Reason 1: We Were Not Made for This World, Heaven Awaits

Twelve years ago today, my dad left this world for his eternal reward after bravely battling Parkinson’s Disease. Despite his suffering, he never fell into self-pity. Instead, he embraced his faith, letting Jesus guide him through this final journey. During this time, my mom demonstrated what unconditional love truly means, standing by him and caring for him to the point of exhaustion, beyond what anyone could endure alone. As her ability to care for him waned, Dad’s condition worsened. He lost his ability to walk and swallow. Hospice provided a hospital bed and medical assistance, allowing Dad to spend his last week at home, for which Mom was especially grateful.

My Dad’s last week on Earth remains the most profound experience of my life. As Dad’s physical body declined, the veil between heaven and earth seemed to thin. Despite the difficulty and emotion, it was also beautiful and magnificent, filled with small miracles that comforted us. Each day, I was greeted by the Easter Lilies Mom had planted each year. They were especially beautiful that June. Mary’s maternal presence felt especially close, particularly when we prayed the Rosary. I believe my grandmother, my Dad’s mother was near. One day, the yard was covered with Cardinals, my grandmother’s favorite birds. It felt like a sign of her presence.

When Fr. Joe came to anoint Dad, it was a turning point. He gave Dad his final Sacrament, blessed our house and yard, sang the Notre Dame Fight song, and spoke gently to Dad, assuring him he was ready to move on to the next life. From that point forward, the restlessness Dad had been experiencing was replaced with complete peace.

These are just a few of the small, grace-filled moments we experienced that week. Then, on that last day, when I arrived at my parent’s home, the Lilies that had greeted me each day, and had given me so much peace, were brown and wilted. I knew in my heart it was the last day. Dad’s breathing had become shallow and erratic. A few hours later, as we prayed a Hail Mary, he took his last breath. His eyes brightened as if witnessing something spectacular, and then there was silence.

Watching someone you love die is heartbreaking. Yet, I saw the immense grace Dad received and how prepared he was to meet God. We were blessed by visits from parish priests and the support of friends and relatives. Being with Dad in his final moments was a privilege, and knowing he was prepared for Heaven did make it easier.  As Catholics, we have many resources to help us prepare for eternity. The Sacraments, scripture, and sacramentals played a crucial role in Dad’s journey. Losing a parent is hard, but the grace-filled experience of walking this journey with my dad was a blessing.

Hours after Dad died, we learned his cousin passed on the same day. Like Dad, he spent his final moments surrounded by family. Both died on the feast day of St. John Fisher, our ancestor. I imagine their joyful reunion and find comfort in the Communion of Saints.

Some might see the flowers, the birds, and the timing of Dad’s death as coincidences. But to me, these moments are signs of God’s merciful love. Dad’s journey showed us a path to Heaven, a path laid out through church teachings and the Bible, including Jesus’ own words. I can not disregard generations of faith and tradition for an uncertain alternative. Eternity is forever.

St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians says, “Our citizenship is in heaven.” Dad’s life, especially his final years, prepared him for this reality. He left this world surrounded by peace and love. I hope and pray that when my time comes, I am as well-prepared and surrounded by love as my Dad. Thus, the very first reason is rooted in my desire to reach heaven – We were not made for this world, Heaven Awaits.