Mommy Diaries: An angel in heaven: Irish community shell shocked by the loss of Rory Staunton

Irish community at home and abroad mourns the loss of Rory Staunton

So when Niall rang me the Sunday night Rory passed away from a toxic infection he received from a cut on his elbow (who would ever have thought) I was speechless. What can you say to news like that?

John and I spent the evening trying to wrap our heads around the sudden death of such a young beautiful person. When word trickled throughout the community that one of their own had lost their beloved son there was heartbreak.

As soon as news of a memorial service was planned to celebrate Rory’s young life people scheduled time off work, mothers booked sitters and Rory’s classmates and friends were given a pass from school to attend the service. We all wanted to be there to share that very last bit of this young man’s life because he touched us all in some way.

I traveled to Queens with my good friends Pete Coyle, Mary Brennan and Orla Kelleher. Together that day in St. Mary’s Church we wept for Rory and wept for his family.

We laughed together too as Ciaran bravely stood up and shared many fond memories he had of his son. At one point I looked around. There was a sea of people, most dressed in black, jammed into the pews, old, young and middle aged.

People lined the sides of the church, and because of the spill out onto the street a viewing screen was placed in the car park so no one could miss out on celebrating Rory’s beautiful life.

On a few occasions I would see boys with Rory’s stature standing in the church, and for a split second they reminded me of the younger Staunton. I kept thinking if I see Rory in these boys poor Orlaith and Ciaran must too. How heartbreaking this time must be for them.

While we were waiting for the Staunton family to arrive we watched a collage of pictures depicting Rory’s life from birth to death.  Sniffles could be heard echoing throughout the century and a half old church.

But it wasn’t until 10 a.m. when the family walked through the doors that everyone felt their pain. They slowly and sadly marched up the church behind their son’s coffin. A sight I hope never to see (or experience) again in my life.

They were visibly devastated, and why wouldn’t they be. I couldn’t help but think of my son Colum and how I would cope if I lost him.

As they took their place at the top of the church in the first pew a family friend, Father Tom, began to celebrate Rory’s life. He explained to those present that Rory was with the Lord. He would celebrate this Easter period in the hands of the Devine.

He mentioned many times that Rory’s life hadn’t ended, it just changed. And I believe that. I believe that Rory is with God and his extended family.

I also like to think that God chooses the good people of this earth to populate his heaven, and Rory was one of those he couldn’t leave behind.

For the next hour and a half several friends of the family, Rory’s teacher, Niall and Ciaran took to the pulpit to eulogize Rory’s life. It was beautiful, more than beautiful.

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Nster.com