It seemed a little too coincidental that I thought of my dear friend, Don Cook, this afternoon and then almost simulaneously ran across City Slickers on TV after may reference to it a couple of days ago, so I decided I needed to check my e-mail. Sure enough, I received the note from one of his neighbors that I had been praying would not come:
With a sad heart I must tell you that Don passed away this morning at 10:10. Don and Denise were alone together when he took his last breathe and she said he was very peaceful. Denise returned home to spend time with the girls and grieve. Plans had already been made for his family to visit him at hospice so they are on their way... They are expecting quite a few family members to arrive this weekend and it will be very hectic for awhile.The Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday in Austin, with interment near his childhood home in Louisiana later in the week.
This has understandably been a trying day for the Troglodytrix and me, one that I choose not to describe. Don and Denise have been some of the best friends we have ever had as a couple. As soon as I finish of my six of Shiner Bock (a beer to which Don introduced me and goes, hand in hand, with the game of washers) I will begin a novena of thanksgiving for the grace of having Don as a friend and for the repose of his soul. I have asked many times that my readers and (sometimes those of the Catholic Ragemonkey) say a prayer for Don, his wife, Denise, and their two girls. I am ever grateful, as Don was, for those prayers. I ask one more time for your prayers, this time for the repose of Don's soul and that his family may know the comforting Grace of Christ and the loving embrace of Mary, the virgin Mother of God, and all the saints, while in their grief.
I will have more later... at some point.
May the angels take him into paradise: may the martyrs come to welcome him on his way and lead him to the holy city, Jerusalem. May the choir of angels welcome him with Lazarus who once was poor, may he have everlasting rest.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul, and those of all the faithful departed, through the Grace of God's mercy, rest in peace.
Amen.
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