Life
Origin Story
Today at work, an older couple came in to pick up their tax return. We chatted for quite some time and they told me about the husband’s grandfather who immigrated here from Czechoslovakia. After he arrived, he settled in the Western Plains and was a homesteader. The couple was still living on that same property. […]
Every Life is a Story
I listened to a reflection by Fr. Mike Schmitz this morning. The idea that he expanded on was a simple, yet incredibly deep truth. At least, to me it was deep and there were times during the day when I thought of it. He said, “Every life is a story, every person is an author, […]
Elderly But Spry
I had a fun telephone conversation with an elderly gentleman at work today when I called him for some information. When he answered the phone, I didn’t think it was the 84 year old I needed to talk to as he sounded young and energetic. It was, in fact, him. He lives in the northeast […]
Interconnected
For the past couple of days, I have heard different stories and reflections about how each one of us is connected to one another. Every decision we make has a ripple affect. Our actions, both good and bad, influence those around us. They may then act in a certain way due to their interaction with […]
That’s Perseverance
My neighbors just returned from another mission trip. They had gone every year, but recently the wife had health issues and they thought perhaps their travelling days were over. However, upon her recovery, they discerned that God was still calling them to the work, even though they are well into their 70’s. This time they […]
Four Birthdays
Today I watched an interview with Mother Olga, a woman who started the order of “Daughters of Mary of Nazareth” in Massachusetts. I was intrigued as she told her story about coming to America from the Middle East as a young woman and having to learn the language and culture. She brought a sense of […]
Not Always Fine
Today I received a Valentine from a good friend that included photos of her and her lovely family. She also shared some of the struggles she is having. This woman has been a mentor to me for many years. Her faith and love for people is inspiring. When she shares the difficult moments, I pray […]
Choose
I think a lot of time I can feel like I am the victim of circumstances – or just a victim in general. Sometimes it seems like I have no control over what is happening in my life, or in the lives of my loved ones. Truth be told – I really don’t have much […]
Placed in My Heart
I watched some of the Olympics tonight. Of course, the athletes are amazing and do things that used to be impossible. And some of the personal stories are heartwarming and heartbreaking. That was the case for Maxim Naumov, an American figure skater whose parents died in the terrible airplane crash last year. He has continued […]
Kindness and Patience
It has been busy with people bringing in their tax information at my new job. Many people take advantage of the online portal, but many do not. Several times today we were visited by older ladies who were recently widowed. They were doing their best to take care of the paperwork. The CPA who I […]