The Bed Of The Sea
Editor’s note – Haubstadt native Father Hilary Meny, retired priest of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, died on Oct. 7 at age 101. After serving 50 years in pastoral ministry to the archdiocese – he was ordained to the priesthood four years before Pope Pius XII founded the Diocese of Evansville! – Father Meny returned home to live. Many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends cared for him with love and devotion for many years. Laurette Faraone, a niece, was one of those caregivers. The Message is honored to publish this essay from Faraone on her uncle – who was known as “Uncle” – and the witness of his finals days.
“Many people know about my uncle's life and priestly service to God's people. This has already been written about in uncle's obituary and in articles written about him throughout his life ... but what I want to share with you is the story of the last seven and a half months of uncle's Life here on earth.” – Laurette Kissel Faraone
In early March (2016), Uncle had no more strength in his dear body – not even to walk one more step; so Uncle was then totally confined to a bed. For all those many months, Uncle never complained about his back aching, his neck cramping, his legs hurting. It could not have been easy but somehow, Uncle lifted himself above the situation. Uncle's body was wearing out, but he kept his sense of humor and quick wit. Even in the middle of the night, when we would switch his pillow from one side to the other, he would have a funny comment to say to us. And on most mornings, when we would ask him how he was feeling, he would say, "Well, I think I'm feeling pretty well." Or, when we would tuck Uncle in at night, kiss him goodnight and tell him we loved him, he would say with a smile, "Well, I think I love you too."
Some time ago, I heard it said that at the time of death, one can see the "bed of the sea" of the dying person ... that one can see deeply into the soul of the person with great clarity of truth, and no cloud of pretense. In the last several days before Uncle's passing, he was "proofed" – proved – like gold tested in fire. Uncle could no longer speak to us; and though his eyes were closed all the time, we hoped that he
could still hear us.
We prayed, hoping that God would bless Uncle with a gentle, peaceful passing. We prayed that God would work out a beautiful plan to get Uncle to Heaven ... that God alone would ordain the time of Uncle's passing.
Just after midnight, on Oct. 7, my dear sister was sitting closely beside Uncle as he lay quietly in his bed. She had just read him the Chaplet of Divine Mercy; and when she looked at him, one blessed teardrop fell from his closed eye – a teardrop that told us he loved us so much that he did not want to leave us, but a tear of Joy that he was soon to experience the Glory of Heaven – a promise fulfilled!
Uncle the took two short breaths of earthly life, and he was in Heaven! It was just after midnight on Oct. 7, the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, in Mary's month of October, and on the First Friday of the month! A multitude of stars shown like diamonds in the autumn sky ... all of Heaven celebrated!
The special day, date, and month left us with the blessed reassurance that only God Himself had orchestrated this glorious plan, this glorious moment! There is no room for doubt that God is with us always, that Heaven and Earth are linked, and that our earthly life is only a "leg of our journey...."
Stories about our lives are so very important, but the stories about going to Heaven are just as important – so that we all may learn, benefit and grow in Faith; that we may all truly realize the power of our God.
Thank you, Lord, for the Blessings of Father Meny’s life. Thank you, Lord, for his legacy of faith, knowledge, service, generosity and virtue! Thank you, Lord, for Uncle!
