15 August 2012

A wonderful coincidence

Father Bob Hamill is now parish priest of St Michael's in East Ham but for many years he was parish priest of St Albans in Elm Park. For many reasons I have a hell of a lot of respect for the man.He was (and is) a friendly and outgoing man who not only cared deeply for his parishoners he devoted a lot of time to the care of people with disabilities.

Yesterday I took my parents into see my uncle - for the last time as it happened. While I was parking the car it so happened that they bumped into Bob who so happened to be taking someone to the hospital for an appointment.

Bob came up and spent time with my Uncle, gave him a blessing and said some prayers with my parents. For the very last time he showed some recognition- something that brought tears to all of our eyes.

But the real beneficiaries were mum and dad who were genuinly delighted that Bob happened to be there. A happy coincidence gave them a great deal of comfort.

If you are wondering why an uncle is special he lived with y parents fro over 50 years. He was there when I was growing up and so was an integral part of home life. He was a kind and gentle soul.

Sorting out his affairs is down to me as mum and dad are just not up to what needs doing. It has hiot mum particularly hard especially as her other remaining sibling died in Ireland only a few months ago.

At least I was able to register his death today and start arrangements for is funeral. The "Tell Us Once" service was particularly helpful as I did not need to get in contact with DWP or the local council. But there are still plenty of other things to do. I will have to take over as executor of his will.

9 comments:

CherryPie said...

The co-incidences are meant to be. They happen to me all the time.

I am so glad that this one brought comfort to you and your family.

I understand the difficulties you face, sorting out arrangements etc.

My thoughts are with you and your family xx

Syncopated Eyeball said...

Thinking of you often, my friend. x

susan said...

I was just about to say something similar to what CherryPie has written.

You are a good man.

Claude said...

What a blessing that, at the moment when they needed so much that comfort, your parents and uncle were united in prayers by the ministry of someone you respect.

Bon courage for all the duties you still have to face, in the next few duties. You are all in my heart and thoughts.

jams o donnell said...

Than you. It did give um and dad such comfort.

MaR said...

My sympathy. I am sorry for your loss.

jams o donnell said...

Thanks Mar.

Liz Hinds said...

How fortunate a meeting and that the priest was exactly the right sort of priest for the situation. Thinking of you in a difficult time.

jams o donnell said...

Thanks Liz it was a wonderful coincidence indeed