Our Final Farewell

Friday, February 1, 2013 began the process of giving Maura Anne her final farewell...

At 5:30pm, the hearse arrived at my childhood home carrying my sister in the back. All of the brothers and papa met them in the driveway and carried the casket inside where she spent the night in the living room. That night we had close friends and family over We ate dinner. Had drinks. Prayed a rosary. Cried. Laughed. Shared memories.

After everyone left, it was just us - Mama and Papa, Maura, and all of the siblings. We all spent one final night together in the house. We stayed up into the wee morning hours remembering the hard days of Maura's beginning. Her times of sickness and health. The unique antics of Maura. Her 'books.' Her bag. Her unique language. Her dancing. Her laughter. Her smile.

Sleep was not easily come by that night and before long, it was time to prepare for Maura's Funeral Mass and Visitation on Saturday, February 2, 2013. The funeral home arrived at 7:45 to pick her up. We sobbed as they drove away with her - her last time to leave the house... ever. After that, it was time to prepare for her funeral and get to St. Richard's Catholic Church...

We all began to arrive at 8:45 and there was a crowd waiting on us. Within 20 minutes there was a line of people all the way up the center aisle and out the front door of the church - all to pay their respects to Maura Anne - this little 21 year old girl with Down Syndrome. All of us were shocked at how many people there were and just how far some had traveled - the Priest estimated that over 400 people were in the Church that day, more than his typical Sunday Mass...

Her Funeral Mass was like no other. There was plenty of laughter. There were tears. There was absolutely NO black, only bright colors and 1 homemade St. Richard's School uniform made by a dear family friend as he knew that was Maura's absolutely favorite thing to wear when she came home. There was a beautiful testimony to life during the communion reflection done by mama. After the final blessing, ring pops were passed out to all who wanted them. All of the brothers and Papa, Uncle and Grandpa, nephews and friends, wore bow ties in bright colors and patterns as Maura was always in awe of them. Words cannot express just how comforting and healing it was for all of us. The outpouring of love was incredible...

 As I sit here writing my memories, 3 days later, the shock at just how incredible her funeral was is still present. I do not think that, as long as I live that I will forget or lose sight of that. So many loved her. So many cherished her. So many were touched by her simplicity. Her selflessness. Her just being her.

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of Maura Anne. She made us stop and appreciate the little things. She made us slow down and live life one moment at a time. She showed us the power of a smile and a laugh. She taught us so much. For that we thank you for entrusting her with us....

Sts. Maura and John David, Pray for us.