On May 9, 2016, our mother exercised her right to vote. Three days later, May 12, she celebrated her 90^th birthday. Four days after, we brought her to the hospital because she was disoriented. On May 24, she joined her Creator.

While deep down in our hearts we know that she has lived a long and full life, a brother posted this question, “Had we brought mommy earlier to the hospital, would it have made a difference?”

All of us have dealt with a death of a loved one. Certainly, many of us who dealt with a death of a loved one have reflected if there should be anything that could be done to prolong the life of a love one? Even Martha in the Gospel did so: “Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died?”

Should thoughts like this enter into our minds, three things we remember:

1. It is God who is in control – Our stories are written by God; when we are to be born and when we are to die. No matter how much we love a loved one who passed away, it is still God who is the author of life. 
2. No regrets.  In a life that is short and swift, it is so hard to live with regret. The past is past and the challenge is to let go and move on. But never forget our loved ones who have moved on. As they say, death ends life but never relationship.
3. There will be no goodbyes. That is after our journey here on earth. Jesus assured his disciples, “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.” Hence, the reminder to always aspire for heaven in this life.

That is why my dear friends, in this Mass three things we can do:

• Remember our loved ones who have said goodbye.
• We thank God for these people as they will always be part of our lives.
• We desire to see them after our journey here on earth.