We had a terrible and powerful storm on Friday night. I was in bed and I slept through much of it. I could hear the wind and the hail stones as they hit the roof and air-conditioner. We did not lose power so my alarm worked and I got up for the 8:00am Mass. From many of the people there, I learned that power was out to many people and the traffic lights in our area were out and causing lots of problems.
I worked at my desk in the parish center and went upstairs for the 11am Mass. Again, I heard stories of how many people were effected. I had a baptism at 11:30. Katherine Barley was unconcerned about the weather and she and her family were delightful. Patrick came to help me around the altar and stayed to help me with the wedding at 3pm.
Because of the roads, we didn’t start the wedding till 3:35. After Communion, I got a message that the father of the bride wanted to make an announcement. He said, “As some of you may have noticed, we had a bad storm here last night. We were having our reception at the country club just down Conneticut Ave; but they called this morning to say that they had no power. We are going to the old Ebbit Grill on 15th Street in downtown DC.” I found out afterwards that he had not shared that concern with the bride and just said a prayer and then began calling places all around the city. I was most impressed by the way, people handled these unexpected changes.
The rest of the day, I spent just relaxing and continuing to clean up stuff in my suite. I went through about 100 cards and envelopes and organized them.
On Sunday, I had the 7:30am and 9:00am Masses. My leg was really hurting and I was grateful to Fr. Percy that he offered to take the other three. Maggie had offered to come us and drive me down to St. Michael’s for the retirement party for Shirley Kovich; but I called her and said that I was already exhausted and I thought I’d better stay home. I went back to my suite and worked on the family tree and watched TV. I had set the alarm for 4pm, in case I fell asleep because I was to have a meeting with the people working on the family retreat at Camp Maria on the 12th.
Just before I came over to the parish center, we lost electricity in the rectory. I figured that they were probably restoring power in our neighborhood and had to shut ours off. Well it was off all night and is still off. I don’t know what that means but I did miss the AC last night. I wasn’t worried about time as my first activity is therapy at 11am today and then exposition at 3, Mass at 5:30 and an appointment with a couple who want to get married at BS next year. I am just meeting with them to get the process started; after the weddings that I am already committed to through October, I don’t think I’ll take on any more – except family and close friends. They deserve better and younger!!
So that brings you up to date. My leg is hurting but not too bad. I’ll just keep on “trucking”. More tomorrow.
I can’t believe you had power until today! OLPH was out all day Saturday. Joe had a short Mass at 5, however the Spanish Mass had music and a full homily! I was dreading Sunday but was delighted to find electricity came on at 5 am. God is good!!
I continue to be amazed at your resiliency and hope that you continue to learn how to balance what you want to accomplish with how quickly you should endeavor to accomplish it. Going too quickly could bring on a major setback & I wouldn’t want that to happen. Remember the tortoise won the race!
I had to laugh when you said “….deserved someone younger…” You ARE young – cause I’m young!!! Aren’t we?!?! I mean 40’ish, right?!?!!? Ha Ha!!! I wish!!!
Continue to keep us posted. I love reading your blog!