Then came Communion, and Helen’s favourite hymn began: “Sweet Sacrament Divine, Hid in Thine earthly home…” I could see Helen becoming completely absorbed in the hymn. The irritation disappeared, pride gave way, and forgiveness flowed easily. That was the beauty of sharing our Catholic faith.We couldwalk intoMass carrying the little frustrations of marriage and leave remembering what truly mattered: love, forgiveness and the promise we hadmade before God. Marriage was not always easy. Two people come together from different customs, traditions and backgrounds, and they have to learn how to live together. I often say at weddings and engagements that marriage is like the waves of the sea. There are highs and there are lows. It cannot always be smooth. What kept Helen and me together was compromise. There had to be “give and take” fromboth sides. But there was also something deeper that sustained us through those changing tides: our faith. Helen and I were both staunch Catholics, and we tried to live according to the teachings of our faith.We attendedMass regularly and prayed at home. I believe our shared faith helped us through the difficult times and gave us evenmore reason to be grateful for the good ones. As theyearspassedandwegrewolder together, our relationship deepened into a very special companionship. We had raised a family, weathered life’s highs and lows, and shared so much together that we understood each other in away that only came with time. In May 2023, my beloved wife passed away after a protracted illness. Her passing left a great vacuum in my life. After more than five decades together, adjusting to life without her has been difficult and very lonely. It ismy faith, togetherwith the love ofmy family, that continues to sustainme.My childrenvisitme regularly, and thosewho live abroad invite me to spend time with them. By God’s grace, and with the love and support of my children and the larger family, I continue to move forward, carrying with me the memories of the many years Helen and I shared. Personally, I try to worship God and pray every day. I believe the good Lord hears my prayers and answers them. I have seen the hand of God at many points in my life. Even at Helen’s funeral, after days of heavy rain, we were blessed with perfect weather on the day. I saw that as divine intervention. Passing examinations, receiving promotions, going to sea and returning safely, and being blessed with children, children in law and grandchildren are all things I regard as answered prayers. When I think about my life, I have many reasons to be grateful. Through the highs and lows, through love and loss, my faith has remained an anchor. Steve and his beloved wife, the late Helen Steve with his children The Birthday Journal 37
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