However, I have heard about Walter and his wife (Helen) through his daughter and her husband (Margaret and David) for many years. Margaret and David are friends of ours from our college days. We also belonged to a young married couples group we belonged to way back then. We often shared our experiences in those years and this often included those who influenced us. For Margaret and David, this would often bring out stories of Walter and Helen. They truly were an inspiration to all of the young couples who attended these meetings.
All these years later and we now have ended up living in the same community as this wonderful couple. However, illness had taken over and we did not have a chance to meet Walter before he passed away over the weekend.
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| picture shared by David from last fall 40 Days for Life campaign |
However, the biggest accomplishment for Walter was the love he showed to family, friends and his local community where ever God willed him to be located.
Today we heard from our priest about the peaceful end of his life on earth...this man who was so alive and full of joy for life, was surrounded by family as they prayed one last Rosary together. Walter had rallied in the last few days and was enjoying his family on Friday. By Saturday, the priest was called to administer last rites as there was nothing more the doctors could do for him. Walter's biggest concern was to confess his sins even though he could barely talk. He showed the kind of man he was...to the end wanting to make sure he was right with God. Then he peacefully left this world.
We heard today how Walter lived life bravely...only wanting to live for God in all he did. Father quoted the Russian Orthodox Archbishop Anthony Bloom:
“To meet God means to enter into the ‘cave of a tiger’—it is not a pussy cat you meet – it’s a tiger. The realm of God is dangerous. You must enter into it and not seek information about it.”
This was the life of Walter Heffner....seeking to enter into a life of Christ and not just gather information. He LIVED his faith.
Then I listened to his older sister speak of him at the end of Mass. She told us several stories of his youth but summed up his life by telling us Walter was a feisty, fighter who loved to take risks. He was also headstrong, especially in his love for God and the Church. After his love for God and family, he also loved this country. He was willing to fight for the freedoms we love so much.
He was loved by all he met and will be missed. However, as his sister stated today...he will be with loved ones in heaven. I was especially touched that his sister shared that his funeral service took place on their mother's birthday. She said they would be celebrating together in heaven.
As I was heading home, I thought about all that I had heard and thought about the other side of the works mentioned in my last post. These are the spiritual works of mercy:
- To instruct the ignorant;
- To counsel the doubtful;
- To admonish sinners;
- To bear wrongs patiently;
- To forgive offences willingly;
- To comfort the afflicted;
- To pray for the living and the dead.
Walter lived these acts in his life. He was even a catechist for 40 years in the various parishes he attended. And today, he gave us the opportunity to participate together as a Church family and follow his example. He gave us witness through his life shared today by family and friends.
I am sure he was looking down on us today and smiling.
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