I did not post last night. I was really just NOT in the mood.

I know I promised a daily post & so far I have been pretty good, but yesterday was not a good day.

I found out about mid day that I lost a close, loving friend; Father Angelus Gambatese, "Ang".

I have known Ang for over 30 years and I never heard a cross word from him about another human being. He was always good for a spirited discussion on any topic you wanted; only you better come armed with good information and an open mind.

For a guy who was maybe all of 5'5" or so, Ang was full of energy and the will to try new experiences. There was no room left in him for fear or prejudice.

I started working as the weekend helped at my church not long after Ang began serving there. When I first met him, I thought he was an old-line traditional priest....BOY was I wrong. I learned just how wrong when he led a trip to Europe that I was lucky enough to go on.

Our conversations were eye opening. His knowledge of Europe and the world was amazing. His willingness to just head off on his own without a tour guide was inspiring.

That trip completely changed our relationship & we were soon closer than I ever thought I could be to a priest.

From that point on, Ang was one of the people I made sure to visit when I was home from college. Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina...no matter where I was, Ang kept in touch.

He thought about me much more often that I would have ever imagined. I mean, c'mon, everyone SAYS they think about you, but he really DID. In fact I found out much later that he kept my high-school picture with the pictures of his family. 

Ang was good enough to travel from NJ to NC and bless my family with is work 4 separate times.

He co-presided over my wedding and he came BACK to North Carolina 3 more times to baptize my children. It was so special to have him make such a trip for a ceremony that takes all of 20 minutes.

I hope I made Ang proud to call me friend and I hope I will continue to make him proud of the father and husband I am.

Ang...I need you to know how often I thought of you over the years even when I couldn't stay in touch very well. I need you to know I look to your example when I have tough decisions to make.

I know you are in heaven right now looking down on folks and keeping watch...

...that is when you aren't discussing religion with God.

As for me, other than tears and sadness at the loss of a close friend (and a role model I could only WISH to follow) I am doing fine. My heart is feeling good, my rehab is going well, and I THINK the sadness is turning to curiosity...I am curious what his discussions with Einstein, Confucius, and Mickey Mantle will be about.

Good bye Ang...love you.

Craig

Good night & God bless