Had a great weekend. My niece, Kerri and my nephew, Michael picked me up around 9:00am. I had celebrated the 6:30 and 8:00am Masses and was all packed and ready to go. They went to my room in the rectory, and my office here in the center and gathered all the things I had put together to take with me. We got to Maggie’s around 11:00am and took a breather in the cool of her house. Then we headed South. We had lunch at Stoney’s in the Solomon Island. I had the Ceasar Salad with crab meat. It was delicious and I think – healthy. As we are leaving, I run into Steve and Liz Matera, friends from St. Bernard’s. I had seen Steve at my celebration and he had brought me up to date on the family. Liz couldn’t come that day, so it was great to see her. She plays in the military band that was performing at St. Mary’s College that evening. What a nice surprise to welcome me back to the county.
Once I was unpacked, I sent the family home before the base let out and the traffic would be terrible. Marian Ann Blair, a dear friend, had dropped off a casserol for me. One of those great traditions from my years there at St. Michael’s was that the back door was never locked and people would drop off tomatoes, crabs, a casserol, or a cake. It was always a pleasant surprise and always quickly eaten. This gift, I only tasted as I knew that I’d be eating all weekend. I brought it home in a styrofoan container and it is in my frig. I had some late Sunday night. Then I took a nap.
The wedding rehearsal was at 6pm and went very well. Afterwards, I rode with Muffin and John (the bride’s parents) to the reception. We did a “ride through” on the way. The rest of the McCoy family was having crabs, etc as a picnic at the farm; and so we rode up to the house and the picnic area. It was great to see so many of them. Beth McCoy, the matriach of these 12 children, was one of the first friends I made when I came to St. Michael’s in July of 2000. She was a Washingtonian and we had great times together. She died in 2008 and I still miss her and her wit! It was a custom to come around July 19th and have a family reunion for her birthday; and the family has kept the reunion going. This year, with the wedding of one of the grand daughters, they moved it up.
The rehearsal dinner was at the Broom – Howard, a bed and breakfast in old St. Mary’s City. The food was great and I enjoyed getting to know the groom’s family. We had some nice conversations and there were some very nice talks and toasts. Around 10:30, I began to fade, and I was glad to be brought home and get to bed.
I had forgotten how quiet the rectory is and I slept very quickly and very soundly. I didn’t wake till around 10:00am. Judy Raley, who lives nearby picked me up and we drove to Sheibel’s. We met Shirley and John Kovich for breakfast. Shirley just retired after 35 years as the parish secretary (and all around person who knew what to do, how to do it, and who could help in the parish). There had been a party last week, but I couldn’t make it, so we used breakfast as our party.
When I got home, Brenda Ridgell came by with crab cakes and we had a little visit. Then I took a nap.
I celebrated the 5:30pm Mass. It was great to see so many familiar faces. I was pleasantly surprised how easily names came back to me.
I didn’t give out Communion because it is hard to “free stand” but I did process to the back and leaned against the door to say “Good bye”. It was amazing to see children I had baptized or given First Communion to, who tells me they’re in junior year of high school or already in college. People I married are introducing their children to me. It was just great!!!
The wedding was spectacular. Kristin looked terrific and everyone had a wonderful and relaxed time. Kristin and Rick had planned the whole ceremony and it was so like them in it’s simplicity and beauty. The reception was also lovely. Lila (the school principal) and Dan, her husband drove me to the dock for hor’deuves and drinks. It was hot but a slight breeze off the river made the time together good. Then they drove me to the reception in a tent near the old town hall in historic St. Mary’s City. We had a fan over our table and so it was more than bareable, it was pleasant. I enjoyed my tablemates and the conversations. The food was very good and plentiful. However, once again, I began to fade around 10pm and my drivers kindly took me home. I was asleep in about 10 minutes.
More about Sunday – later today.