A Tribute to Sally

            Her name was Helene, but our family only called her Sally, just like we call John, Harry. For us, Sally was more than a passing part of our lives. Sally was our saint.

A good priest once said to me, “Holiness attracts.” And Sally was attractive. Just ask Harry.

I have few thoughts on holiness, sanctity by another name.

          Holiness means going out of your way to help others with a smile on your face. Sally always had a smile for everyone. She bubbled with delight.

Holiness means normalcy. Check out Sally’s Facebook page. What’s more normal than being connected technologically? Normalcy means you can laugh with those who laugh and weep with those who weep. It’s alright to cry as we do today.

          Holiness includes feeding the hungry. And boy, were we hungry whenever we came to visit. We had to drive hours to get to La Puente, and she always filled our bodies with the tastiest meals and our minds with great conversations. Yes Harry, you were part of all the feeding and mind games. After all, holiness in a wife means one-ness with the husband; and you two were so together.

Saint Paul wrote that a woman can reach holiness by childbearing. Maybe he meant that the struggle of childbirth wins that crown. I think it’s the years of struggle involved in trying to form the kids, Kirby, Melinda, Darrel into faith filled, giving adults: the way Sally has done.   

Gratitude is part of holiness, too. Some of us show it by going to Church. Sally went. Some of us show it by accepting invitations to parties, gatherings, and special events. Sally accepted. Some of us show it by worrying about others. Sally worried about Tante Ilse, Tante Irene, Oom Oscar, the family vanguard.

Surely she’s grateful that you are here, because despite this sad moment, she has brought us together. She has fed us a spiritual meal, and she has strengthened our faith.

Saints, of course, are people who are in heaven, and they take with them fond memories; memories of family, co-workers, friends, and the little boy lost. Marty, are you here?”  (pause)

Real saints echo the saintly men and women described in the bible. Whether we talk of the worthy wife of Proverbs or follow the holy women of the Gospels, saints embody holiness.  Sally most certainly did.