Sunday, February 26, 2006

Kevin's funeral- 2/25/06

Welcome: This service and prayer is a time to remember Kevin Smith, and also a time for us to gather our own strength to carry on life in family and community with only a memory of him. The prayers we say are an expression of common desire, really for ourselves, and in the end, the answer to any prayer lies within each one of us. We pray and begin the answer to our prayers with this celebration today.

Reading: Luke 13:6-9

He told this parable: A man had a fig tree planted in his garden, and he came looking for fruit on it, but found none. He said to the main who looked after the garden, “Look here, for three years I have been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and finding none….Cut it down: Why should it be taking up ground?”
“Sir”, the man replied “Leave it one more year and give me time to dig around it and manure it; it may bear fruit next year; if not, then you can cut it down“.

Reflections from Phil:

This little story from the parables of Jesus is common sense. Gardens and lawns and trees need care and attention to thrive. We neighbors of Kevin have known him as a caring individual who would do anything to help us out. He mowed lawns on Harvey Mountain, along route 22. He cared for the trees and the shrubs. He fixed faucets, painted houses, built ramps and decks. He will be remembered as the gardener in this story. He was a man of his word who could be counted on to do the things needed to be done.

When he was about 17, he left his home in Canada, and joined the United States Navy. He was a man on the move. About a week after he had enlisted, it was discovered that he was not a US citizen. Within two weeks, he became a citizen. The 61st anniversary of that citizenship was three days before he died. He studied electronics engineering through the navy, and eventually received an honorable discharge and a letter of thanks from President Truman.

He fathered seven children in his first marriage. They will attest that they learned a lot from him. Swimming was important for the children to learn, and he made sure that they had that ability. At least two of the children remember going out into deep water on his back, and being slowly released into the water to take the first strokes. He made sure that they returned safely to shore. His son Michael remembers his as a cool individual, unique in many ways, and as a man who was always teaching. Michael learned much from his dad.

There came a time in the marriage when it was not working out. He became a man on the move again, and if we can briefly return to the reading from Luke: the master gave him a second chance. He met Jean, and embraced her and her five children. He had another opportunity at fatherhood, and husbandship.
Eventually, Kevin and Jean settled in Austerlitz… more of the man on the move. Here, he distinguished himself as a person of many talents, but especially in the last two years, he became a caregiver to Jean. Whatever needed to be done to get her through her trials, he was there to do it. It was as close to total dedication as possible. Many of us believe that he emptied himself out for her; he gave all that he had, and this is why we are here today. To celebrate the life of Kevin, the superintendent of grounds in Austerlitz, and the man who took care of the woman he loved. We say farewell to him as he enters into rest with Jean in the beautiful mountains which were his refuge.
We are grief-stricken. We enjoyed him. We offer his family our support and concern today. We look forward to a brighter day tomorrow if we but take the time to absorb the energy that was Kevin’s and let it nourish us.

Wednesday, February 22, 2006


Mary reads "Leland" to her grand daughter.

Leland the Leprechaun

Mary Ayotte has published her first book. It is a story for children entitled “Leland the Leprechaun ,” whose main character, a young Leland, not really ready for the magic he possesses, goes off on St. Patrick’s day looking to test his powers. He happens upon a troubled little girl who suddenly has a delightful magical day. The story is illustrated in brilliant colors by William C. Ahearn. The book is dedicated to her parents, Philip F. and Margaret Ellis Palladino, and her sister-in-law, Phyllis O’Shea Palladino. The self-published book was printed by Brown Printing company in Troy, NY.

Mary, a graduate of Catholic Central High School in Troy, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English from the University at Albany. She has authored many unpublished poems and essays. She currently resides in Waterford, NY.

Mary will be signing books on Saturday, March 11th from noon until 1PM at the River Street Beat Shop located at 197 River Street, in the "Antique District" of downtown Troy.

“Leland the Leprechaun” is available at The Bookmark in Newton Plaza and WB O'Connor Church Goods in Latham; The Counties of Ireland, Tipperary Trading at Tara Ltd, The River Street Beat Shop and St. Mary's Hospital Gift Shop in Troy; and The Celtic Treasures and Borders in Saratoga Springs.



PHOTO CAPTION: Mary Ayotte reads the story of “Leland the Leprechaun” to her grand daughter Julia.

Monday, February 06, 2006

Early February

It is finally getting a little colder this winter. I think the last winter like this was 2001-02. I remember it well because we had a lot of traveling to do that year, from here to the hospital. I did not use a winter coat at all, just a light jacket. I never put my car in the garage because I had so many things to manage at once. That year, I started requesting plastic bags all the time at the store because they were easier to load and unload in the car. I could take 5 or 6 bags at once. It was a mild winter that seemed to have no end. We got through it, and we live to reminisce not only about a mild winter, which only I remember, but one which was hell because of all the other things that were happening in life, which only I remember.

Friday, February 03, 2006

Reflections:
The two readings today give us comfort and support. The first reading from the apostle Paul was written in response to a situation in Rome where the followers of Christianity were having a problem coping with life. They were upset. Paul wanted to allay their fears and uncertainties. He basically tells the people that the human body is in suffering until it finds a better place which he calls redemption. That process is described in many different ways in other books and religions and is an accepted answer to suffering. It is a process that we witnessed in Jean during the past year and a half. It is difficult to go through especially for close family, her husband Kevin and her daughters and son. We believe that the redemptive process has been completed in Jean, and she will be resting in a place where no further suffering will come upon her.
And we are asked by Jesus to learn from him. Those who are burdened should find rest from the heavy burdens which have been carried, and will be carried in the coming days and months and years. We have learned that it is through mutual support that there is strength, that helping each other makes everything lighter, that problems can be overcome by sharing and letting others share. It requires humility and recognition of the fact that we have work to do together, the work of giving strength and consolation to each other. There is no room for self pity, but rather for kindness, love and caring, all of which require that attitude of sharing reflected in Jesus’ word “my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Let’s talk about Jean. Most of her life, she was not sick. She was married to Kevin for 27 years. She raised five children, four of whom are here today. She realized that she would never leave her children a fortune, so she told them of the two great gifts she could give, roots- a firm ground to stand on; and wings- so they could soar to the heights where they wanted to be. Her children remember this, and they remember to “count your blessings no matter what. Jean will be remembered as a devoted mother who was always there. She was on hand at the births of all of her eleven grandchildren. She took charge of the situation that was hers, in healthy times and in times of illness. Behind those beautiful blue eyes was a strong women who knew what was important and best for the family. She took charge, and tended to family business. She loved the family. She protected them. She was always there for them. She will be missed. And among her favorite quotes which I found yesterday written in perfect palmer method which we all do well to heed today: We can only appreciate the miracles of a sunrise when we have waited in darkness.

Thursday, February 02, 2006

Today's news

Nothing much, unless you consider death as a big event. Kevin's wife died the other day. She will be missed by the family and friends. We wish Kevin well, and the son and daughters of Jean.