December 10, 1999

Dear Brian,

I feel sure that the deaths you and the people of Christ the King faith community have suffered must feel as if the heart and soul of the parish have been snatched away. Ironically, I met Monsignor Wade and Margo for the last time on the same day last winter; he, patrolling the path along the fire-damaged school; and she, while counseling with a mother and her young son. I recall how humorously and gently she corrected my allusion to God in the male gender. Typical wonderful Margo! In the few short years during which I came to know them, I grew to respect them and to value them with great affection. I know your grief and loss are profound. I have celebrated the Eucharist for each of them on separate occasions. I doubt I shall ever approach the parish complex again without thinking of them and praying for them and thanking God for affording me the grace and privilege of having known them.