So Minnesota: A heavenly friendship that lasted until the end

It’s been said friends are the family we choose.

One woman found friendship with a St. Paul priest who recently passed away.

More than two decades ago, Eme Lennick showed up at the rectory of St. Stan’s Church in St. Paul.

Lennick’s mother had just died and she was in an ongoing battle with alcohol.

Father John Clay was there to help.

"He had the softest kindest eyes I have ever seen," Lennick said. "Anything that felt turbulent to that point, you know,I just knew it would get better."

The friendship that started that day would last a lifetime.

As Clay’s health declined, Lennick stepped into a caregiver role sitting with him during his final days.

Clay passed away last month at the age of 94.

"I trust that if anybody makes it to the angels, he went right away," Lennick said. "My greatest contribution was staying with him."