It’s greening up out there. My family and I spent the day fishing and sunning at one of our favorite rural spots. Our 5-year-old granddaughter squealed with delight as she out-fished the rest of us with her Barbie fishing pole. We swung on a hammock and picked wildflowers. We watched wood boring carpenter bees in action.

 

Here in town, folks were out in full force, walking their babies, playing fetch with their dogs and fishing at our lakes. As one guy reeled in a trout off the boat dock, I saw a remote control float plane soar over Deegan Lake. Anglers in lawn chairs enjoyed the show. Kids were swinging and laughing. Nearby, horses frolicked and I saw about a dozen white-tailed deer rustle through the brush.

 

Spring is in full force and summer is right around the corner. This is what we’ve been waiting for.

 

The Bridgeport High School Prom took place Saturday night and Facebook featured a virtual Red Carpet of beautifully-dressed couples. I think the gown styles were especially gorgeous – flowing floral satins and regal black and crimson fashions featuring bustling trains and intricate jeweled embellishments. The girls were beauties and their dates quite dapper. Do people still say that? Anyway, I hope everyone had a wonderful time at “Wonderland” Prom 2016. Held at Bridgeport Conference Center, this year’s affair included dinner. I think that is a fantastic idea. I also offer a shout-out to BHS Prom Queen and King Morgan Signorelli and Jacob Love.

 

I just love this time year.

 

***

Thursday, I went to a funeral at All Saints Catholic Church. I was drawn to this particular service, of course, to pay tribute to our family friend and neighbor. As so often happens to all of us, I left feeling particularly blessed.

 

The music provided by pianist Stephen Pishner and the vocalists was absolutely beautiful. I watched Stephen’s face as his fingers glided over the keys. Likewise, I watched the faces of the singers and listened intently to their voices. They certainly have a gift and how wonderful of them, I thought, to share it with their church – with our community.

 

Father Benny Kapa presided over the funeral rites, speaking and singing some parts of the service. He said when someone passes on, we concentrate on the good things they did in their life – and we tend to forget little imperfections. He reminded us that’s how God looks at us – His children - recognizing the goodness and overlooking the not-so-good things.

 

Father Hilarion Cann, who formerly pastored All Saints, assisted his successor with communion. Watching the two work – and worship – side by side, was touching. So were Father Cann’s words. He said we were not there to mourn the life of our friend and family member, but rather to celebrate God’s welcoming him. He compared that arrival to a newborn baby coming into our lives. He even singled out our pregnant niece to make the point.

 

I studied faces. I watched individuals offering sincere condolences, kissing cheeks, touching faces, brushing their fingers over a shoulder.

 

As I listened to the clergy refer to our friend as “God’s servant John,” I thought about how that’s really what our hearts and souls strive for in this life. It’s not about power, fame, money or possessions – being the prettiest, skinniest, best or most important.  It’s not even about leaving a mark on this world and being remembered for years to come. It's about giving our whole selves away, being a humble servant and getting that nod from God someday as he welcomes us into His kingdom. 

 

You adored your wife, you helped people, you loved your kids and grandkids. You even took care of the wildlife. Well done, John Gissy. 

 

Julie Perine can be reached at 304-848-7200, julie@connect-bridgeport.com or follow @JuliePerine on Twitter. 

 

More "It's Happening" HERE. 

 

Top photo of BHS Prom by Joey Signorelli.