A Tribute To Pam Catague
For many, these are times of uncertainty -- uncertainties about the present economy, which pave the way to more uncertainties for the future. These are times when we need assurance. Assurance of food coming in, a roof over our head and a reserve for the education of our children. Most people also need the assurance of friendship. As to this last basic need, I am confident the SUAF@SD fulfills it for the local San Diego Sillimanian community.
It is hard to imagine that hardship exists in the beautiful setting of America's Finest City. And yet our small community has had its share of medical problems, marital problems and financial problems.
Most recently we experienced the loss of fellow Sillimanian Pamela Catague, sister of our Board of Directors member Laarni Gularek. After several years of suffering with cancer, Pamela left her earthly dwelling to be with the Lord on May 6, 2009. Our membership gathered forces to help out Laarni in this time of grief. We continue to pray for Laarni and her family.
At the funeral mass and the reception which followed, I witnessed personal grief and sorrow. I also witnessed this grief transforming to joy with the help of the words from the Bible and the support of everyone present. Because of these assurances from the Bible and the people that were there, there was rejoicing for Pamela's past life and her entrance into eternal life. There was singing, enjoyed by everyone. Laarni and Aunt Zeny Duran- Bennett were confident that Pamela, having loved singing, would be pleased with the celebration of her life through singing.
This example of grief metamorphosing into celebration encourages and reminds me that we need each other. We cannot allow ourselves to be alone in our pains and triumphs. When we share these with others--the seemingly insurmountable mountains we face, the proud trophies we have earned, and everything in between--somehow, the strength, hope, courage and joy we need are there. We give and receive assurance when we work together, pray together and share together.
Allow me to leave with you the words from Rodgers and Hammerstein "You'll Never Walk Alone" from Carousel, one of the songs that Pamela loved. It is an appropriate song to remind us to continue to hold each other up in our prayers and thoughts and that we're never alone.
When you walk through the storm
Hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark
At the end of the storm
There's a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of the lark
Walk on, through the wind
Walk on, through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone