The entire McCormick clan went to the memorial mass for Dr. Marcos
Amongero today. Marcos is the brother of
Kevin Amongero. We are dear friends with
his family. Kevin’s wife Tori and Susan
buy shoes at Nordstroms together (frequently!) and our kids go to the same
school. It was quite a testimony to
Marcos as Holy Angels church in Dayton was packed. It was a moving ceremony and
our friend Tammy Schaff provided some amazing singing.
I only met Marcos a few times. He
was always a cool cat - comfortable in his own skin, a brain without having to
prove it and he loved being with his family.
His prayer card was particularly moving:
To
those I love and those who love me
When I am
gone, release me, let me go,
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn’t tie yourselves to me with tears
Be thankful for our beautiful years.
I gave to you my love. But you can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown.
But, now it's time to travel on alone.
So grieve awhile for me, if grieve you must.
Then let grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a time that we must part,
So bless the memories within your heart.
I won't be far away, for life goes on,
And if you need me call and I’ll come.
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn’t tie yourselves to me with tears
Be thankful for our beautiful years.
I gave to you my love. But you can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown.
But, now it's time to travel on alone.
So grieve awhile for me, if grieve you must.
Then let grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a time that we must part,
So bless the memories within your heart.
I won't be far away, for life goes on,
And if you need me call and I’ll come.
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near
and if you
listen with your heart, you’ll hear
All my love around you soft and clear
And then, when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say
All my love around you soft and clear
And then, when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say
'Welcome
Home.'
Marcos, like Brian, lived a full life in their limited years. Both had moving funeral masses and had many
friends remarking about their amazing lives, experiences and how much they will
be missed. I thought: “this has to be
the greatest honor bestowed upon a person.”
Where, upon your death, people talk at great length about how you made
such a positive impact on their lives. How you left the world a better place.
How you made them better. It humbles me.
I firmly believe how you are remembered is the truest measure of success. May we all strive to be as successful as
Marcos and Brian. God rest them
both.
