The Anguish and the Beautiful

by Judy Farace

Dear Mark,

I wanted to write and attempt to express in words my gratitude and let you know I really have no words to adequately say how your beautiful book about Mev has touched and inspired me.

I am a member of St. Francis Xavier College Church. On Sunday morning books are available in our lower hall “gathering place.” Several times during Advent I picked up your book, browsed thru it and put it back down. Then just before Christmas I told myself, I will buy it as a Christmas present for myself. Little did I know what I was in for. I don’t read a lot of books but I can honestly say that your book touched me so - I have never been so moved by a life and love such as yours and Mev’s.

I am simply awestruck by your relationship, how very beautiful and rare it is, both of your passion for life, the poor, your delightful humor in love, (one of the greatest love stories I have ever read) your values and simplicity for life, the nicknames, the many trips and photos, interviews, and works of justice; and the anguish and beautiful, yet so painful care of Mev as she suffered so in her last months on our earth. Also, the beauty of your community of friends and how genuinely caring and Jesus like they were both to you and Mev. I have met Teka several times, and know John Kavanaugh as a spiritual guide and dear friend also.

You know when you talk about Mev and her physical pain as her body lost its functions I could relate so well to your honest openness in caring for her physical needs. My sisters and brothers and I take turns now, day and night caring for our elderly parents in their home. It is humbling to bathe mom and dad and help them with toiletry, etc., dressing, etc. I cried when you talk about Mev. I believe that we become even closer to each other and these moments are often “holy times” for us, because we are Jesus to them.

There is so much in your book I just can’t even begin to go further. So I will stop here but I hope that you are doing well, and I read now about your trips to Palestine, and the articles in the Catholic Worker Round Table that I receive. Sometimes I think when my parents are no longer here, I might be able to give sometime to the Catholic Worker one day.

I also hope your teaching is very life giving for you and I know that Mev is always with you. May your spirit be blessed with peace and more life with the dawn of every new day. God bless you very special and my very deepest thanks to you.

Gratefully,
Judy Farace