Prayers For Mr. Abate

I write this on December 23, 2015, exactly two days before Christmas 2015.  It occurred to me last evening that modern technology  - things such as texting, facebook, twitter and some other social media applications - can take us away from the moment in which we live.  In many respects, it can diminish our interaction with individuals that sit right across from us. But then I also realized that modern technology can also be the answer to a prayer.  This will be an answer to one of my prayers.

I had the great fortune of meeting an individual back in the late 1970’s at St. Patrick’s High School in Catskill, NY.  He was my High School Science teacher, Paul Abate.  Affectionately known as Mr. Abate.  Mr. Abate was always there for his students.  He wasn’t much older than us and could easily relate to what his student might be going through at the time.  He was always there to listen and to advise.  In fact, my graduating class of 1980 dedicated our year book to our favorite teacher, Mr. Abate.  If you are reading this intro you are most likely a former student of Mr. Abate or one of his many friends.  After Graduation from St. Patrick’s I lost touch with Mr. Abate.  I saw him once in 1990 at my 10 year High School reunion.  Then again we lost touch with each other.  Fast forward to the era of facebook.  As with many people I had lost touch with, I was once again in communication with my favorite teacher, Mr. Abate.  I have had many opportunities since to meet and socialize with Mr. Abate.  I regard him as a great friend.

I had not spoken with Mr. Abate in some time, it may have been a year or so, but we are often in touch via facebook, share posts and occasionally shoot each other an instant message.  In recent months I had noted via facebook that Mr. Abate had been in and out of the hospital on several occasions.  It was brought to my attention that Mr. Abate has recently had surgery.  I don’t know much about Mr. Abate’s medical condition, but I do know he has been having great difficulties lately with his health.  Mr. Abate was discharged from the hospital after surgery several weeks ago.

Well, yesterday afternoon I received an instant message from Mr. Abate.  He shared with me some of his difficulties.  Due to his health issues he has been unable to work and has depleted all of his retirement funds in order to pay his bills.  He is, and has been, caring for his mother who is in her 90’s.  Mr. Abate has also been paying for the upkeep of the family home in Catskill, which has also contributed to financial difficulties.  He is also one month behind on his own mortgage payment. As I read Mr. Abate’s messages my heart ached for my friend.  Mr. Abate had one simple request of me - he asked me to pray for him.  A prayer is all he asked of me. So I have been praying for my friend, our friend, Mr. Abate.  Mr. Abate has no idea I have started the gofundme page.  I don’t know what he might think, or will think, if he finds out.  I am going to contribute to this fund to help my friend Mr. Abate.  I ask you to pray for our friend.  I also ask that if you can, please consider contributing to this gofundme page to help Mr. Abate get through this rough time.  I am also asking that you share this page with all your friends that know Mr. Abate.  There are many, many of us that are his former student.  I again ask you to alert all former students of Mr. Abate and ask them to consider helping, if not with a financial contribution, at least a prayer for him in his time of need.

Thank you for your consideration.

 

Gerard M.