Rex McLaughlin is my father and best friend. For many years I didn't know him as a friend but only as a father. We spent many days and nights talking about everything from family, home, work, and life’s many issues. Never did I hear an unkind word directed towards anyone. Rex guided me to understand both sides of any issue. He continually reminded me of his two greatest loves, Patricia his wife and my mother, and the Catholic Church.
Rex told me in so many ways how he loved the celebration of the Eucharist and how we were so blessed each time we had the opportunity to witness Christ in the consecration of the Eucharist. I never realized his love of the Church until about 10 years ago. Rex was passionate about his faith in God and believed it was always God’s will on earth. As we sat together this past year we reflected on this many times.
In Kaiser as Rex prepared for surgery and recovered from the same we prayed for more time to understand God’s Will in this horrible illness. Never did Rex ask to have this pass or to suffer less. He refused pain medication so many times instead taking comfort in his family and friends at his side. I could see the pain sometimes but a short prayer always calmed him.
The day Rex passed I was blessed with my son Joseph visiting Rex and sharing the Rosary with him. Shortly after I arrived a visiting Priest arrived and prayed over Rex, gave the anointing of the sick, then asked for forgiveness for any sin Rex was burdened with. I watched as a tear came from Rex’s eyes. I knew even though Rex did not speak he was asking to be released as well. A short prayer was finished for all the suffering to end. Shortly after I left Several family members were at Rex’s side praying. Rex passed at about noon on 9 December 2009.
I cannot explain the emotions as the family gathers and prepares for the loss. I am happy Rex will never need, want, or suffer ever again. I am also sad and confused as I will never be able to talk and share as we have in the past. My only true friend, my father, my mentor in Christ, the educator who lead me to be so close to God, The Man God chose to bring me into this beautiful world, I will miss him and would be humbled to be a fraction of what he was.
Rex McLaughlin is a beautiful example of what Christ desired in all of us. Rex grew up as a Catholic son. He married Patricia in the Catholic Church. He raised his children to learn and grow in the faith. As we chose our paths he kept us close to God and allowed us to seek God as we needed to. His family is of many faiths but all loving God. Rex continued to keep his promises with God as he took care of his wife, children, and grand children all in the eyes of God. As Rex neared the end of his life he was devoted and committed to caring of his wife. He only asked for understanding in God’s will with his horrible illness. Rex fought till the end to stay so he may care for Patricia. Finally Rex realized his 5 son’s were here for that continued promise to Patricia. He then prayed with family and accepted God’s will passing with a warm heart knowing he can stand in front of God with the same love God has for all of us and share his love with God for all eternity.
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