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Saturday I went to the funeral service for Naomi Packer, born May 16,
1964 and died suddenly of heart failure on November 24, 2006. Naomi
lived with her five year old son Seth. I went because I know Naomi's
mother Anne through her involvement in social justice issues.
Saturday, I met Naomi's brothers, all three older by a few years. The
Kodak photos show the four children climbing trees, building
sandcastles, swimming, tenting. Naomi was adopted when she was a
toddler and seemed to fit right in with her 3 older brothers. Naomi
and Seth have no other families. Naomi always had a smile - she
laughed often - acquaintances, former teachers, said.
A hard funeral in Advent - a time of waiting and watching, Anne
planned the service of farewell with Rev. J.J. Trudeau, a delightful
woman. She made me question again what the Catholic church has against
women in ministry! J.J. mentioned a poem and Anne thought it was
perfect. With the magic of the Internet, J.J. found it and so did I
when I got home:
Abou Ben Adhem
by Leigh Hunt (1784-1859)
”Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep sleep of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
An angel writing in a book of gold: -
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And, to the presence in the room he said,
"What writest thou?" The vision raised its head;
And with a look made of all sweet accord,
Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord"
"And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so,"
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerily still; and said, "I pray thee, then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow men."
The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again with a great waking light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blest,
And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest”.
Cecily
