Opus Caritas !

This Post was submitted by my daughter Lorna
sans her brother's awareness or consent
~ ~ ~

Do for others . . .

On Thursday, October 23, our church in West Harrison, NY, was host to the Glee Club of Notre Dame University. As that world famous choir sang, the parish and its friends rhapsodized with a glee they will not soon forget. But behind that happy scene a poignant drama, in which my brother Tom Gabriele played a role, also took place. (Incidentally, Tom was a student at Notre Dame).

On the Sunday before the Glee Club’s arrival a request was made by St Anthony’s Pastor, Father Chris, for members of the parish to offer space in their homes for some of the Notre Dame singers. Happily, all of the Glee Club’s members were provided housing for the duration of their stay. Two were assigned to stay at Tom’s house.

On the morning following the program, Tim, one of the singers staying with Tom, awoke with considerable discomfort in one eye. Inadvertently, he had slept without removing his contact lenses. Tom called Father Chris and then quickly took Tim to our local ER. The examining physician referred him to an ophthalmologist who immediately arranged for Tim to be seen by a corneal specialist in New York City. (To expedite the therapeutic process, the specialist’s up front fee was paid by Tom).

Tim’s cornea was severely ulcerated. A strong antibiotic eye drop was prescribed. It was administered at the clinic and subsequently on an almost hourly basis at Tom’s home. Tim was also strongly urged to seek follow-up care by his own ophthalmologist in Buffalo, NY, immediately after his scheduled arrival home. Tom stayed with Tim continuously until Saturday, when he drove him to the airport for his return flight home. In retrospect, whereas Tom might have transferred Tim to Father Chris right at the start, he opted to stay with the ailing lad all through this entire critical period.

At the close of mass, this past Sunday, Father Chris asked Tom to join him at the altar. He then related to the assembled worshipers, how Tom and Evelyn had rendered such extraordinary commitment to this seriously afflicted Notre Dame singer. But even though every listener was profoundly moved and Evelyn kept dabbing away at her tears, Tom kept a calm and stoic perspective on what Evelyn and he had spontaneously done for a severely distressed, fellow human being in their care.

May God respond to our prayers and see to it that Tim’s vision is quickly and fully restored. May He also note that the Gabriele family is not looking for kudos. Our family was where it needed to be to render the kind of help we all should be prepared to offer, wherever and whenever the need arises. May our family continue to receive solace and guidance from the Archangel Gabriel, whose name we so proudly bear!

Comment: mailto:domgab1914@comcast.net

Papa ~ As I mentioned to you after reading this post, I truly believe that there was a very special reason why those events unfolded as they did. My mother thought it would be nice to put up some of the boys during their stay, and offer them a friendly home. I feel it was truly a blessing that Tim was chosen to stay with my parents, who, as it turned out, could offer the support and care that he needed. Not everyone would have gone to the lengths that my parents did for a total stranger. They could have brought him back to Father Chris the next morning, but they would never abandon someone in need. They are the most caring people I know and I am so lucky they are my parents. They are a great team! I feel so blessed to be a part of this truly wonderful family ~ Love, Elaine

Shades of St. Exupery’s Little Prince - when you make a commitment, you dare not go only half way! I just read the letters that my son Tom received from Tim Schumer and his parents. They are effusive with profoundly felt gratitude. We are discovering now, that without Tom and Evelyn being there to help him, Tim would have lost that eye. How happy we are for Tim and how truly proud we feel about our Good Samaritan family! ~ Dom Gabriele