Yesterday, Thursday was another hot and humid day in Washington. I had the 8:00am Mass and then drove out to therapy at 10:00am. I did well (I had to walk up and down stairs 20 times without using the railings) but it still hurts. When I got home, I took a long nap.
After that, in todays mail, Terry Odien had sent me a book as a gift. It is written by Robert Nugent, a Salvatorian priest and it is about Tom Merton and his friendship with Sister Therese, a Salvatorian sister, who taugh all of us English at Mount St. Paul Seminary. I started it this afternoon!
At 6pm, I went to the house of Tom and Julia Heidelburg, parishioners who I had the priviledge of officiating at their wedding when I first got here (3 years ago). I had met them a number of years ago when I brought Beth McCoy up to visit her niece, Barbara. She and her husband, Peter lived next door and I had a great time that first time – and last night being with the four of them was a great time as well. I did have one problem. They have steps up to the house from the street and again to the porch. There is a rail to the porch but none from the street; so I had to climb bent over with my hands and feet for those three steps. I tried upright but couldn’t make it. Tom met me at the door and said, “We’ve had people who had to leave our house on all four but this is the first time someone came that way!” He led me out a side door and down the drive way when I left.
Barbara lent me a book on old Washington written by another parishioner about his family. I started it last night! I will have lots of time to read, now that the conventions are over. I actually prefer reading to TV.
This morning, First Friday, I got up early and came over to join the men’s group, Christ in the Marketplace. They meet every first friday after the 6:30, have some refreshments, and then a speaker. Today was Patrick Kilner, a realitor, who also has a 9 month old with very serious health issues. He shared about his family and the blessing that this little boy is to his wife, three other children, and himself. He also spoke about running a big company and how to balance the work with his life as husband, father, and caregiver. It was very impressive.
Then I went to Knollwood to hear confessions. They wanted me to take a stipend but I told them to send it to St. Michael’s school. On the way home, I stopped at a nursing center near St. John’s High School and visited Katherine Peake, the mother of two of my students from GC. She has altzeimer but is as sweet as ever. I don’t know that she knew who I was but I went for myself. We laughed, hugs, I gave her a blessing and I’m glad I went.
At 1:15, Joan drove me and Martino to Chevy Chase House for Mass. It was great as always and they just loved Martino.
I am trying to get a prescription renewed but it isn’t easy. Remember when you just called the doctor’s office and his friendly nurse or receptionist would call it in for you??? Well I think those days are over. So I just ate half a cantoloupe to give me some potassium to make up for my dierectic. Oh the joys of old age!!!
I’m off to the rectory for a nap and then I’ll join the brethren for supper and then an easy evening of reading. Have a full day on Saturday.