Griffin Patrick's Blessing....

Wednesday, September 28, 2005, was by all accounts a beautiful fall day. The air was warm and clean............the kind of air that you love to hang the sheets out in because they capture that delicious fragrance of pure air and sunshine and bring it inside to fill the night hours.

The sky was brilliant blue,,,with little puffs of white clouds that were slowly floating by.

The colors were vivid...........everything was Kodachrome crisp.

Amongst all this beauty, gathered a solemn occasion..............but an occasion, that while marked with great sadness,,,,,,shown with true beauty, love, faith, compassion and friendship.

The gathering was large, filled with mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, great-grandparents, co-workers, friends and children, lots and lots of children.

Patti and Jim and Kelsy, Connor and Fiona walked over to the tiny casket.........with sad and heavy hearts. My father had a basket filled with little red roses and wooden trains, airplanes, cars and crosses. The little children gathered at the funeral were given an item and they each slowly went up to say good-bye, leaving a toy or flower at the grave.

Patti, while her heart is truly broken, looked radiant.........she is truly a beautiful young woman and seeing her standing there, tall and statuesque, it was almost hard to realize that just a few short days ago she was in full blossom as a mother in waiting.

At the direction of Father Peter, we gathered around and reflected and listened to a beautiful service............the topic of 'faith' and questioning GOD to, as why a child, needs to leave so soon arose. My sister had asked to have this passage included. As I stood there, watching my baby sister and her family and friends, holding on to my Emma Sage's hand and niece Fiona hand, Father Peter spoke these words and tears just streamed out of my eyes...........

This passage is from a book entitled, The Clowns of God, by Morris West. In the book, a deposed pope has gone through many trials and tribulations and it is the time of the Second Coming. When he meets the Returned Christ, the former pope is afraid and unsure much like the apostles when Christ first arose. This passage takes place in a mountain hideaway where children from a school for Down syndrome are among those present.

The Returned Christ is speaking about one of these children as he holds her.


"I know what you are thinking. You need a sign. What better one could I give but to make this little one whole and new? I could do it; but I will not. I am the Lord and not a conjurer. I gave this mite a gift I denied to all of you~~eternal innocence. To you she looks imperfect~~but to me she is flawless, like the bud that dies unopened or the fledgling that falls from the nest to be devoured by ants. She will never offend me, as all of you have done. She will never pervert or destroy the work of my Father's hands. She is necessary to you. She will evoke the kindness that will keep you human. Her infirmity will prompt you to gratitude for your own good fortune............ More! She will remind you every day that ~ I am who I am~, that my ways are not yours, and that the smallest dust mite whirled in the darkest spaces does not fall out of my hand............. I have chosen you. You have not chosen me. This little one is my sign to you. Treasure her!"

Griffin Patrick Letko.............you were a perfect and precious gift. You will always hold eternal innocence as your greatest blessing. You blessed your Mommy and Daddy and siblings and family for a short while..........but your blessing will be carried within their/our hearts for all eternity.

The service ended and with Tears and Sorrow, I watched my sister say good-bye to her precious little boy. I stood and watched as every attendee approached the tiny casket and said a heartfelt good-bye and give a hug of comfort to my sister and Jim and the children.

We went back to Patti & Jim's to an incredible luncheon put on by their neighbors. It truly is an inspiration to see family, community & friends come together…..humanity at its highest.

I know time will heal my sisters body and soul..........her loss will be forever carried within her heart.

I love you so dearly 'Trixi'.............you are the best sister anyone could ever wish for.