Heaven Fact or Fiction

By Thomas J. Simmons

Dedicated to the newly bereaved, those who grieve the loss of a loved one, those who believe but seek some confirmation, those who are nearing, or who have exceeded their three score and ten.

Heaven is the dwelling place of God and the joyful abode of the blessed dead. It is a spiritual state of everlasting communion with God; a place of utmost happiness; and it is rarely mentioned in polite conversation. We talk about politics, the PTA and crime in the streets but try bringing heaven into the conversation. We readily discuss the latest scandal, Princess Di's newest dress and the latest joke, but when was the last time you talked about heaven.

A loved one dies and we are devastated, we grieve, we moan "why her (or him) she was so young. Why didn't I, why didn't he".....We pray for them, we believe that there is a heaven, but some confirmation, some assurance, some sign would help. Lord, give me a sign, please." Our Lord must become weary of being asked to "give me a sign". He has given us so many signs, told us so often, but we do not see, we do not listen, we forget, we tell ourselves that we believe but actually there is some doubt; and we yearn for confirmation, a sign, reassurance. Let me try to help.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas J. Simmons
• Release date: Jul 31, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311799272

Thomas J. Simmons

Thomas J. Simmons, widower and father of five, died Wednesday, February 3, 1999 of heart failure. He was 72 and lived his entire life in the Kensington section of Philadelphia.Through the publication of his book, “Heaven, Fact or Fiction”, he describes his experiences with the passing of his beloved wife, Mickey. It was the grief of this loss, along with the inspiration of Father John O’Rourke, OSA, that motivated Tom to ut pen to paper and attempt to soothe the grief and anguish that accompanies the passing of a loved one.Born to Catherine and Gerald Simmons in 1927 and raised in Kensington along with his sister Gerry and brother, Joe, Simmons graduated from North East High School in 1944 and joint the U.S. Army Air Corps. His dedication and commitment to the Boy Scouts of America lasted for many years. He met the love of his life, Mickey Dawson, in 1958. Together, they raised five children and truly enjoyed life to the fullest until Mickey’s passing in 1979.Simmons proved to be an ambassador of Philadelphia. Proud of his city and his neighborhood, much of his life was spend enjoying what our City of Brotherly Love has to offer and sharing the experiences with family and friends. He especially enjoyed treating friends from out of town to a taste of Philly.Tom Simmons was a man of conviction, strength, compassion and honor and will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all the people who were touched by his words and actions. Comfort can be found in knowing that he is with is dearest Mickey again, at long last.Survivors include his father, Gerald T. Simmons (dec’d February 12, 2001); brother, Joseph W. Simmons; children, Bernadette (Simmons) Moyer, John E. (dec’d December 18, 2011), Daniel L., Peter B. and Joseph H. Sickman, Sr.; along with five grandchildren (now six), three great-grandchildren (now six) , one great-great grandchild and many nieces and nephews.

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