Death Of A Priest - A Friend

Father, I feel your death more keenly tonight than any other since our last moments together on earth, your absence scrapes against my heart. Hurting so deep inside that tears flow from within and fall heavily down my cheeks, it's different than the hurt I felt for my Mom, but is the same sorrow of death. A mystery I cannot quite fathom, laughter, learning, friendship that we've shared for so many years is still present in my most treasured memories. When stopping to look through my mind, joy of our sharing is abundant, I can still feel the pleasure of your smile when you found my translations were correct. Yet, somehow these pleasant feelings of friendship sadden me and again crying, I mourn your loss, in my mind I can hear you laughing, making fun of my tears like you used to. Tenderly, gently, as if afraid of frightening me away, I feel your love reaching out to me, settling on me from above. Your silent voice I hear Father, saying you will not ever abandon me, and our friendship continues to grow, a friend- ship not even death can break from God.