Thursday, January 1, 2009
Dear Marie; Having just arrived in Naples (December 16th) we learned of Vito's death and were very sorry at learning of it. My first concern was how you were doing. In the event you don't remember me, I'm the Deacon from Saint Peter's in Naples who came to visit you at Deauville when you were ill. I recall how VERY concerned Vito was about you. Marie, I know where Vito is now, as I'm sure you know as well. There was a time quite a few years back when I had a friend (Joe) who was very, very ill (cancer) and after a six month battle, went home to God. Not too long after that, God gave me a gift, confirmation you might call it, as to where Joe was. Our heavenly Father led me on retreat, a five day silent retreat. During that week I prayed much for some clarity as to Joe's ongoing life after death. A week before the retreat I'd met with Joe's wife and suggested that Joe, even if he had the option, would want to stay where he was, that he was like a young man again, in the vital days of his youth, happy and singing in the presence of God. Her reply to me, "Bob, I've been a Catholic all my life, I just wish I could believe that without a doubt." On that retreat I took a walk and had my Bible with me. I sat and opened it randomly. God spoke to me clearly through the "Book of Job", chaper 33, verses 19 through 29. Ask someone with a New American Standard Bible to read it to you Marie, then, read it alone pondering the words yourself, it will tell you how sick Vito was, even how food was repulsive to him at the end, he couldn't eat. It also speaks of an angel (you Marie), Joe's primary care-giver. It speaks of his being forgiven all his sinfulness and declares so clearly, his being back "in the days of his youth." Marie, this was a gift from God, not to be hoarded but to be shared with loved ones left here, with you Marie, as confirmation as to where Vito is right now. Yes Marie, Vito is gone physically, but he's closer than he ever was, you don't even have to call to him, he's right there next to you, always listening, always waiting. Marie, Vito is with God, a place from whence he'd never want to leave because he's beholding the "Light of Life" in the "Land of the Living," --- the real "Land of the Living." God bless and keep you Marie. With much love, Your good friend, Deacon Bob
