It was early December and I had taken on the responsibility of coordinating a women's prayer breakfast and remember at the time saying "Please God, this is a big commitment - don't let it take too much of my time from Jack".

It is still hard to believe that just six weeks later, my friend and husband, Jack died very suddenly.

Seven young men who knew Jack as their Venturer and Scout Leader travelled from all over the province to serve as his pall bearers. They brought his casket to the altar and gave the Scout salute before going to their pew. One of them accompanied us to the cemetery and as the casket was being lowered into the grave, put his Scouting scarf on top of the casket.

Those young men spent that afternoon at our house regaling me with stories of their crazy adventures building their camp deep in the woods and how much my Jack had influenced each of them as they grew to adulthood. In a time of tragedy, what a beautiful gift that was for me... knowing he was not forgotten and his work with them had been so appreciated. In fact, one of his Scouts still spends Boxing Day with our family every year... he is sort of an adopted son now.

At that time, all of our friends were wintering in Florida. On hearing of Jack's death they had a Mass and reception for him in Florida and I was able to speak with each of them on the phone. As for the women's prayer group... when the main office of the organization learned of my loss they telephoned to say that airline tickets were waiting for me at the airport and I was to attend their biennial conference in New Orleans - all expenses covered. You can imagine my surprise and gratitude when all of our friends drove from Florida to New Orleans to join me at the conference.

On their return to home, these women insisted I join their prayer group. We have been supporting one another for 14 years now - through the loss of three more husbands, a sister, a grandchild, and all the worries that attack family life in our children and grandchildren's lives. More importantly, we have been able to share many good times, laughter and a deeper appreciation of our God's goodness.

I miss Jack dearly but I am grateful for the love we shared together and also for the signs of Jack I see daily in my children, grandchildren, Scouts and friends.