Catholic Dads

(Cross-posted from Catholic Manhood)

Yesterday, we buried Simon. It was a beautiful spring day with the sun shining and a light breeze blowing through the cemetery. My wife had collected some readings and prayers that we read together. I made it through the first with little trouble–Job’s prayer, Blessed be the name of the Lord. I broke down during the second prayer–Psalm 139–when I reached these words:

You formed my inmost being;

you knit me in my mother’s womb.

I praise you, so wonderfully you made me;

wonderful are your works!

My very self you knew;

my bones were not hidden from you,

When I was being made in secret,

fashioned in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes foresaw my actions;

in your book all are written down;

my days were shaped, before one came to be.

Simon remained largely “in secret”–we didn’t tell many people that we were expecting him. We only saw signs that he was with us; we did not see him until he had gone from us.

It was a beautiful day for a beautiful boy and we are so blessed to be his parents.

PS – The Knights of Columbus donated the land where miscarried babies are buried and the statue of the Holy Family (above) in the cemetery. For all of you fellow Knights, thank you for your unceasing witness to life.