The Order of Service

A Father's Message
Shared by John Schuderer

     On Thursday night, May 3rd, at about 9:00 P.M., I called 911 and cried into the phone, "My son is dead!"

     After reflecting on the events of the last few days and on Noel's life as it has been revealed to me, I want to call that 911 operator back and say, "I'm sorry, I made a mistake!  My son is not dead!  My son is alive!  He lives on!"

     Noel loved his family and his family of friends.  Noel loved life.  Noel touched lives where ever he went.  I think his mission in life was to make the world a happier place, to make people smile, to help them forget their troubles, if even for only a few minutes.  On one level perhaps, Noel was an entertainer, but it was much more than that, he was able to touch hearts and to help people get a sense of their Divinity... to help them realize that they are significant.

     I'm a counselor and I'm reminded of a client of mine who said she believed in reincarnation, that you have to keep coming back to this world until you learn "your lesson."  I shared with her that I believe that we come into this world to teach it something from or about God… to leave something behind rather than take something from it.  Noel did just that.  He had many gifts and talents and he shared them and gave them away.  He continually shared his love for his family and his family of friends.  Noel knew how life was supposed to be lived.  He shared it lovingly, selflessly and fearlessly.

     You see my son, our son, your friend, is not dead for he lives on in our hearts, not just in the hearts of those of us here tonight, but also in the hearts of others around the world.  I believe that Noel, the physical body we called Noel, was a manifestation of God's love, grace, compassion, forgiveness and wonderful sense of humor.  These qualities of God, among others that He possesses, never die, they are eternal; and if Noel possessed these qualities then he too is eternal.

     Noel gave each of us who knew him a gift, not a physical gift, but a spiritual gift.  Take a moment right now and think about exactly what it was that he gave to you.  Now, let us all do what Noel modeled for us and what I believe he would want us all to do… find a way to give the gift away.  For in giving it away, his gift, your gift, will be multiplied.

     Saying "goodbye" is never easy and even harder when we are saying "goodbye" to someone we love knowing that we may never see them again.  I'd like to share a postcard we found while going through some of Noel's belongings.  Apparently it was written at a time of parting, a time of saying "goodbye."  It reads as follows:

"Don't be dismayed at goodbyes.  A farewell is necessary in order to meet again, and meeting again whether it be in moments or lifetimes is certain for those who are friends. Love, Mick & Rhian"

     I for one look forward to meeting Noel again so he can share stories with me of his spiritual journeys with God in Heaven.

     On behalf of all of Noel's family, we want to say "Thanks!" to God for all of the angels and miracles He has revealed to us in the last few days.  God is so awesome!  We also want to say "Thank you!" to all of you for your expressions of love and support.  We are also aware that you too are trying to cope with and understand the non-understandable.  Our prayers have also been, and will continue to be, with you for peace, comfort and healing.  God has promised us that it will happen for you in His time.

     Finally in closing, I want to share this story:  Very early Friday morning, May 4th, saying "good night" to family as they went home, I was hugging and crying with Noel's mother Marna.  I didn't really know what to say to her but what came out of my mouth was "Remember the love!  Remember the love!"  I now say the same to all of you:

REMEMBER THE LOVE!

Good night Noel.  I love you son!