The day he had dreaded in advance arrived all too soon. His three months back with his parishioners had been a happy and fruitful time, in spite of his declining health. Now his health had declined to the point that he had to admit to himself that he had very little strength left.
He felt he could never face an official farewell. Bishop Mark Levitt had agreed to his request that he would leave Bourke with no prior notice of his departure. He also agreed that he would officially advise the congregation at the next weekend liturgy. Eddie’s mother and father arrived the day before driving him home. They were silently shocked by his appearance. It was obvious that Eddie’s life was fast fading.
Looking back as Bourke faded into the distance, Eddie spoke quietly, “Mum and Dad, after all you have done for me, I have another favour to ask – perhaps the biggest one ever!”
“Of course,” his father answered.
“I know there will be a Requiem for me back home…” Both Margie and Tony stiffened at the thought of his Requiem. “I don’t want to upset you any more,” Eddie continued, “but after that I would like to be buried in Bourke.” His mother coughed, endeavouring unsuccessfully to hide a sob. “I know I will always be part of your lives. The reason I ask for this is that the Aboriginal part of me thinks that they will know my spirit lives with them too. I don’t want to hurt you. If this is too hard for you, I will understand.”
His mother looked to a nod from his father before she answered, “To be honest, Eddie, for some unknown reason, this is not a real surprise. I don’t know why… just a feeling. Dad and I are right behind you in any of your wishes. Of course we’ll see to your request.” She stopped and gulped down another sob.
“Thanks,” Eddie whispered.
The remainder of the journey was slow and gentle. Many memories were shared, sometimes with spontaneous humorous anecdotes, as the western region that Eddie had known so well in all his years of ministry faded into memory.
They were descending the mountains on the second day of the journey when Margie’s mobile rang. Her look of surprise turned to a frown as she answered an agitated voice on the other end.
“Shane, don’t worry. It’s natural. She’ll be fine. We’ll be there in a few hours. Tell her we’ll be there very soon, okay?”
It was Tony now telling Margie not to worry as she relayed Shane’s news. “She’s two weeks early. The water has broken and she’s in early stages of labour.”
“Well Grandma, we’ll have you there soon,” Tony smiled.
They whispered a quiet prayer for Kate and the baby who would bring new joy into all their lives.