Letter from Mrs. Martin to Mrs. Guérin CF 38
3 September 1868.
You know the new mourning that hit us. This morning, at five o'clock, our good father placed his soul in the hands of God. Yesterday evening, the fever came back to him; he had been better all day and the doctor hoped to save him. I stayed to watch it until midnight. This poor dear father suffered horribly; I shiver just thinking about it, her chest heaved every moment with effort.
However, I had already seen him so badly that I hesitated for a long time before calling my brother who was in such great need of rest, I believed that our good father was going to be better, as had happened so many times. Finally, unable to bear it, I went to fetch Isidore; he told me he didn't think it was any worse and he made me go to bed, but around four o'clock I got up. My brother told me to go back, that our dear patient was better and that there was nothing to fear for the moment. He had sent for the maid to be able to rest a little in the armchair himself, for he was drowsy.
And now, at five o'clock, the servant called him to point out that my father had dull eyes and was dying. It was time. They came to get me, it's
I could barely see his last breath. I expected a very soon end, but my heart is broken with pain, and at the same time filled with celestial consolation.
If you knew, my dear sister, with what holy dispositions he prepared himself for death. At three o'clock he again made the sign of the cross. I have the hope and even the certainty that this dear father has been well received by God. I want my death to be like his. We have already had three masses said to him; we intend to ask for a large number of them, so that, if there is anything left for him to expiate, he may be promptly delivered from Purgatory. His grave will be close to that of my two little Josephs.
Farewell, my dear sister, I kiss you, as well as your little Jeanne, but each time I hear about her, my heart aches when I think of my little Joseph, who was so pretty and so cute! I was having a great time showing it to you, but what do you want, I'm used to pain...
