Sunday, I got up around 7am and had Mass at 8:15. Jay provided the music and again, it was nice to see everyone. Deacon Jim helped me as I couldn’t stand for Communion. One of the parishioners brought me a Snickers and told me he misses me! How charming!
After Mass, I had breakfast at Judy Raley’s. She also invited Jack and Fran Cullison and the deacon. The food was great – but that’s no surprise – she always made a great breakfast for me when the nuns were down for a visit.
Then we had the 10:30 Mass. The choir sang and again it was so great to see all the families and how the kids have grown. I saw Mr. Potter and had a chance to talk. Afterwards, Pat Hall and Mary Rego helped me get stuff together with my sister Maggie and my niece, Kerri so that they could take me home. I had planned to stop by the brunch for the wedding crowd but I was really tired. I did see Kay and Ernie Fenhagen, who were in the rectory before I left. They are dear friends from my stay at St. Michael’s and have been a guest of their family many times.
The trip home took about an hour. It was 105 degrees outside. When I got home, I said the 5:30pm Mass and went to bed. I had turned off the air-conditioner while I was away but it cooled down the room by the time Mass was over and I slept very well.
This morning, I had the 11am Mass and went to the center about 9am. I wrote this morning article and after Mass, Joan drove me to therapy. I had felt so well this morning – the good night’s sleep – the lower temperature, it was 77 degrees this morning – and no pains in the leg. Well, they did some new therapy and when I came out, I was really exhausted. When I came home, John, the seminarian offered to take exposition and so I went and took a nap. I got up and did the 5:30pm Mass, had supper with the pastor (and learned about the trip to Ireland, which he enjoyed) and now I am bringing you up to date and going to bed.
I’m sure the folks were happy to see you, too! So, did you EAT the Snickers???
It was so good to see you again! “My message” from mass was that in our weakness, God will be our strength. Isn’t it ironic that those readings were on Sunday when you were here at St. Michael’s. I remember you saying of Rick in the eulogy “in his weakness, he found his strength”. Thank you, Fr. O. Take good care of yourself.