Jack Murray Place

Last Sunday, the local council named a park after dad, calling it Jack Murray Place.  If you read the sign that names the park, it reads as follows:
"John P Murray MBE was a respected and distinguished member of the Nundah community until his passing in 2012.  He was active in the Rotary Club of Nundah, the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal, Nundah Scouts, Combined Service Clubs Committee and was a founding member of the Golden Years Centre (now Nundah Activities Centre).  He owned and operated California Drycleaners in Nundah for many years and was fondly known as 'California Jack'."

This says a mouthful about dad in his community.  His life was mum and the family, his Church, his community and the business, and they were all intertwined.   

Like I said about little Nicky in my last entry, we all come from somewhere.  This statement on dad speaks of where I come from and of what makes me who I am. 

When at school, I remember always wanting to be a priest.  Every year, I would put my hand up to talk with the priest who was the Vocations Director when he came to visit school.  At a time, that was replced by wanting to be an Air Force pilot but being a priest remained paramount.  On finishing Year 12, I naturally went to the seminary.  It was there I had my first, great questioning about my vocation and so I left to find my answers. 

In part, my questioning at that time arose because I saw dad and how he was so involved in the community, doing so much good.  At the age of 18, it made me think that you don't have to be a priest to do good.  I could just be a good person like dad and not have all the other stuff with being a priest.  So I had to go away and answer this question for myself.  Do I have to be a priest to do good?  Of course, I know that I don't but back then it was not so clear.  Looking back, dad was such a strong influence on what I wanted to do in life that it made me question how to do what I wanted to do and who to be to achieve it. 

Obviously for me, the answer over much time and struggle is that to be me and to do what I choose to do in life is to be a priest.  It is my way to serve, to live life and face its struggles.  Dad had his way.  I have mine.  The two are both about following the same story line but in our own unique ways.   Like Mark Twain, it took me time but I have come to appreciate my father's rightful place in my life and for that I am truly grateful.