Gerard
Truchan, our “angel unaware”[1],
was born a beautiful child with a severe mental handicap that was caused by
those tending to his birthing process. Despite this, or maybe because God
permitted this to happen, he was a special gift to his family. As young
children, my beloved husband Tony would run back home after school to be with
his brother Gerard and keep him company while their mother prepared supper for
the family.
As time
went by and Gerard grew up, the challenges of caring for this severely
handicapped man became quite difficult, and so after much prayerful
discernment, he was placed in a special home that could provide the 24/7
special attention and care that Gerard needed.
When Tony
and I married, we used to schedule day visits when we could be with Gerard and
even take him out for a drive and an ice cream cone (his favorite).
Our small
children were also gifted with times of visiting uncle Gerard and spending time
taking him for wheelchair walks and photo opportunities that made them all
smile as “angels unawares” … These moments were like little glimpses of heaven
where time stands still and only being present matters. “For where two or three
are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them…”[2]
God is present, too.
Life from conception to natural death (passing on to one’s eternal
reward) is a gift from God – We revere life at all ages and stages. Every soul
has a purpose and is special. During our lifetime, we have the responsibility
to be truly committed to this vocation to LIFE. How are we celebrating life at
all stages? Here are a few ways we can celebrate as a family…
- Pray, pray, pray…as a family a
daily rosary (especially during October as Respect Life month, and
November for the poor souls…)
- One of the most
effective ways to instill a witness to life in our family is to
demonstrate it through our actions, showing that a pro-life stance extends
beyond political issues to a broader respect for all human life.
- Emphasize the importance of each
person and their dignity: Help children understand that every person is unique and valuable
from the moment of conception, focusing on Psalm 139:13-16, which
speaks of being "fearfully and wonderfully made".
- Volunteer together as a family: Serve at a local pregnancy
resource center or nursing home to actively support life at every stage.
We called different nursing homes and were invited and able to bring a
craft to make with the residents. It was fun for all ages!
- Find ways to support your local
community: Call your parish, your school, or other local organizations and
sign up to offer practical help to new or single mothers, the elderly, or
those with special needs. This provides a visible example of supporting
life at all stages.
- We lead by example in our daily
life: When we show
respect for everyone, even those we disagree with, our children will learn
kindness and respect by watching how we treat others.
[1]
Hebrews 13:2 “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have
entertained angels unawares”
[2]
Matthew 18:20
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