"pacemaker."

one night only in lent...i have returned to express my thoughts on the recent passing of my brother in Christ,

jon saligumba.

i know so little of your death at this moment, but i knew your beautiful life and that is what matters most. it is a great misfortune of mine to have another retreatant, another student of mine leave this earth so abruptly. you were definitely one of my favorites, something i would never have shared publicly if you were still around. you inspired me to keep serving the Lord, to keep making a positive difference in spite of any hardship or suffering. i remembered that you loved to sing and dance...you lived a passionate life. i remember you being a peaceful soul, easy to get along with and easy to become friends with. you were so open to loving and eager to show it to the people in your life. you were a remarkable person and it was a definite pleasure and honor to have served you with austin in your faith journey.

i will be simple in my expression...i am very saddened by your death and i will mourn you. this much i can take comfort in, have hope for...that you will become an angel for all of us that are still here. that we now have another blessed soul who will watch over us and deliver God's grace to us. all of us here who knew and loved you will become closer in life because of yours. that is what i think is the most beautiful memento anyone can leave behind...a multiplication of love after death.

jon, in the moments we feel sadness due to your demise, in the times our hearts are struggling to endure such sorrow and pain...help us persevere. if not by your memory, then by your soul in Heaven let your love, your heart keep us going strong. give us the strength we need to make it through.

i will smile knowing you will no longer feel pain, sadness, suffering. you are in a much better place. your soul no longer has to bear the pressures of this world and will only experience the great love and joy only Heaven can provide. you no longer have to hope like us for the sincere and ultimate happiness Christ promises each and everyone of us...you are there. i don't know if this was to be your time...but i leave that thought and you in the hands of our God. your absence now leaves a space in all our lives, but our love for you will fill the void in due time.

i will continue to pray for you and all your loved ones.




i won't believe "in anything that brings you home to me." i will believe in anything that brings you home to Him.

thank you jon for everything...especially your final act of charity. what is it? your escalation to Heaven lets me know why i choose life, why i choose love every day...and why i never regret that.

may you rest in peace my brother...vaya con Dios. amen.