By Sean Byrne
Friday 22nd November was more than the consumer Black Friday in the general Wexford area. It was a miserable wet gloomy day giving all the gloomy darkness of mid winter. It set the tone for the passing of two young people in our community from two very good families only three townlands apart in our parish. James, a 50 year old father of five was taken suddenly, while Mary, a beautiful married woman, lost her long brave battle with cancer at the young age of 42.
I found myself helping with traffic at one of the wakes, a small cog in a very big wheel of a massive community operation. Local neighbours and friends dressed up in oilskins and fluorescent jackets like astronauts to regulate traffic. People volunteered in dozens to mount a catering operation in both houses that would put Nevin Maguire to shame. Up to twelve people helped with preparation of both graves. At one of the funerals on Sunday local off duty gardai with a few farmers used their project management skills to come up with a spectacular plan for traffic. The generosity of a local landowner in giving his field for the car parking matched the tone of the community
Up to fifty people volunteered as stewards and almost 100 people took part with five guards of honour provided. This is not to mention the dozens of people who assisted with the funeral liturgy. On Friday Night on the Late Late Show, I saw the wonderful Galway couple Roseanna and Ollie Ruane who lost their beautiful daughter Saoirse in the Spring. It was essential viewing and is on the RTE player.
The hurt and grief they are experiencing is only matched by their resilience and determination to help others. Roseanna's faith is
inspirational as she shared how her other daughter Fara Rose has given meaning to her life. It reminded me of the parable of the footprints in the sand. Roseanna is also dedicating herself to organising a conference on grief in January. Ollie is also fighting strong, attending counselling regularly and volunteering with Alone.
In conclusion then last Friday was not all black, I saw a Christian community in action helping two grieving families . I saw two grief-stricken parents on television showing phenomenal strength and courage. May this hope and light of Advent give us all the inspiration and strength in the coming days.
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