from her 89th birthday. She had as good a death as one could wish for, surrounded by everyone who could get there. The priest had been the day before with the rites for the sick and the Apostolic Blessing, so she was as prepared as she could be for anything. We had been keeping vigil all day so she was surrounded by loved ones.

We were happy for her merciful release into the arms of Jesus, crying our eyes out, and Hannah was holding her hand. Unbeknownst to each other, I was praying Hail Mary's repeatedly ("pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death" had never had more meaning) and Hannah was praying the Fatima prayer. So she slipped out on a silent sea of prayer.

Eternal rest grant unto Mary, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

The funeral will be in Houston where she grew up and where many of her relatives still live.

I'll be in and out of touch on the blog for the next week, understandably.

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Tom's mother has pneumonia. She's in her late 80s and has been living in hospice care for at least a year so they will keep her comfortable as possible but not do any strenuous measures. Please keep her and the family in your prayers.

In a stroke of divine irony, or perhaps it is merely proper perspective, this morning we are off to the baptism of a tiny baby girl who was born 3 months early. Luckily she had no health issues other than premature arrival and is thriving. Naturally she was baptized in the hospital, but this is the celebration of a new sister for us all. Thinking of this tiny girl with an enchanting, one-sided smile reminds me to pray for all those young families with premature arrivals.