Julian knew that Simon’s passing had affected them all. They all shared the anger for what they believed was the reason for Simon’s death. Yet they all believed that Simon was beyond that now – Simon was at peace. Joe, with his own heartache, and Eddie would each deal individually with the loss of a special friend. He, too, would deal with this loss in a similar fashion. But he also had to face another loss – a different loss. Knowingly and willingly, he accepted that he was no longer called to priesthood – to ministry perhaps, but no longer to priesthood. In the near future he would have to face the loss of a lifestyle to which he had given his best for the last nine years.
Now he had faced his inner questions and had made the decision, he felt at peace about his future – unsure, yes, but at peace.
His decision made, and having shared it with Joe and Eddie before any appointment with his bishop, he needed to talk it over with his family.
The occasion arrived within a couple of weeks, when he had already organized time out for a family celebration – his nephew’s first birthday celebration.
It had been a busy, happy event. Tom and Meg were preparing to leave with the birthday celebrant when Julian asked, “Sorry to hold you up. But could you stay a bit longer?”
“Sure,” Meg replied.
“Anything wrong?” Tom asked.
“All’s well,” Julian assured them. “Just wanted a brief family gathering.”
Julian, always at ease with his family, found no trouble in sharing his feelings and his present decision.
“You’ve thought this through.” His father’s comment.
“You know we are always behind you in any decision you make,” from his mother.
“Follow what the inner man is telling you,” Tom added.
His family backed him completely. Talk flowed. Julian was assured his family was right behind him in this big decision as they would be in any major decision in his life.
“Meg will drive home,” Tom laughed after a whispered conversation with his wife. “Any champagne put aside for a special occasion, Dad?”
“We’ll find something,” his father added.
As a family they toasted Julian’s future.