Dear Pope Fran,
Well, your departure has greatly impacted our world, almost as big as your grand papal entrance. I mean grand as in fantastic or big, not fancy, because you are not fancy. You gave the world hope with your true Christ-like beliefs, walking the talk. This shouldn’t be a thing, but it is so simple and true to Christian roots: to love everyone, care for everyone, and include everyone. Your humanity made you lovable.
I admit, the world and life distracted me from you over time. Your name drew us together and your humility to the world. My friends enjoyed the ride along with me, bringing back Pope trinkets from their trips to the Vatican. I collected magazines with you on the cover and created a Pope Chest. I wrote to you to let you know about me, but I don’t think you actually got the notes, because how could you? Zillions write to you, probably numbers rivaling Taylor Swift fan mail. Although a monsignor signed the return, to receive anything on official papal stationery is quite a thrill, and the autographed pic was the cherry on top. (I seem to be missing that pic, so I’m hoping you can help me locate it, along with several items that have gone MIA since moving across country to North Carolina. Can you give Saint Anthony a nudge? You know, the patron saint of lost things? You probably know that, but if you bump into him, we’d appreciate it.)
Have you met our son Alexander? He beat you to the top, unfortunately. We are very, very sad about it and think of him often, like a lot often. I can’t help but imagine the two of you are palling around, Alexander showing you the best parts of being an angel, earthly miracles being one of them. I think it’s kind of funny that another Low is teaching you about our “lived” experiences, I a Frances, and Alexander, an angel.
Hubby and I wondered why Alexander was so active on the day of your passing. Dodge Challengers are his signature, alerting us that our son is thinking of us; he shared three that day, two for me and one for Hubby. Alexander sent Hubby the song “Everywhere I Go” by The Call, his way of saying, “I love you and with you always.” My extra special sign was a mini-Northern Lights, rainbow style. I was on the pickleball courts and looked up in the sky to see this stunning anomaly, a streak of clouds with iridescent colors. Maybe that was you, Pope Fran, seeing what your angelic powers could do?
He’s here!💜😇
And here!🌈💜
And here!💜
Anyway, I trust you will have a blast being an angel, much like our Alexander. I’m not sure how we’ll know you are around, but I bet you will find a way. A city bus? White frock? Wire-rimmed glasses? Do you have a favorite color? Purple is taken by Alexander btw, as holy as the color is in the church, and a spiritual sign in auras…green is a good one. Just sayin’. Alexander can advise you. LOL.
If you believe in spiritual auras, purple is the highest, meaning wise, intellectual, and independent. CRAZY, but that’s both of you, I think. Maybe you work out a share, but a way to distinguish whether it’s you or him. Or maybe it’s a rainbow, like the one I saw at the courts? Something for everyone…and very fitting for you.
It’s weird to think this could be my last open letter to you. The world has lost another gracious soul, and heaven has gained another super-powered angel. May the two of you do great things for our world, as we are hurting. Unite us. It’s the only way we’re going to make it, or we’ll all be angels tout de suite.
Rest In Peace and stay close to my angel.
Love,
Frances
Love it!!! Thanks for sharing about 2 special angels.
Yay. My pleasure! I’m happy to find something happy to write about….💜
You always see the unique and then translate it to creative expression,so we can all see it.
Pope Fran, a life well lived….Alex a life to help us see beyond the surface, deeper into each other’s hearts.
Pope Fran can have that affect.😉
As always, so thoughtful and inspiring. An honor to read your thoughts. ☁️ 🌈 💜
Awww. Thank you Leslie. I’m honored you are sharing your time with us. Your acknowledgements warm our hearts.💜😇
Oh Francie I really loved this!! Such talent you have. Really heartwarming💜
Thank you for sharing! I m sure your angel loved it too!💜
Thanks for sharing Francie! Your writing is as intelligent, witty and thoughtful as always. 💜💜
Aww. Thank you. I’m happy to find a positive in the departures of two greats. Let’s hope they’re listening.😊💜
A very lovely tribute 💜
Thank you and thank you for your ongoing support. Let’s hope this powerhouse can work spiritual magic. 💜
A very lovely tribute 💜
Love this💜
💜💜💜
Warmed my soul
Awww. Thanks Deborah. I hope they’re feeling the love up there too.😉
Another great read! I can totally see Alexander and The Pope chilling together, and then chuckling when Alexander shares stories about you and your wit. Thank you, Francie!
Right! Two peas in a pod! It cracks me up just thinking about the two together…turning Pope Fran on to Dodge Challengers.😂 Thanks for popping in with your thoughts.💜
This is wonderful Francie, very touching! Thank you both for continuing to post such beautiful thoughts; you never shy away from your sadnesses yet also share your good humor openly!
Sending you love
Awww. Thank you Joanie for your undying support. It was fun to write in my old style and combine it with unfortunate circumstances. Miss writing with you.💜
Beautiful, Francie! So great to hear from you again on the blog. We need your honesty and humor, now more than ever!
Thank you Teresa. The college essays burned me out. Pope Fran makes it easy to make a comeback.😂💜
I love to wonder who will greet who in the hereafter… Wonderful
I do think it’s going to be a fantastic ride up there, angel sightings, bliss….
Just getting around to reading this – the day you posted was my 62nd birthday – so it was extra special to me.
Wow, just wow. 🌈
François, you are uber talented and I have no doubt Alexander and Pope Fran have found their way to each other in the paradise that is heaven, and together they are watching over our troubled earth.
And I’m quite sure Saint Anthony will lead you to those misplaced items.
He seems to always come through for me – even for the simple things I lose 😉 – one time he led my sister-in-law to find her lost diamond, which had fallen out of the setting on her wedding ring on one of her long walks with her dogs. Simply blew my mind!
Big hugs to you guys from Denver 🤗 – Valerie
Awww. Thanks Val. HBD! I’m glad I could add happiness to your day…that makes me happy! I LOVE the lost diamond story…that is truly a miracle. I have hope our lost items will return, just not as fast I would like..patience…terrible at that.😂 Love ya back!💜
I love reading your blog, always so insightful! Heaven gained another angel in our dear Pope Frances. I’m sure he will watch over Alex. 💜
Oh thank you Cathy. It’s a joy to write and all the more meaningful when others enjoy it too. The “boys” are up to good mischief for sure.💜
Such a lovely and heartfelt tribute (and invitation!) to the other Fran. Thanks for this.
I hope they both heed the call.😉 Thank you Erin for your kind words.💜
Love this, Francie!! 😇💜 I hope Pope Leo follows in Pope Fran’s footsteps to encourage peace, love and acceptance of ALL, for the sake of humanity!🙏😇🌈💜