This past weekend, I am grateful that I had the opportunity to pay tribute to a dear friend.
I’m sure we have all opened an email or Facebook post only to find out someone who was part of our season has passed away.
In my case, it was the Aunt (Alice) of one of my scouts (Isaac) that I had the privilege of serving during my five years as his Cub Master.
Alice Elaine Santistevan Obituary March 14, 2025 – Platt’s Funeral Home
Making the six-hour trip was not an option, because I know the family too well and they deserve my support.
I’m grateful that I was able to attend her funeral.
I have continued to stay in contact over the years and my heart goes out to the entire family for their loss.
The scout (Isaac) also, by the way, made it to Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts.
My presence was two-fold, support the entire family and ensure everyone’s well-being was rooted in faith with the recent loss.
I also owe a debt of gratitude to Alice for always supporting me and my scouts (Pack 417) over the years.
I’m grateful for the joy she shared while she was in the land of the living.
Even during the times that I would see her at Mass, she always made sure she spoke and likewise with me.
The beauty I remember most was seeing two sisters share their love for family and support each other as they both had young children when I first met them.
It was amazing to see the two cousins as adults, communicating during the funeral with each one supporting the other.
One with his wife and the other laying her mother to rest.
I was also humbled by the people who made things seem seamless from opening the doors to the church upon my arrival, greeting me at the sanctuary, and the team of bereavement people putting on the repass after the funeral.
My visit was my third trip to church since I moved in 2019.
Most recently it was when Pastor Father Walter Young “Mike” Ingram, IV, age 69, died right after Easter last year on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.
I’m reminded of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that each of us has a specific life blueprint that we are laying down each day.
What is your life’s blueprint? | Martin Luther King Jr: An extraordinary life
As a former Parish President for St. Teresa of Avila, Catholic Church Father Mike would be proud to know the church is still doing very well.
Walking into the kitchen last Friday and seeing my fellow Knights of Columbus preparing for the fish fry as this is the Lenten season was another example of someone’s life blueprint.
What’s in your DNA that tells others how you are living your life when it’s time for someone to read your obituary?
As I’ve said many times, part of my DNA is adding value and being a Servant Leader.
This past weekend, I was able to witness so many servant leaders helping others.
At some point, we will all return to dust.
It’s during this Lenten season for me that I get another opportunity to take time to reflect on life and how far I have traveled in my life.
I believe that sometimes we must slow down and be grateful for the people that have entered into our lives if only for a season.
I know that God is still working on me, and I’m proof. What about you?
Proof | Pastor Mike Jr. (Official Video)
I’m grateful for how Alice touched my heart and the hearts of others.
I’m grateful for being able to hear the song “On Eagle Wings” which is a great reminder of our faith and love that God’s got us in the palm of his hand.
I’m now in the fifth year of my gratitude journal as I write five things to be grateful for each day.
One of my entries this week was being able to attend her funeral and hear the comments about her.
The parable of the Fig Tree.
Parable of the Fig Tree: Verse, Meaning & Lesson
As I thought about Alice, I also thought about “The Parable of the Fig Tree” and how it illustrates the importance of being spiritually fruitful and ready for God’s judgment.
Today, I challenge you to take some time this week to reflect and think about what fruits have you brought into this world. How would you like your legacy extended to others’ needs long after you have left this world?
I heard this poem recently at one of my Toastmasters meetings and will now share it with you.
“Grateful” by Lang Leav
Pronounced Lang Li-ev
“In the quiet corners of my mind,
where thoughts and memories intertwine,
I find gratitude, soft and serene,
for all the moments that have been.
For the friendships that have stood the test,
and for the love that’s given me rest.
For all the dreams that I’ve pursued,
and for the ones that have come true.
For the lessons learned along the way,
and for the strength to face each day.
For the laughter that has filled the air,
and for the times when life felt unfair.
For the beauty in each passing season,
and for finding purpose, finding reason.
In this journey, both wild and wide,
I am grateful for the life I reside.”
I’ll leave you with this last quote. “When gratitude becomes an essential foundation in our lives, miracles start to appear everywhere.” – Emmanuel Dagher
Here’s an Excerpt from Fahrenheit 451 that helps tie this all together.
“Everyone must leave something behind when he dies, my grandfather said. A child or a book or a painting or a house or a wall built or a pair of shoes made. Or a garden planted. Something your hand touched some way so your soul has somewhere to go when you die, and when people look at that tree or that flower you planted, you’re there. It doesn’t matter what you do, he said, so as long as you change something from the way it was before you touched it into something that’s like you after you take your hands away.”
