Not A Dry Eye
The sweetest thing happened tonight and it overwhelmed me with joy. Everyone in my immediate family-seven brothers and sisters, spouses and children-was in our family church in Longport, New Jersey having just finished Mass. We were all together to celebrate the life of our dear old Dad/Granddaddy, Jack Bradley. He died four years ago. Every year on his anniversary, we come together as a group to reminisce about him.
It was a very snowy, icy night. Typical for January in New Jersey. We were well acquainted with many of the parishioners who were there in attendance. One by one, they all came over to us to say a kind word on their way out into the parking lot. Eventually, only Bradleys remained in the church along with the Priest and the lector and his wife.
Suddenly, the lector made an announcement on the microphone which could be heard all over the church. He said, “Bradley family, this one’s for you!” With that, we were treated to a recording of our Father/ Grandfather singing his signature song, “On The Way To Cape May”. It took most of us a moment to realize that the voice we were hearing was actually his. Not just someone else sharing his favorite song.
Needless to say, we were overcome with emotion. We laughed, smiled and teared up. It was thrilling to be together experiencing the sensation of his presence. It all felt so familiar. As if he was right there with us. We sang our hearts out in harmony with Jack. Including all of the grandchildren. What a lovely surprise, indeed.
Naturally, we were wondering how this came to be. Turns out that the lector filmed Jack singing the song that he was so well known for at a St.Patrick’s Day party years before. We were unaware that he possessed this little treasure until that evening. How thoughtful this good man was to share it with all of us on such a special day. Some people are just so nice, aren’t they?
It’s sweet gestures like this that bring light and joy to the world. We are all so grateful to have been the recipients of this act of kindness.
