By Brian D. Wallace

BRIDGEPORT—Many people feel they “have a book in them,” a compelling story to be shared with the world, but few get around to writing it.

    Fortunately for readers, Paul Tupper found the time to write his book, which  takes us on the inspiring journey of the soul of a husband and father.  He shows us that both in ordinary moments and times of crises, the special grace of God’s love is always available to us—if we make quiet time for prayer and reverence.   

   Largely written between 2020 and 2024,  his book “Perfect Moments with God,” (Perfect Moments Press, $15.99), offers a series of reflections that begin with familiar everyday activities—taking the train to work,  watching sports, returning to school or work after summer vacation, attending concerts —which can be opportunities to grow closer to God. 

   Readers of Fairfield County Catholic may recognize Tupper’s work, which first appeared in the online edition of FCC  over the past year. 

     The book and Paul Tupper’s own journey begin in grief with the loss of his beloved wife, Jean, to cancer, age 56, at the end of August 2019.              

    In a moving  passage, the author, who grew up in Greenwich, says that until the day Jean died, he thought God would answer his prayers and save her.  

   “As I prayed I had one hundred percent confidence that God would answer my prayers, would intervene and heal her. Right up to the day she died I was convinced that God would fully cure her.” 

   Her passing  led to a profound change in his life and a deepening of his faith. “I could have questioned my faith or even rejected it … At times I thought about it. I definitely was confused,” he writes.  

   However, in spite of his doubts, he clung to his faith like a lifeline, and “Ultimately with the Blessed Mother and others interceding for me, my faith became stronger and got me through this brutal period.”

     While he shares the depth of his loss with the reader, the author is quick to note that “Perfect Moments” is not a book about grief.  It’s a hopeful book about faith, acceptance and celebration of the gift of God’s presence in our lives.  

     “The consistent thread throughout is the importance of finding time to be with Jesus, “ he says.  “I believe quiet time each day enables us to contemplate His peace, embrace the Holy Spirit and reflect on Jesus’s ultimate sacrifice. It is during  these quiet times that we can experience perfect moments with God.”

     In 2020, he retired from a highly successful 34-year career as a CPA team leader in the audit practice of a large public accounting firm. Struggling with his wife’s passing and the isolation of the Covid crisis, he did something that surprised him—he began  to write his thoughts down as he reflected on his loss and sought consolation and understanding in scripture.

    “Perfect Moments” grew out of those journal entries, and with the encouragement of his sister, Christine, gradually evolved into fuller reflections. Little by little, he came to see his writing as a calling, a new vocation to offer praise and share his faith with others.   

    In all, there are about 100 reflections that can be read in a series or at random as you follow the author through his own journey. The style is open, easily accessible and personal. His words on St. Paul set the tone for the book.

    “If we really stopped to reflect on the fact that Jesus is right here with us, right now — that he actually dwells within us — why would we ever worry about anything? St. Paul sums it up in an amazing way. If we turn our fears over to God — if we dismiss them — then ‘God’s own peace, which is beyond all understanding, will stand guard over our hearts and minds, in Christ Jesus.’ (Philippians 4:7). These passages, by the way, are among my favorites in all the Bible.”

      Not long after the book was published, he ran into a former office colleague. They had never really discussed their faith before, but they began to discuss the book.  

“He said to me,  ‘I got your book and read the paragraph on the Prodigal Son. I’m a drifting Catholic who hasn’t been to Church in a while. I wasn’t sure I was worthy to go back, but now I’m thinking of going back,’” recalls Tupper, who was humbled by the comment.  “That’s why I wanted to write this book.” 

     The author is the youngest of four children of the late Deacon Paul Tupper (who ministered at St. Clement Parish in Stamford and St. Mary in Greenwich), and Aurora Tupper, who served the parishes as a religious education leader. He attended the former St. Mary High School and went on to graduate from Holy Cross College.

    After marrying, he and his late wife Jean spent many years living in Milford, where they  raised their son, Paul. They were members of St. Mary, now Precious Blood Parish.   

       Paul Tupper  says he is deeply grateful for the strong faith his parents fostered in him.  Like them, he finds joy in passing on the “Good News” of the Gospel.

         He is already well underway with work on a second book, which finds him exploring the “Light of Christ” after reading the Gospel according to John. He is also immersing himself in the letters of St. Paul. 

        “Perfect Moments with God”  is available on Amazon in paperback and kindle versions. All proceeds from the book will help to support the Food Pantry at Precious Blood Parish in Milford. To order a copy or invite Paul Tupper to speak at your parish, email: [email protected]