straight talk

Remembering my dad, a man and a Knight!



Posted: Monday, June 11, 2007

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My dad passed onto his reward on July 4th 2003. He was 59 pounds and 89 years when he left us. He had been fighting Cancer, Emphysema and an infection caused by, of all things, a wart.

For non-believers they will most likely contribute what took place to everything but God, yet praise God, it was God, and also His Mother Mary who were involved in this small miracle. First my father was a member of The Knights of Columbus for many, many years. He lived and breathed that organization up until the end, even though his disapointment in his latter years was significant.  That’s the truth and I’m sorry if they are offended but the circumstances are well known by many as to the why it was that way. Forgive he did, come out of he also did. However, my Dad was everything that defines a Knight in the true sense of Knighthood and that organization and he was loyal to his word. Their loss, but also in the end his vindication.

Now my father was devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He had built some shrines and while a young man he and some friends had actually seen what they professed was a vision of her. It took him forty years later to confirm this. They had seen her as young men in upstate New York with the CCC organization. He had asked the others, at this a much later time in their life, if they had seen something that day. To a T they all stated, "Yes, The Blessed Virgin" and they told him exactly how and where and how she looked. Now none of them ever spoke to each other of this at that time and from that time until the time he asked. Mass hallucination I think not. Now every one of these men grew up devoted to Her. I prefer to think that was the reason.

Now we were informed my dad would most likely not make it through the night. So I got down on my knees and prayed to the Lord to give me just a little more time with him. Now he was, as they say, at the door of eternity. Well my dad got through the night. In fact he got out of bed on his own the next morning, something he had not done in many months. He was 59 pounds and yet he sat at the table and ate everything he liked from pasta to ice cream. He danced and we had a good time.

However, he was mad at us. “ Why did you call me back he said"? We said "What do you mean, dad?" He said, “I was at the door and the Blessed Virgin said to me, you have to go back. It isn’t time yet."  She handed him a clothes pin and said "Go back now." Now he was mad at my mom. "I had the ticket and you cancelled it." They were like the Archie Bunkers although married 63 years, contentious, but two lovebirds for all those years of marriage.  But that was a wonderful week of time.

A week went by and dad grew worse again. Now he had said to my mom that I was the gentle one and as long as I was there, I suspect he wasn’t going to go anywhere. So, as it happened, my little girl who was on duty as a Life Guard forgot her lunch and called for someone to bring it. I was asked to bring it but I did not want to leave. My wife said it would be good to get some air. Well, you guessed it, during that time Dad passed onto his reward. I knew he just didn’t want me to see him go. He wanted it to be easier for me.

Now the clothespin I found out later from a friend, must have signified hanging between two worlds and when the time is right we will come for you. Simple but eloquent, I thought. Like clothes on a line hanging and when dry they are gathered.

Now here is the point, God is in control. God answers prayer if it is His will. In this case it was. Praise you Lord for that gift of answered prayer. You don’t have to believe me but the facts are the facts. No man knows just when anyone will be called home.

So my dad is no longer here on earth but he is at Home. It is the place all believers know exists. And skeptics doubt. He is at peace and he is with Jesus.

So I acknowledge openly in thanks to Jesus that act of kindness and mercy he extended to us that my dad be given a little more time. But always keep this in mind. Your loved ones are right there, just out of sight and when the time comes, you will see them again and your hurt will turn to joy.

God Bless.

Robert T. Melaccio Sr. 2007 Copyright ©2007 Robert T Melaccio Sr.



Robert Melaccio Sr. has worked in the computer industry for 40 plus years in a diversified business and managerial environments. He enjoys freelance writing, giving seminars for young adults and teen groups as well as being an accomplished award winning poet of published poetry. He has worked teaching and as a youth minister. He is married and has three children and three grandchildren.

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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)
» left by David Tanguay
 4 years 244 days ago.
A wonderful story Mr. Melaccio, as you just read my poem I wrote for my father he too would always pray at night before going to bed. I must confess I'm not much on praying but I believe I should try harder to talk to the Lord the way my father did.
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» left by 4 years 244 days ago.
You know David praying is just talking to God. There is no fancy or formal way that is any better or worse, there are times you can say it out loud to him, like when I asked Him for a little mroe time and there are times I am angry and I tell Him so. Its like talking to dad or a good friend. Yoo know you can say what you wnat and you will get an honest reply. You may not like it but it will be truth and for your good. Thanks for your comments and all the best. I notice you are reaching alot of people with your wisdom. Keep up the good work.
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» left by Judi Lake
 4 years 244 days ago.
99 fans. Follow Judi Lake on twitter!
Robert, thank you very much for a truly touching story. I understand the apparations and actually went to Medjagorge in the 80s and just 'knew' -- what is that saying: "For those who believe, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not believe, no explanation is possible." It seems as though your family is one of love and faith. Thanks again for a wonderful piece!
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» left by 4 years 242 days ago.
Thanks Judi. I have been working on resolving multiple problems caused by corporate America. But as I wrote this I recalled my tears and my state of mind and spirit and it was a humbleness that I know God knew was true. Many times we ask but we forget humble. I think God loves to answer prayer appreciates those who are sincere and humble themselves before Him. Hope all is well and youa re back to normal?
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» left by Lauren from New YOrk 4 years 31 days ago.
That is such a wonderful story. I don't know if we are realted because my father and grandfather are Frank Melaccio, but I googled Melaccio and found this article and it was such a nice story. I truly believe your father is at peace in heaven watching over you right now.
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» left by 4 years 31 days ago.
Well I do believe there is a relationship. My dads uncle was named Frank. The Melaccio family lived in Brooklyn NY. My Grandfathers name was James [really Cuneo] and the name comes from the family line which comes from Calitria, Italy. Records on the name date back to early 1700's in the list of souls from that town in Italy. I have 3 Aunts in NY, 2 Long island and One Mt. Vernon. I'm glad you enjoyed this true tale. We now reside in Florida. I will advise the Editor if you want to reach me you can be given my Email. I do control it being given out. All the very best RTM.
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» left by Anonymous 3 years 60 days ago.
I HAVE MADE A TREE ON GENI,COM

EMAIL ME; MARK_ANTHONY_ARTIST AT YAHOO,COM

I THINK THE NAME IS CANIO, NOT CUNEO. ILL CHECK IT OUT.
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» left by robert 3 years 60 days ago.
As far as I know they stated Cuneo but if you go to the list of souls Calitri you will most likely find it. Many had the name spelled Canio but when they came throgh Ellis Island who spelled what they wanted to.
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» left by MARK from MIRANDA 3 years 60 days ago.
LAUREN,  JOIN THE GENI,COM FAMILY TREE.  I DONT HAVE YOUR EMAIL,  YOUR FATHER ALREADY JOINED BUT THE NAMES ARE INCORRECT.


MARK
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» left by lauren from new york 4 years 31 days ago.
Wow...yes I would love to reach you. My family also comes from Calitria so then we must me related. My great grandfather was Salvator Melaccio, I wonder if that helps. Looking foward to hearin from you
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» left by 4 years 31 days ago.
Well there are a few Melaccio family members. My grandfathers brothers name was Pete. Contact the editor for my e-mail I have advised her it is ok. We are definitely all from the same town. If you haven't gone on line to cfheck it out I suggest you do. You will get a list of souls and it will have everyones name on it. Best regards! Robert Sr.
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» left by robert melaccio sr. 3 years 60 days ago.
Lauren, The list of souls caltri italy gives you the names of every family, who married who, etc. It goes back to 16 or 1700 hundred. There are a number of melaccio families saome even had it spelled wrong when they came through Ellis island and changed wher they added an i in place of e. If we all come from that small place in Italy I'm sure the tree touches somewhere. Best wishes, Robert Sr.
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