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In closing, I offer you a final reflection and ask a special favor.

Michael shares this from the Book of Psalms:

"All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be."

Yes, indeed, Len left us too soon. We are shocked by his sudden passing and saddened that we will not have him in our presence in the days and years that follow.

Yet, if we recall all of the gifts that Len gave us in his short but impactive life, we will get through the pain and suffering, and even more importantly, we will carry Len in our hearts forever.

Michael added: "God's ways are often unsearchable and His thoughts are as far above ours as the heavens are above the earth. We all should find solace in knowing that the number of days for each of us are in God's hands, and even if answers escape us, God has shown Himself countless times to be trustworthy, and we can trust His will.

"God numbered Len's days and He's numbered ours, from before we were born. We should thank God for the years He's given us to know Len."

Yes, indeed, we are grateful for God's gift of Len in our lives.

Now for that special request.

I know in my heart that Len is with us here this morning. He has heard our petitions, our prayers, and our remembrances. All through his life, Len showered us with gifts. This morning, it is only fitting that we return those favors.

From this day forward I ask that every time a kind deed comes your way, think of Len.

Every time someone or something makes you laugh, think of Len.

Every time you have the opportunity to help someone in need--do it! And, think of Len.

Every time someone showers you with love--be grateful! And, think of Len.

Stay close to Len's family and help them burn his memory brightly in their hearts.

Stay close to one another. Enjoy the days that follow, for they will get easier and brighter. Lean on one another for comfort when the storm clouds re-appear. For they will, and it is much easier to face them with friends, than alone. Do all of these because this is what Len would have wanted us to do. Stay close. Stay friends. Stay a family.

Finally, be good. Be good people: be good to one another and to others. Some time down the road when the Lord calls each of us home there will be someone peeking out from behind the pearly gates. He won't be able to hold back his excitement as he sees you approaching. St. Peter will say, "be patient." Please make sure you get the "heads up" sign to enter. For there, waiting for you with open arms, (right behind the Lord, of course!), will be Len. DON'T disappoint him!

Len, I know you can hear us. Thank you "Big Guy" for all that you have done for us. For the many gifts: the laughter, the friendship, the generosity, and the courage.

Know that we will continue to depend on you for guidance and love.

Thank you again, Len. Thank you for everything!

May the Good Lord bless you and keep you close to His heart. We promise that we will always do the same.

Mark J. Valentino