FATHER RAY

It was he who taught me

to throw a curve ball

hit a 7 iron

dip shiny Smelt

from  a cold, spring creek

when we were just kids.

It was he who

blessed us with his presence

and asked us

to repeat the words

with this ring

until death do us part

and then said

go ahead, kiss her.

Now today I hear

that he has died

and it is my turn

to recall

when he once again

blessed us with his presence

in a time of deep sorrow

seeking only solace

and understanding

and we did all

that we could do

and it was enough.

He has left the peace

he had in this world

For a greater peace by far

he knows our sorrow

we remember the blessing

of his presence.

  

John A. Bayerl, January 18, 2012

on the occasion of Fr. Raymond Hoefgen’s death.

Today I heard that Ray died of a heart attack yesterday.  He was a first cousin, we played together as youngsters, then he went off to be a priest, and I went about living my life.  Surely it was not a coincidence that Ray was ordained as a priest the week before Gwen and I were married.  I served as an usher at his ordination.  The next Saturday he officiated at Gwen's and my marriage.  Then we lost touch with each other except for occasional contacts until about ten years ago when Gwen and I were living in Marquette.  While there we had a visit from Ray right after he had received some devastating news.  I won't go into detail about that; it's not important anymore.  On that occasion Gwen and I were able to be with Ray as witnesses to his pain.  We felt that life had come full circle.  Ray will be missed.  He blessed everyone with his presence.

Tomorrow I will take the long trip to Menominee for Ray's funeral on Friday.  

Today I had intended to write about yesterday when I had healing and rewarding talks with my friend Carl, then Bob, and in the evening Mary.   Sometimes I need reminders that I am not in this alone.

I was so proud of you that night Dear, when you opened our front door and your heart to Ray.