serenity [suh-ren-i-tee]
the state or quality of being serene, calm, or tranquil; sereneness; a disposition free from stress or emotion; the absence of mental stress or anxiety
Synonyms include: calmness, composure, cool, patience, peace, placidity, quietness stillness, tranquility

I went to the memorial service of a 2-week old baby this weekend. Iya's niece, Emily, left us here on Earth to be welcomed in heaven, I'm sure, by the Lord and all her loved ones who have passed on before her. Sad and devastating though this event was, there was a glimmer of hope and peace I saw that seldom, if ever, is present during such an occasion.

Kuya Dennis and Ate Myla (Iya's brother and sister-in-law) were a picture of silence and sorrow, traced by strength and serenity. They thanked everyone for the prayers that got them through such an excruciating two weeks. They told us how lucky they were to have been able to spend the time that they did with their beautiful Emily and how they wished all of us were lucky enough to have held her the way they were able to. They asked us to pray for the days that lie ahead for the two of them and Emily's big sister, Bea. They had lost a daughter, they said, but had gained a guardian angel whose face would be a familiar one, and with whom they are on a first-name basis.

Father Tom advised that we not pray FOR Emily. She is already in a place where she will be happiest, he said. We should pray WITH her, he asked, for her parents, sister and loved ones who she had to leave behind.

In the short life that Emily led, she brought out of many who never met her, a turn to their faith for her sake. In the 2 weeks that she was part of our world, she asked for us to seek hope for her parents. Even in her departure, she leaves with her loved ones an angelic face to turn to in times of trial and uncertainty.

Thank you, Emily, for giving and teaching us so much in so little time. I hope we'll meet one day...

Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and the wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen.

--Reinhold Niebuhr

Trust in the LORD with all your heartand lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.

--Proverbs 3, 5-6