Timing is Everything

When I was little, my dad used to tell me that timing was everything. I am certain he meant that asking him for something the second he walked in the door wouldn’t get me very far (totally get that now), but for the purposes of this story, I think it is a very wise saying.

Last week while watching the Today Show, Matt Lauer was interviewing the Pope at the Vatican.  It jogged my memory to a story I heard at my Paw Paw’s funeral that I never had heard before and I wanted to share it with you.

First, a little background. My Paw Paw was the most religious, devoted person I have ever met in my life. At the memorial service for him my uncle said, if Paw Paw doesn’t get into heaven, the rest of us don’t stand a chance. Ha!

But truly, he would go to mass and pray the rosary daily, was a Eucharistic minister, counted the collection, never had an unkind word to say about anyone and was a living example of holiness.

Another thing about Paw Paw is that he lost his wife on September 12, 1976 (remember this date) and was so devoted to her that he never remarried and always had a picture of her close by.

shreveport 015

In 1987 Paw Paw had the great honor of being one of only two people from the Diocese of Shreveport to receive Communion from Pope John Paul the II when he visited New Orleans, LA that year.  (I told you, he was a living example of holiness.)

paw paw pope

But what I didn’t know is that Paw Paw received this honor, something that I know meant the world to him, on September 12, 1987. 11 years to the day after he lost his wife.

Often I question the timing of something, why I didn’t get this, why I didn’t get that, but to me this story is a reminder that our timing isn’t always perfect. I cannot imagine a more perfect day on the calendar that this could have happened to Paw Paw and truly believe it was a gift from above. A sign that someone else’s timing is more perfect that our own.

Comments

  1. That is very beautiful and sweet, Katie. I always love when you post about Paw Paw because you have just the right words to say. He was the closest to a saint that I've ever known . . .and your dad was a close second. Paw Paw loved you so much, and I know how you loved him.
    Love, Aunt Angie

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  2. I couldn't agree with you more. How beautifully you told this story. It gave me chills.

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  3. Just beautiful!!! After reading this story, I imagine our grandfathers hit it off in heaven. My grandpa was a devote Catholic too and the most kind person I know as well. I find great comfort knowing they are in the presence of the Lord they happily served and with their beloved wives again.

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  4. This was the neatest story about Paw Paw. I can't believe we never had known that before. Dad always did have very good words of wisdom for us! Esp that patience is a virtue-ha! I need that reminder alot. Sweet post on Paw Paw. Love you!

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  5. Amen, Katie! God's timing is perfect! Thank you for the beautiful reminder.

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  6. LOVE this story...brought tears to my eyes! Such a great example how we are not the ones in control!

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  7. Wow.. what an amazing story! It gave me chills. That's just incredible. It's so great to know that he's reunited with his love in Heaven right now...

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  8. So sweet Katie :) This story brought tears to my eyes!

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  9. Such a sweet story! Thanks for sharing.

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  10. Such a touching story! Thanks for making me smile! Love you!

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  11. Great story! Everything you wrote other than the date his wife died and meeting the pope sounds like my Granddaddy. His wife died in 1960 and he became a deacon and never remarried. Thanks for reminding me of him :)

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  12. What a great story - such a sweet reminder that His timing is perfect! Thank you so much for sharing. :]

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  13. Thank you for the wonderful story....and thank you for making me a crying mess. ;)

    jane

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  14. i couldn't agree more! loved this post!

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  15. Wow that's so amazing! My grandfather is very similar, prays the rosary every night and constantly teaching all of us lessons. I bet they would have been great friends!

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  16. I think timing is everything.

    This is so sweet! Love the story and pictures!

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  17. Very beautiful post Katie. My parents always told me the same thing and that my timing was terrible. I too have learned over the years. Dad and paw paw would be proud of your story. Paw Paw was so sweet and Dad was just like him. How great that you have had such great men as models in your life. love, mom

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  18. The first line of your post made me crack up because I was the SAME way with my mom. Here she was dead tired from work and as soon as she walked through the door, it was mom I NEED this or that haha! God moves us in so many different directions and paths, we just have to make the time to really pay attention to the cues He gives us. Thanks for the post!

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  19. I loved this post - it was truly beautiful! I completely agree - timing is everything and learning to be patient with the questions of our heart! XOXO

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  20. Very powerful! I'm crying! Thanks for sharing this story!

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