We hear so much about what is wrong in our world its a wonder the light can ever get through but shine on it does! And a lot of the brightness we experience is ignited by people who follow the promptings of their heart and in so doing touch the hearts of others often in their hour of greatest need.
The following inspirational and touching story happened after an Il Divo concert in Ireland last weekend. The names I’m using are fictional to respect the privacy of the family. It’s a story that I had the honour of being a part of as it revolves around one my brothers father in law, Dave, his wife Mary and their two grown up daugthers.
Last Friday Dave, my brothers Father in law and Mary, his wife, were going out for an enjoyable evening together. And I’m sure their enjoyment was pretty much guaranteed as they were attending an Il Divo concert in the intimate and beautiful surroundings of Kilruddery House Co Wicklow, Ireland.
The concert went well and as they were departing Dave asked one of the security guards could he open a gate to shorten the distance he had to walk (Dave had a hip replacement recently and I believe was feeling a little tired). Dave’s daughter had just arrived to collect her parents from the concert.
The next minute Dave sat down and fell into unconsciousness. Â We can only imagine what was happening for Daves wife and daughter as the ambulance arrived to take him to hospital. For about an hour the Doctors and nurses tried to revive Dave but to no avail and Dave passed away that evening.
We can also only imagine the shock of it all for the family. It is like what the well known Irish philosopher and writer John O’Donohue (1956-2008) described when he said – “it only takes a few seconds to receive that news. Yet, when you put the phone down, you are already standing in a different world”
Even though many of us feel we would like to control everything in our lives there are things which for better or worse, we simply have no control over and one of them is of course, the passing of a loved one. Yet what we do have control over is our response.
Yesterday after having the honour of bagpiping for Dave’s funeral we were sitting for a meal. It was during the meal that I heard about how Il Divo responded when they heard the news of Dave’s passing after attending their concert.
They took the time to send a beautiful bunch of flowers to Dave’s wife Mary and personally sign them for her and her two daughters. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful were my only thoughts when I heard this. And even though I love the music of Il Divo myself, this said more to me than any of their songs about their true character. Absolute gentlemen.
And I share it here to remind us all about the beauty, compassion, love and light that exists in our world. And it is this that we need to nourish, celebrate and glorify in our own lives and in the world at large. May love guide our way.
May Dave’s love live on through his family and may they find strength, comfort and courage at this time.
Here’s an Il Divo video for you to enjoy:
Join us on a peace retreat in Assisi from 23-30 October just email sean@seanmkelly.com for details. It will be a life enhancing experience!
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Beautiful Sean! I have been following you and your inspiration and love to, and for, this world.
The Light of God Never Fails.
Blessings and much fondness in remembering you………….
Sally (Israel trip 2002/2003?)
Sean: Do you have the cd pictures of our trip in Israel?
Hi Sally
Thanks for that and lovely to hear from you. I remember the great sing songs in the evening with you. That was one special trip!
I’ll send you an email with a contact for the CD.
Peace to you Sally
Sean
I was at the concert and saw the emergency team working on the gent in question. My heart goes out to all of his family.
I know at lot of the British fans were affected by what happened and truly felt for his family. I have to admit I was hopeful when I left on the Friday night, and was shocked to hear the tragic news on asking after the gent on the Saturday.
Forever in our thoughts, and my most sincere condolences.
Mx
There is so much more to the character of Il Divo’s music. It is simply compassion and heart.
Thank you Darleen, yes it is brilliant music in many respects for sure and touches the heart deeply. Thanks for your comment.
Hi Marymeeli, that’s amazing that you were there. Thank you for your kind thoughts and condolences and for taking the time to let us know. I will pass on your message to the family.
Very best wishes
Sean
I recently lost a friend of mine to cancer (only 33 years) and I must admit that it has been hard to come to terms with his passing.
I just try to remember all the good times and laughs that we shared over the years and think about the positive effect he had on so many people… I know his passing wasn’t in vain.
Thanks for your comment Andrew its never easy to lose our friends especially at a very young age.
Rgds
Sean
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