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Faithful Priests

Posted by eph21920 on July 21, 2018 in Faith, Grateful, Priest

Yesterday in my blog, I told of a friend of mine who is a priest and how he had moved to be closer to his parents. I realized today that there are actually a couple of people who would fit that description. I then also recognized how blessed I am to have had such amazing friends and mentors in my life. The priests I have known have not only preached about Christianity, but they have shown it by their example. Their lives speak volumes of their love for their families, their “flock”, and for God. I am a better person because of them, and I am sure hundreds – if not thousands – feel the same.

I Found God today being grateful for faithful priests.

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Loving Tribute

Posted by eph21920 on July 20, 2018 in Death, Friends, Grief, Priest

A certain priest and friend has been instrumental in my life and that of my boys. He helped me to discern about moving to help my parents. He traveled a lot and ended up moving to be closer to his parents as well. His mother passed away a few days ago. Today I came across the beautiful tribute/prayer he wrote and will share it here:

“If I knew that the last time I saw you would be the last time….I would have gazed on your face until every detail was etched into my imagination.

If I knew that the last time I spoke to you would be the last time…I would have talked on and on and on, so our conversation would never ever end.

If I knew that the last time I kissed you would be the last time…I would have smothered your beautiful face with 1,000 kisses.

If I knew the last time I hugged you would be the last time….I would have hugged you so tightly, you would never stop feeling the warmth of my embrace.

If I knew the last time I held your hand would be the last time…I would be holding it still.

If I knew that the last time I prayed with you would be the last time…I would have stormed Heaven with endless Hail Marys all offered for you.

Mom, you will be missed every day in so many, many ways great and small. May your beautiful soul rest now in the peace of Christ. Until I see you again, I will meet you every day in the Eucharist. I love you. Amen.”

I Found God today in a beautiful tribute by a loving son.

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More Enjoyable Porch

Posted by eph21920 on July 19, 2018 in Answer, Family

The small portable chairs that my parents have kept on their front porch area have been slowly breaking and dwindling. They are also difficult for my mom to get in and out of. Today we decided it was time to get something that worked. I took my mom to the store and found all the outdoor furniture on clearance. She tried many chairs out and found one she liked. We brought a set home and put them on the porch. My dad liked them too and we all sat outside for a while. There was an added bonus. My mom hasn’t been able to see over the porch wall in the old chairs, and now she can see what’s happening on the other side. I was impressed with my mom’s stamina to shop and get up and down out of many different chairs. And I was happy that what she chose worked so well in the space and are so much safer for her.

I Found God today finding a safer and more enjoyable way to sit on the porch.

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Down Under

Posted by eph21920 on July 18, 2018 in Creation, Friends, Joy

Today I saw pictures from another friend’s vacation in Australia. Of course the wildlife there was made up of kangaroos, parrots, cockatoos, and koala bears. I get excited if I get to see them in a zoo. I thought about what a beautiful and amazing world we live in with such diverse creatures living in different places.

I Found God today in amazing different wildlife.

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Quality Family Time

Posted by eph21920 on July 17, 2018 in Friends, Happiness, Joy, Travel

A friend came over today and told us all about her recent trip. She was beaming as she talked and showed us the pictures. Her son treated her to a European cruise following the Baltic seacoast with him, his wife, and their daughter. A couple of years ago, her granddaughter was in a horrible accident, rolling her car 5 times to avoid a deer that was in the road. She had multiple surgeries and rods inserted into both legs. But our friend said she did great on the trip with all the walking and touring. She shared pictures of the many wonderful sites and of the family. She doesn’t see them very often, and it was great to see her so happy being able to spend this time with them.

I Found God today seeing a friend so happy to spend quality time with her family.

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Continuing Friendship

Posted by eph21920 on July 16, 2018 in Faith, Friends, Grateful, Life, Relationship, Youth

A friend and her family was in town and I was glad that they made some time for us to visit. It was even their 24th wedding anniversary, which I learned as we were talking. She has always been a faithful and encouraging person who I could count on when she volunteered in youth ministry. I was glad to hear she is still working with the kids. I especially enjoyed seeing their kids who I haven’t seen in 4 years. They are now both out of high school and finding their own path in life. I was so happy to spend some time with the family and know that friendship still continues.

I Found God today enjoying a continuing friendship.

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Support and Empathy

Posted by eph21920 on July 15, 2018 in Children, Connected, Hurt, Struggles

I went to an event this afternoon with kids who are in foster care. I met one girl for the first time and we enjoyed cutting up vegetables for the meal we were preparing. We sat down to eat at a table with a couple other kids and adults and started chatting. In a few minutes, she started sharing much of her story, including some pretty disturbing details. I was glad she had a therapist and other people working with her. But she was visibly hurt and angry which was understandable. After a while, the other kids who I had met before started sharing some of their painful experiences. It was very difficult to hear some of the things these kids have been through. The other adults and I listened and gave them the space to vent. When the group broke up, we spoke to the director of the program and shared our own feelings of inadequacy and helplessness in the situation. So – where was God in this? Easy to ask and wonder. How can God allow children to experience such things? The truth is, we live in a broken world – it has been so from the beginning. But the people in this group – the volunteers, the organization, and the foster families – are doing the best they can to try to help these kids heal and move forward in a positive direction. The kids themselves encourage one another and it is helpful to  connect them in a good environment. At the end of the event, I noticed the two girls who had just met were taking selfies together. When I shared the story with my parents, my dad was moved and thought perhaps we could foster kids in need. I don’t think that’s actually doable, but I was touched by his empathy.

I Found God today in an assortment of people wanting and trying to help kids who have been through very difficult circumstances.

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Reciprocal Encouragement

Posted by eph21920 on July 14, 2018 in Death, Friends

A friend was away for a few days as his sister passed away. I was happy to see him and talk to him today. His sister was elderly and lived in a complex for just over a year. Her daughter had the idea of holding a memorial service there as she had been away for a few months due to her illness and never returned. So, that is what they did. My friend said that there were about 50 people from the facility who attended. He spoke for a bit, then invited others to say whatever was on their heart. He said he was surprised at the people who took the opportunity to say a few words. They talked about her positive attitude and how she encouraged them. The service was thoughtful to those at the residence and in turn was so meaningful to the family.

I Found God today in reciprocal encouragement.

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Grateful for the System

Posted by eph21920 on July 13, 2018 in Answer, Doctor, Grateful, Life, Problem

My dad had an appointment with the eye doctor today. Thankfully, everything looks great – there has been no change since his last visit. Since he had no news to share, the doctor told us about his travels to other countries as he learns and speaks about health care. He said that the health care system in our country is by far the best – even with all it’s problems and flaws. He believed that the socialist countries are in a downward spiral and are headed for a collapse are they are not going to be able to sustain the growing elderly population. He had many thoughts from the price of drugs to the biggest costs currently draining the health care system. One of those costs being the problem we have with obesity and all the diseases that are associated with it. If we as a country get healthier, that would alleviate much of the financial strain. He contends that the free and open market is still the best way to manage the whole system. It was educational and somewhat inspirational. After listening to him, I found myself more grateful for the system we have and for my own health.

I Found God today finding myself more grateful.

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Joy of Old Friendship

Posted by eph21920 on July 12, 2018 in Answer, Family, Friends, Joy, Life

We spent today at the cabin. When we arrived yesterday, we noticed that one of the neighbors seemed to be around, so we stopped. He was indeed there and we chatted for a while. Since we are very in and out of the place and others are too, we don’t visit people very much. It had been at least a year since we saw him. Today, he and another of my parents’ friends stopped over. As they were visiting, another man showed up to do some work on the water tank. All the men knew each other and caught up for a while before delving in to the job. During conversation, each of the men offered to help my dad with things at the house if he needed. After things settled down and everyone had gone, my dad commented several times how nice it was to visit with old friends – especially those he hasn’t seen in a few years.

I Found God today seeing the joy that friendship brings.

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