Kolbe's Story Part V

Parts I, II, III, and IV can be found here.

 

There were several reasons why Eric and I felt the need to share Kolbe’s story and they all come down to these three:

 

1.       For Kolbe. He doesn’t deserve to be forgotten.

2.       Support for others going through similar situations. There is not a lot of information out there on this subject and through all of my google-ing  what I found to be the most helpful and accurate was other peoples stories.

3.       Evangelization. Many do not consider Kolbe a human being who is worthy of respect. I don’t expect this to make someone pro-life who is pro-choice, but I want it to make people think.

 

When I think about losing Kolbe, yes there is sorrow and pain, but I am grateful for the time we were able to spend with him.  We are also very thankful that we are surrounded by so many amazing family and friends. I am so thankful that I always have Eric by my side, and he is the best Dad and husband out there. And, most importantly, God was there the entire time. The reading from this Sunday was over the hands and feet of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12-30) I can honestly say that through losing Kolbe we experienced that love from just about everyone who we came into contact with.

 

Our friends watching our kids for us, building a casket, BUILDING A CHURCH, and planning a funeral mass. They did everything that we would have wanted to do for Kolbe, but couldn’t, without asking. So thankful for them! Then there was the outpouring of e-mails and hand written snail mail that was so supportive. For Eric and I it was just so touching when people would acknowledge Kolbe as a human being. Then, Eric’s family bought Kolbe a beautiful gravestone. My father built a bench to put out by the gravesite and then bought a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe to eventually make a small grotto. They went above and beyond and they showed us Christ’s love through their sacrifices for Kolbe. It is truly beautiful to look at it that way.  The love and support we received from family and friends is a great witness of what Christians do for one another in their time of need. 

 

We were also given a very special gift from the Gales that sits in our living room.

 

A beautiful statue of St. Maximilian Kolbe, Kolbe's namesake.

Eric and I feel so blessed to have known Kolbe and to hold him. It is such a great gift and honor. Even though our time together was short, you are greatly loved.