You can get a glimpse of a person by the library they kept. Dad's library was a place of seeking, learning, delving into the heart of things you might say. From books back at Princeton Theological Seminary with copious notes in the margins to books on the Bible, books about Saints, and even a book about the Beatles in there too! This is the life of a man who was most certainly the smartest person I ever knew. And that is the funny thing about Dad. I honestly don't think I ever fully grasped how much he did "know." His unassuming, light-hearted demeanor and his infectious laugh, his caring and supportive hand always there to help me up -- that was my Dad. To others he was a Bible Scholar, Great Friend, Prayer Warrior, and don't forget rabid Hockey Fan who constantly reminded us of his Canadian roots!
I wish I could just say, "Dad, tell me everything you know about Bonhoeffer, just because!" I can see him now with his big smile laughing at me for blurting out something so clearly out of character for me to ask. But Dad knew everything about all these philosophers. He knew more than I could ever imagine. And now what is left is his library. A great treasure for us. One that should be shared.
Last week we went through box after box of Dad's books. One's from his office, personal library, etc. It took days to go through but we finally did it with the help of my Mom, brother Nick and sister in law Cate. Mom felt strongly that we should donate Dad's library. We each kept a few books that meant something to us and the rest were put back into boxes. We decided to give his books to theMAM Program. The Masters of Arts in Ministry is a degree one can receive from St. John's Seminary here in Boston. Over three hundred of Dad's books will now be available to not only St. John's Seminary students but to Boston College students (Dad's alma mater) as well. It's what Dad would have wanted. A great treasure should always be shared. 