Leading Mickey Home: A Memoir

By: Michael Leo Papesh

This is Mike’s story, a memoir about the death of his father and his experience of it as an oldest son and Catholic priest.

Mike’s story is an intimate glimpse into an event that most of us will experience at some point in our lives. His resonating account of his father’s passing provides unique insight into the complexities that accompany a parent’s death, such as divorce, remarriage, and family differences.

More importantly, this memoir is about how Mike graciously navigated this period by talking things out, thinking things through, and prayerfully discerning direction while respecting his sacred duty to properly honor his father through a funeral, burial, and dignified remembrance.

He hopes that this memoir will give readers a deep appreciation for the sacred duty of burying the dead, provide new insights into the tender care that it takes to discern what is right for everyone involved, especially the deceased, and provide a deeper understanding of the importance of prayerfully sorting through to what is really important.