Leave a comment

Fun at the Farm

Today my son, his wife, and their kids flew in for a visit. I was glad there were no major delays or problems with the flights and that everyone seemed to do OK. We stopped at my sister’s farm for dinner before we headed to the house. As soon as we got there, we snuck into the house to take a peek at the deer resting in the yard. My younger grandson was thrilled to pet and hold the chickens. The baby thought it was great fun to pet them too, until a chicken hawk sent them screaming and running back into the coop. It’s a good thing they have a cover to stay safe. Everyone got to take a look at the bees working in the beehives, even if only for a brave second or two. We got a tour of the garden and the boys pulled up some beets and carrots which we are excited to eat tomorrow. My grandson even spotted a snake. We arrived home late and ready for sleep. I am so looking forward to the next few days.

I Found God today in safe travels and being with my son and family.

2 Comments

Singing With the Angels

My mom’s brother was an incredible singer – especially in his youth. When he was about 12 years old, he won multiple competitions leading him to sing a solo at the Chicagoland Music Festival in Soldier’s Field in front of a crowd of about 61,000. He actually won first place that year. Metropolitan Opera singer Rise Stevens saw him at the festival and recommended my uncle to the Apollo Boys Choir. At the age of 13, he left home for a life with the choir for about 3 years. During that time, the choir sang for a stop animation movie of Hansel and Gretel. We actually had a record of the music and listened to it over and over again when we were kids. At the end of a prayer, or the “Angel Song” as my mom calls it, there is one voice that holds the highest note. That was the voice of my uncle. We got word last night that his suffering had come to an end as he passed away. This morning my mom told me that she was thinking about him often during the night. When she did, she saw the angels carrying him up to Heaven and right to the heavenly choir. She said she had some imagination. Maybe so…, maybe not…

I Found God today in a beautiful remembrance of my uncle.

Leave a comment

Morning Walk

It has been months since I have been out for a walk in the early morning air. I was happy to have time and energy this morning to get outside before the heat of the day. It was warm, beautiful, peaceful, and energizing. The bunnies were out, the sprinklers were going, the birds were singing, the sky was clear, and the mountain view was gorgeous. I could feel that my hip still wasn’t quite up to par from the injury at the beginning of the year, so I was careful how I walked and only went half the distance from what I was doing at my best. I stretched like crazy when I returned and so glad that I could still function for the rest of the day. It felt good to get out and walk like I used to enjoy.

I Found God today in the ability to enjoy a morning walk.

Leave a comment

Bringing Peace

When my mom was in the hospital, a priest from the church offered to come and give her the Anointing of the Sick. It was so hectic there and my mom was so exhausted that she didn’t want him to come. Even when she came home, it has been busy with doctor and home care appointments. But, she was beginning to feel somewhat better and did want the priest to come so we made the appointment. He was supposed to come yesterday, but there was some confusion, so we rescheduled for today. Ironically – or God’s plan – it was the perfect day for him to come over. We got a call very early this morning that my mom’s brother was not doing very well and they were beginning palliative care. My uncle had been in poor health for several years now and has been in and out of the hospital. He has suffered a lot. But it is still difficult to know that his death is inevitable. Their family lives across the country and unfortunately, my mom is just not able to make that kind of a trip. I was so thankful that my aunt called and gave my mom an opportunity to talk with her brother. My dad and I stood by as she used the speaker phone. Although we couldn’t understand most of what he was saying, we did make out, “I’ll see you there later.” When my mom said good-bye and hung up, we knew that was the last time we would hear his voice. It was heart wrenching. The priest came over this afternoon not knowing anything of the day we had. We prayed and talked for about an hour. He brought the oil and anointed my mom. He also brought a tremendous amount of peace, of which we are all grateful.

I Found God today with peace in a difficult day.

Leave a comment

New Ears

Both of my parents had an appointment to get new hearing aids a few weeks ago. Then my mom ended up in the hospital. During that time, my dad realized how much he was struggling with his ability to hear and my sister took him to get his new devices. Since then, he has been trying to get used to them, but there has been such a huge improvement in his hearing. Today my mom was able to get her new hearing aids. I did the same thing with her as with my dad – “Did you hear that? Can your hear this?” In the car, she heard a clicking sound that she didn’t recognize – it was the blinker. I thought about how difficult it must be for both my parents as they navigate through unable to hear what I take for granted. I am so happy that they have these new devices to help bring some of the missing world back to them.

I Found God today in the capability of my parents to be able to hear better and enjoy more of the world around them.

2 Comments

Where Baby’s Come From

Of course things are much different now from the time my parents were growing up in the 1930’s and 40’s. And they never tire of talking about the comparisons. My mom told me this funny story today. She was remembering when her younger brother was born. She was almost 7 years old. My mom and her siblings got ready in the morning to go to school and the doctor was at the house. Her father told them that the doctor had their new baby in his little black bag and that the baby would be there when they came home for lunch. When they arrived home for lunch, sure enough, there was the new baby. We all had a good laugh.

I Found God today in a funny story that revealed the ever changing world we live in.

Leave a comment

Old Prayer List

Today I went through a box that had yet to be unpacked. I pulled out some pictures, statues, and other nick-knacks. Then I came across a small tote bag that had some books and prayer cards in it. Included in the bag was a journal. I seem to start journals here and there, so I am never sure what I have written in one. This particular journal held my prayer list. I remember starting it when I promised people I would pray for them. I wanted to make sure I was keeping my word, so I started writing them down. As I went through the list, I realized that some issues that I prayed for were resolved and now distant memories. Many were simply names of people. I am going to try to keep this one going. It helps me to be more connected to the people I care for and more connected to God as when I look back, I can see how His gentle hand has been at work.

I Found God today in answered prayers and resolving to continue praying for those I care for.

Leave a comment

Almost There

For several years, my son and I would spend a few days each summer at a Christian music festival. It was held outdoors on the side of a mountain and was such a gorgeous setting. There were several stages with several bands. We had fun planning our time so we could see our favorite artists. It was wonderful to be in such an uplifting environment with people, both on stage and off, who were connecting with God and doing their best to live accordingly. I would come away from the festival having a little more understanding of God and feeling rejuvenated. This was one of our favorite events and we looked forward to it every year. Sadly, we live very far from each other now. This year, my son found a similar festival close to where he lives. He and his girlfriend have been going for the past 3 days. Each day he has been sending me pictures of some of our favorite musicians. I have been very happy that he thought to do this and happy to live vicariously through him. I almost felt as if I was there.

I Found God today feeling connected to my son as he enjoys a Christian music festival.

Leave a comment

Be the Best Me

I am inspired by learning about the lives of those people we call “saints”. They seemed to have such a strong and beautiful connection with God. The majority of them also suffered a lot during their lives. I tend to put a lot of expectations on myself. As I read more about the saints, I realize how imperfect I am wonder if God is asking me to do more than I am. I can put even more pressure on myself. I was so grateful to talk to my spiritual director who opened a book to these words by Thomas Merton, “For me to be a saint means to be myself.” He reminded me that there is only 1 of me. Like every other person, we each have unique relationships and will make a unique contribution to life. That sounds a lot easier than trying to be who I am not.

I Found God today in a reminder to be the best me I can be.

Leave a comment

Loving Grandson

Yesterday, my son surprised me with a video chat. It was so wonderful to hear and see him, his wife, and my grandchildren. My almost 1 year old granddaughter caught on after a bit and started waving and saying, “HI!” My parents and I were able to tell my grandson happy birthday as his birthday is today. I have seen many pictures and videos of him with his little sister. Of course, it was even more enjoyable to see it in real time. He just loves her. He seems to be at her beckoned call as he got what she wanted and tried to help her do her “baby tricks”. It was adorable. My joy of seeing them overflowed into today. Even though I am not there physically, the thought of the family celebrating a birthday together made me happy instead of sad. I am so grateful for that.

I Found God today in my grandson and in joy thinking about the family celebration instead of sadness.