Monday, 13th October 2008
In Praise of a Good Man
This Sunday morning I worked on this week’s blog. I was not happy with it. A friend I showed it to was less happy than I was. By that time it was 10.30 a.m. “So forget about the blog and off to Mass, I said to myself. I abandoned my plan to post before noon and intended to go over it again later on in the day.
I was disappointed at myself. I always am when I do not meet the targets I set up for myself.
My plans changed drastically. Late afternoon I received an SMS which shocked me though I half expected it: “Dr Karl Chircop is dead” it said. On Saturday I had heard that he had a turn for the worse and that probably the end was nigh. This notwithstanding, I was stunned. Death always steals up on you even when it is expected. This great departure is never welcomed.
I felt saddened and said a little prayer. More SMSs came in and I also sent quite a number.
I accessed the timesofmalta.com and visited it from time to time. The tributes flowed in more rapidly than water in a river in torrent. At the time of writing Dr Chircop had been declared clinically dead but was still hooked up to machines. Tests were underway to ascertain whether some of his organs could be donated to others. The good doctor who had in life dedicated himself life to save lives and improve people’s quality of life, is still doing it in death.
Such is the greatness of this man
After praying for him I prayed for his family. What a great loss this must be. What pain must be afflicting them.
A man in the prime of his life – he was just 43 – is snatched away by the cruel sickle of death. It struck in August through a brain haemorrhage. The best that medical science could offer was marshalled to stop the onslaught of death. The best medical professionals in two countries did their utmost. His family were close to him every minute. They were never alone. The whole nation was with them, praying, waiting and hoping for the miracle that, alas, was not to be.
It now seems that death had the final word. But does it have the definitive final word?
Karl will now nestle in the bosom of the Father who will wipe away his tears and give him a new life that no death can take away from him.
His dear wife and children will surely find solace in this new reality that our faith helps us to discover. They will also surely find solace in the great outpouring of solidarity that has swept this country since that fateful day in August. This was not the customary solidarity that usually accompanies such sad moments. This is not the decent kind of solidarity fuelled by the dictum that one should say nothing bad about the dead. But this is a genuine and spontaneous outburst. People are not saying good things because it is polite to say these things at such a time. People are saying what they really mean.
- “Dr Chircop was an exemplary politician who distinguished himself through commitment and dedication to his political and parliamentary duties. He always sought to be of service to the Maltese people and his constituents, at the price of personal sacrifices,” the PN said.
- “Dr. Chircop was always of service to his country and, as a doctor, to his patients. Dr. Chircop will be remembered by us all as a man who contributed selflessly towards his country and worked tirelessly for his ideals,” commented Dr A Cassola of Alternattiva.
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Dr Joseph Muscat leader of the Labour Party praised the altruism and service of Dr Chircop while noting his professionalism and his positive outlook.
This was a loss of a worthy representative of the people and a genuine friend.
- Parliament will today pay its respects.
But when one reads the comments of many common people who immediately posted their reaction under the story in timesofmalta.com one will immediately feel the great love and admiration that so many had towards this perfect gentleman, likeable man and dedicated politician.
One final thought. It is very good when we show appreciation for each other at the time of death. Wouldn’t it be nicer if we learn to appreciate each other – and show it – while people are still with us?
Karl as you now rest in peace help us be kinder and nicer to each other in this life and not wait until the next.
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I have only slipped away into the next room
I am I and you are you
Whatever we were to each other
That we are still
Call me by my old familiar name
Speak to me in the easy way you always used
Put no difference into your tone
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
Laugh as we always laughed
At the little jokes we always enjoyed together
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was
Let it be spoken without effort
Without the ghost of a shadow in it
Life means all that it ever meant
It is the same as it ever was
There is absolute unbroken continuity
What is death but a negligible accident?
Why should I be out of mind
Because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you for an interval
Somewhere very near
Just around the corner
All is well.
Nothing is past; nothing is lost
One brief moment and all will be as it was before
Canon Henry Scott-Holland
1847-1918
Canon of St Paul's Cathedral
Thanks for being there when I needed you.
Thanks for being a true friend.
Thanks for the courage you gave us during our illness.
Thanks for being a role model for us Labour supporters and activists.
Thanks for being vigilant to our Political cause and for your chivalry with those of other political leanings.
We are sad for missing you but happy for you now that you have started the new and eternal happy beginning.
Pray for us Karl and may God give the required strength to your family and to all of us who will love and cherish your memory forever.
Charles & Rose.