At this time of year, we think about those who have departed from us into the realm of Eternity. Today especially I think about my cousin Josh.
My Uncle Bernie adopted him about 10 years ago, seeking to provide a good life for a teenager, having spent much time working with and empowering teens through non-profit organizations. Because of some unfortunate circumstances in his family life, Josh definitely needed true love and care, which my Uncle provided for him so abundantly. Indeed, I remember seeing a photo of my uncle posing with my cousin before they went into family court to finalize the adoption, and Uncle Bernie was beaming with joy.
When Uncle Bernie brought him into our family, I was personally excited. Being the youngest of the four grandchildren of my mom's parents, I didn't have the chance to welcome a newborn into the family after me, like my older brother and cousins did for me. I enjoyed having a new family member, because part of me has yearned to play the role of a benevolent "older brother" kind of figure, and I was able to do so for Josh.
My cousin Josh was a rather energetic, adventurous kind of person. My Mom tells a story from when she was with him and my uncle waiting at family court to finalize the adoption, and Josh looked out at a construction crane in downtown Chicago and expressed his desire to swing around from the top of it. He also had a sense of adventure during a winter season when he built a shelter outside entirely made of snow and slept inside it. Like Uncle Bernie, Josh enjoyed outdoor activities.
Josh also enjoyed playing games, both cards and other board games. I recall a story published in a newsletter about how my Uncle Bernie adopted Josh. For his first meeting with my uncle, Josh brought a bunch of games with him so they would have something to do together. He and my uncle must have great minds because my uncle thought alike and brought a bunch of games with him, too, leading the caseworker to remark that they had found their match. When we had family gatherings, like on holidays, Josh and Uncle Bernie were eager to play some kind of game.
At Church, Josh ran the equipment during Mass in the AV loft, just like Uncle Bernie does. He was even part of the Knights of Columbus, first as a squire, and then as a full-fledged member once he turned 18. When he was confirmed, he selected the name Gabriel, one of the prominent angels, the servants who boldly do God's work in accomplishing His purposes, which I found fitting for his personality.
His family background caused him to struggle in life, but there were many times he also embraced a very strong sense of life. I remember he was once over at my house, and we ended up having a great conversation about life and the nature of our society, the final extended conversation I had with him before his sudden and tragic death.
It was heartbreaking for him to depart from us. But to the very end, he received the great love of our family, as well as a huge group of his friends who attended. My Grandma put it best when she remarked that his funeral was one of the best she's ever attended.
Truly his life reminds us of what it means to be a family in which we share the kind of love that nourishes our souls and allows us to live fully the life God desires of us, giving of our love from the heart, mirroring the love we look forward to sharing with Him one day, forever, in His presence.
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