In this month in which we fondly remember and pray for our dear loved ones departed I would like to recall with special affection the loving memory of my sister Josephine, who went to the Father’s House on June 5, 2007 aged 48. Her heartbreaking demise still lingers in my mind, heart and soul.

Josephine’s life has been deeply marked by her particular soft spot for songs, especially Italian ones as interpreted by Massimo Ranieri. Personally speaking, a song which revives Josephine’s unforgettable character and spirit is Your song by Elton John.

It takes me back to those difficult yet humorous seven weeks which I spent with her and my other sister Carmen at the Royal Marsdon Hospital in Sutton, Surrey. The underlying kernel behind Elton John’s magic music and Bernie Taupin’s splendid lyrics is a very dear and probably un-returned special friendship between two people. It is certainly a love song although it never mentions the word ‘love’. Elton John himself admits: “I don’t think I’ve written a love song as good since”.

Thanks to her self-giving love Josephine made every person she encountered believe that life is wonderful because s/he is in the world! Her empathic existence helped others realise that through her eyes they are the sweetest persons her eyes have ever seen! Her untiring positive outlook on life cornered me to understand that every single day is an unparalleled gift.

Josephine’s undying song for me is enshrined in Sai Baba’s aphorism: “Life is a song - sing it. Life is a game - play it. Life is a challenge - meet it. Life is a dream - realise it. Life is a sacrifice - offer it. Life is love - enjoy it.” Can this be your life song?

Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap