My Father Fell Asleep

July 15, 2006

My brother called and told me he was deep in a study of the Thessalonian epistles. He emphasized how Paul wrote to comfort the church regarding those who had died. “… we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve, as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.”

My father fell asleep today. My mother was with him, the two of them having just arrived home together.

I am content concerning these circumstances – I’ve been waiting for this call for some while. Christine and I were on the way to see a movie when the call came; we continued on to see it. Vincent called me after Nick informed him and told me that he, too, was content. Marcus, with Stephen when they heard the news, sounded like he was coping well. Sonia will have to wait until the morning before we can tell her about Grandpop. Joey Pandolfi called me, because he already knew! Mom has people with her and Stephen will soon be there as well.

Plans are in place for cremation – that is according to my father’s stated wish. Then we’ll have to figure out the other things to do.

I am the third son of Nicholas John Tavani, Sr. He has departed to be with Christ. I remain. To live is Christ, and to die is gain.