Today is the feast of Don Yackley. For those who do not what a feast is, it is the date on which a person dies. Why would we celebrate a day filled with such sadness? The Catholic Church views that day as the day a person is born into everlasting life.
Now I know that many ultra-orthodox Catholics would criticize me for ignoring October 7th as the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. I counter that criticism by saying the Mother of Jesus has multiple feasts, including three Solemnities (Immaculate Conception, Mary, Mother of God, and Assumption), along with many minor feasts. Given the giving nature of Mary, as pictured especially in the Gospel of Luke, Mary is not a glutton and would easily concede this day over to Don. Besides which, the feast is the celebration of the defeat of the Turkish fleet by the Christian fleet at the sea Battle of Lepanto. The defeat was attributed to the praying of the rosary. While I would never deny the power of prayer, the intercessions of the saints, in this case, Mary Mother of God, on our behalf, on a day like today, we never take time to think about the tremendous loss of human life on both sides of that sea battle, and pray for those who died in that battle. This is something I think should be rectified.
However, today is Don’s feast day. I see the presence of Don, and his business partner, Kevin, everywhere in my home. Ruthie and I appreciate the wonderful transformation Don and Kevin accomplished in the many rooms of our home.
If I remember correctly, it was in the winter of 2016 following the 5 pm Saturday night Mass that Don and Jackie told me that he was initially diagnosed with ALS. I felt devastated by the news. I went home and began composing the following piano song as a prayer for Don and Jackie. I completed the song two days later, recorded it and gave it to Don and Jackie.
Our lives touch and impact the lives of many people. Don’s life was a tremendous blessing for my family and I. I still grieve his passing as I rejoice that his body is no longer imprisoned by such a devastating disease. Rest in the joy and peace of God’s reign, good friend.
