gatorcast from paul smith

Yesterday I went to funeral for a 19 year girl. Melissa was the step-daughter of a fellow brother knight, Joe Thorton. She was killed in an automobile accident on I-75 last Thursday night. Death is always shocking but this one was closer to home. On Thursday night I was with Joe at a meeting for the knights at Queen of Peace. Joe is such a wonderful man. At the reception following the funeral I spoke with him briefly and he said that it was very strange going through it because he always heard about accidents like this but never thought it would be so close to him. He commented that the Lord must have a reason for this happening. Because I know that praying the Rosary is so special to him, I told him when I found out about the accident that I would pray the Rosary for Melissa. I did on Monday and it was comforting.

At the funeral, her boyfriend Justin of 5 years stood up before Mass and read a REAL love letter from her dated Sept. 30th. He said he wanted to say somethings about her, but decided to just read the letter. It was so touching. The reason I say REAL love letter is because it was a foreshadow in a way to what was going to happen. She expresses her love for Justin and his and her family and says “if I never get the chance to say it before I die, I love all of you.”. It was very sad, but I am sure it was helpful to all that loved her. I had never experienced anything like it before.

I also saw many young people there. I have been to many funerals but never for a 19 year old.

Joe said to me that Melissa was “very deep” in her thoughts and words. While I did not know her in life, she touched me in her death.

God Bless and may God hold you in his arms Melissa.