Remembering Vasi on Palm Sunday

I think it is appropriate to post this picture again for Palm Sunday and to remember cousin Vasi who passed away February 28, 2008.


It is amazing how our perspective of someone's life changes when they leave this world. The last chapter is written, the book is finished and we finally see the completed story as a whole.

Vasi had just turned 72, celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary in December and enjoyed 7 years of retirement. He died quickly of a heart attack. On the surface he seemed gruff and tough, but he worked hard and took care of his family well.

On one visit, a few years ago, we sat under the grape vine arbor behind his house, surveying a garden filled with wonderful vegetables and fruit trees and he shared the wisdom of a man with simple tastes: "All I need to be happy is a barbecued pork chop!"

During the funeral at the local Greek Orthodox Church, I cried during the gospel reading:

...When I was hungry you gave me food...Whatever you did to the least of these brothers you did to me...

I remembered how Vasi brought groceries to my mother when she struggled after my father died. He put a new roof on her house, gave her his car and found my brother a job. He did these things quietly. And we were very grateful.

I believe my father is finally able to thank him. I really believe it.

The girl in this picture is his daughter Jenny. Her and I were born on separate continents within 5 weeks of each other. Shortly after this picture was taken in Greece she came to Canada and from then on we were inseparable as children. Today we hold the same job titles at different non profit organizations. Funny how that worked out.

So today on Palm Sunday as I think of Jesus riding through the streets on a lowly donkey I will also remember Vasi; a humble and hard working man who cared.

“With the Saints give rest, O Christ, to the soul of Your servant where there is no pain, nor sorrow, nor suffering, but life everlasting.”

Aionia I Mnimi
May Your Memory Be Eternal