We hear so much about what is wrong in our world, it is a wonder that light can pass through, but shine on it! And much of the brilliance we experience is ignited by people who follow the promptings of their hearts and, in doing so, touch the hearts of others often in their hour of greatest need.
The following inspiring and moving story occurred after an Il Divo concert in Ireland last weekend. The names I am using are fictitious to respect the privacy of the family. It is a story that I was honored to be a part of as it revolves around my brother’s father-in-law, Dave, his wife Mary, and their two older daughters.
Last Friday, Dave, my brother’s father-in-law and Mary, his wife, were going to spend a nice evening together. And I’m sure their enjoyment was practically guaranteed, as they were attending an Il Divo concert in the intimate and beautiful setting of Kilruddery House Co Wicklow, Ireland.
The concert went well and as they were leaving Dave asked one of the security guards if he could open a door to shorten the distance he had to walk (Dave had a hip replacement recently and I think he was feeling a bit tired). Dave’s daughter had just arrived to pick up her parents from the concert.
The next minute Dave sat up and passed out. We can only imagine what was happening to Dave’s wife and daughter when the ambulance arrived to take him to the hospital. For about an hour the doctors and nurses tried to revive Dave, but to no avail and Dave passed away that night.
We can also only imagine the impact of all this on the family. It’s like what the well-known Irish philosopher and writer John O’Donohue (1956-2008) described when he said: “It only takes a few seconds to get that news. However, when you hang up the phone, you are already standing in a different world.”
Although many of us feel that we would like to control everything in our life, there are things that, for better or worse, we simply have no control and one of them is, of course, the passing of a loved one. However, what we do have control over is our response.
Yesterday, after having the honor of donning the hood at Dave’s funeral, we were sitting down to eat. It was during lunch that I heard how Il Divo responded when they heard the news of Dave’s passing after attending his concert.
They took the time to send a beautiful bouquet of flowers to Dave’s wife, Mary, and personally sign them for her and her two daughters. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful were my only thoughts when I heard this. And while I love Il Divo’s music, this told me more than any of his songs about his true character. Absolute lords.
And I share it here to remind us all of the beauty, compassion, love, and light that exist in our world. And this is what we need to nurture, celebrate and glorify in our own lives and in the world at large. May love guide our way.
May Dave’s love live through his family and may they find strength, comfort and courage in this moment.
