This week I attended a funeral for the first time. The name of the man who passed away was Tito Rudy. I remember when I was making my way to the funeral home for the viewing (day before the funeral), I just kept praying for his soul and for the Lord to bring his family peace and comfort during this time. Since I’ve never been to a funeral before, I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, praying for his soul was constantly on my mind.
Tito Rudy was a very quiet man, and I didn’t really get to talk to him much while he was alive, though I do wish now that I did. I also wasn’t aware until recently that he had cancer. During the viewing, I stood in front of him, gazing at his lifeless body, and he just looked so peaceful and I felt that spirit of peace while I was standing there. I remember just asking the Lord to allow this man to enter heaven. All I heard were good things about him from his family. Though he was quiet, he attended all family parties and was the “overseer”, making sure everyone and everything was running smoothly. I know there were a lot of other things I didn’t know about him, but I couldn’t help but feel like there was something he was praying for so desperately before he died. Then, I just prayed for the Lord to fulfill his desires and may they be aligned with His will.
Tito Rudy’s niece was telling me about a time while he was in the hospital, a couple days before his passing, that a nurse walked in on him kneeling on the floor at the side of his bed. This man was so sick, he was barely able to talk. By the grace of God, he was able to find strength to push and kneel before to Lord to pray. The nurse said, “what are you doing?”, then Tito Rudy replied, “I’m praying.” So, he prayed. At that moment, I saw a vision of him kneeling and looking up with desperation for the Lord to answer his prayer. So I asked the Lord again, “Lord, please answer Tito Rudy’s prayer. I don’t know why you keep planting these thoughts and visions in my head, but whatever it is, please hear my prayer too.”
I saw his other niece sitting close to the casket, and she was crying. I approached her, and she said, “Ekah, he was such a good man. It’s so sad to see him go. I can’t believe he’s actually gone now. I know he’s in a better place now, he’s with God.” Then, she went on to tell me a story about him during his last days at the hospital as well, and said, “He was sleeping, and my aunt, another aunt, and two cousins were in the room with him. Then, the hospital Chaplain (also a priest) came into the room. Tito Rudy woke up and asked the Chaplain if he could receive the Eucharist. The priest left to get his stuff, and came back. As soon as the Eucharist touched his tongue, he lifted his hands and arms up to the Lord and started praising Him. I had goosebumps from top to bottom. Like….WOW! God is truly amazing.
Later on that evening, I was talking to the second niece again, and she said, “You know Ekah, Tito’s prayer was for Jacob (his 6-yr old grandson, who has been sick in the hospital) to be saved after his surgery, and for God to take him instead. So loud, and clear! The Lord answered my prayer 🙂
Lord, in these two days between the viewing and the funeral, I was able to to get to know the type of man you made Tito Rudy to be. Thank you so much for this opportunity. It was a time of celebration for Tito Rudy’s life, and it has taught me to be even more thankful for the gift of life and the people close to my heart. The humble and loving heart that you blessed him with, has brought joy and inspiration to his loved ones. Thank you, Lord, for Tito Rudy and blessing my life with him, even if it was just for a bit. Amen.
Rest in Peace, Rodolfo Cruz
(1941 – 2014)