She died on Christmas day.
Posted by letterstopriests | Filed under Uncategorized
Our new associate pastor, Fr. David Sizemore, had only been at our parish for a few months. My childhood best friend, Rita, was dying of cancer and in the James Clinic. It was a week before Christmas and we all know how busy our priests are during that time of year. I tried to go to see her at least 3 times per week and more when able.
One day I stayed after Mass and was praying for Rita. I didn’t know Fr. David that well yet and he noticed my “sad” look, I guess. He approached me and asked if everything was ok. I told him about Rita. She hadn’t been to Mass for many reasons and it worried me, she was such a really good person, had been through two unsuccessful marraiges and here she was so very sick. Without hesitation, he offered to go see her that very afternoon. I had mentioned to Rita about our sweet new priest on one of my previous visits. I picked Fr. up and I will never forget the look on Rita’s face when we walked into her room. She raised both arms to give him a hug. He annointed her and she could barely speak in her responses. When she went to make the sign of the cross after touching her forehead her hand fell and Fr. David so gently lifted it and helped her finish. As she was saying the Our Father in barely a whisper tears were flowing down her cheeks and by now mine as well. What a priviledge for me to witness this miracle. Little did I know how close Rita was to death. She died on Christmas day one week after Father was with her. I will always be eternally grateful to Father Sizemore. Our Lord gave us such a gift that day through him, His beloved priest.
Debbie Westbrock
