Marie Oppedisano
Dear Steven,
Can it possibly be a year since God called you home to be among the angels - to become a soldier of Christ and fight the good fight? It’s so hard to believe. And although we don't know where He has sent you, we are proud of you, for all you accomplished on Earth and what you are doing now.
I know you are looking out for those of us here, who still grieve your passing. I know you are especially looking out for Mom, who loved you so much.
You know, I still find myself holding my breath when a memory comes up on Facebook- a picture of you, of us, or of the family, or, in particular, a memory of you playing and/or singing one of your songs. I haven’t been able to listen out of sorrow, but I share them because your songs are truly beautiful. I truly feel you shared part of your soul while you played. I’m sure as more time passes, I will be able to listen to your voice, your piano playing and your guitar playing again. I’m so grateful you gave us all a CD of your piano music. I wonder what your music sounds like now with all the celestial instruments and heavenly voices blending in. Perhaps someday I’ll hear it in a dream - your music and Dad’s harmonizing.
Here is something I didn't tell you when you passed. The day before your private family service, Michelle was practicing her songs with the organist. I was sitting at the back of the church, listening, thinking about you, and literally sobbing tears of grief and sorrow. I thought of all the people you have touched here on Earth. I was a little sad that your only send-off the next day would be just your immediate family. Suddenly I felt a brightness in the church. I looked up and I had such a sense of the church full of beings, full of our ancestors. The brightness filled every pew. I breathed a sigh of relief. I knew that you wouldn’t be alone. I knew that our ancestors would be there to honor you as we were saying our goodbyes.
And at the funeral service, when I was sitting on the side of the altar between readings, I sensed you come up to me and put a hand on my shoulder. I sensed Dad come up to me and put a hand on my other shoulder. I sensed our grandparents surround me. The feeling was so strong that I actually looked around to see if anyone else saw or felt this. I was so happy to feel that our relations were waiting to welcome you with open arms as you left this earthly plane to rise up to the heavens.
If you can, Steven, please inspire us and love us. If you can, remember us and intercede for us. Keep us safe until we again meet you and all of our relatives who have gone before us. Rest in peace, dear brother and friend. Your loving sister, Marie


