Last year on April 29, our son Brandon died after losing his fight with vasculitis, an auto immune disease that attacks the blood vessels. We, his family, were in shock and did not know where to honor Brandon's life in a memorial service since we haven't been attending a church on a regular basis. Brandon's mother suggested Cardinal Gibbons High School, where both Brandon and his younger brother graduated. This seemed like the perfect choice since both young men have a real heart connection to Gibbons. When I was going through Brandon's things, I found a business card from one of Brandon's favorite teachers, which he had carried since Gibbons' last reunion.

When I spoke with the admissions director and former guidance counselor, we were invited to visit with him and the assistant chaplain. Both men were popular teachers who taught my sons. We knocked, and the door was opened. We were treated with love, caring and compassion as members of the Gibbons family. The Gibbons chaplain celebrated the mass in the beautiful Weber Chapel for Brandon's memorial service. Many of Brandon's friends from Gibbons attended the service. The assistant chaplain did one of the readings during the service and attended the reception dinner. The Gibbons family welcomed us and provided a loving container for holding our grief as we moved through the process of grieving and celebrating our son's life.

Little did we know that just one year later Cardinal Gibbons High School would be fighting for its life. We will never forget the Christian kindness extended to our family in our loss. Gibbons will remain in our hearts as an example of a Catholic Institution that is Christ like in practice. We will continue to pray for the resurrection of our son and the dedicated community of people that make up the Cardinal Gibbons Family.

Richard H. Schreder, Catonsville