Where does the time go??? I was talking with Joan B last night and she told me that I hadn’t written anything in Paddy since Monday. I looked it up and discovered that I hadn’t written. I don’t know why; I have had the time. I think my introvert is working overtime and when I think about my day at night-time, when I am praying; I think I wrote about it. I will try to be more attentive and organized.
Having said that; let me bring you up to date on the week.
On Tuesday, I drove up to St. Mary’s school in Laurel to watch Abby Chambers and her classmates in the middle school march, run, and walk around the parish center in a “walkathon” to raise money for the school. She had sent me a flyer and I sent a check to sponsor her; but on Monday afternoon, I called the school to see when the walk was and if people could come and watch. They said, “Sure”. So I went and I’m glad I did. Her dad, Bob,whom I taught at G.C. was there as was the principal, Jim Pavlacka, whom I know, and the pastor, Msgr. Mike Mellone, whom I was stationed with at Queen of Peace and is a good friend. We talked and laughed as the students charged by to the sound of loud – very loud music. It was a treat!!
Then I went and got my haircut. I’ve needed one for over a month but just couldn’t fit it in. I can see why women love to have their hair done; I felt relaxed and clean and fresh with the hairs off my ears and the beard trimmed nicely. I had the 5:30pm Mass and I preached on the Acts of the Apostles, which I love to re-read. Early to bed.
On Wednesday, I had the 11am Mass and preached about St. Joseph, on his feast as “The Worker”. I come to love him more and more. Also he is the patron of a happy death and I do desire that. After Mass, I went to the John Vianney House for the monthly “old priest” meeting and luncheon. I had a great time, as I always do. I had a chance to sit with Msgr. Tom Kane and we’ve made plan to get together and go visit Marie Smith, another St. Bernard’s friend.
When I got home, I called and talked to Msgr. Beattie. He is settled in at the National Rehab center and he is feeling good about being there. So am I!!
Thursday was my day off, so I drove to Live casino in Arundel Mill and met Sister Kass. We had lunch at the Cheesecake factory and caught up. She had knee surgery and will have another in June. She is making a great recovery. We played the slots a little. I lost about $6.00. Not bad!!
Then I drove to see Fr. Beattie. He did real well at the therapy and walked up two steps. They have him on a tough regiment but his therapist said, “He’ll walk out of here in 8 to 10 days”. That would be an answer to many people’s prayers. Paul Rao, who is head of the hospital came in to visit Father. Paul and I were classmates at St. Vincent’s. We’ve seen each other over the years but I had forgotten that he was at the Rehab place. He’s a good guy.
I was going to visit Fr. Trancone but the pollen was terrible and I needed to get home and use the oxygen; so I had to put that off. Was glad to sleep in the air-conditioned room with the oxygen.
On Friday, I met with a parishioner, who has been dealing with health issues and she brought me up to date. She is strong and has been a good example of faith and determination. Keep Ellen in your prayers. I had the Mass at Chevy Chase House at 1:30pm and Joan W. drove me over and back.
I did exposition for Martino as he was busy being in the “ducking pond” at the school’s mission fair. It was great weather for it and many people came. It is the 71st annual fair. The proceeds go to the Sisters of the Holy Cross missions in India. Sister Rose, whom I know through the family retreats, came by and we had a nice visit. She was principal here before I came.
After supper, I came and met with a young man for spiritual direction. It was a good visit and good discussion. Keep Stephen in your prayers. I read for awhile and went to bed around 11pm.
This morning, Saturday, I discovered that I hadn’t taken my pills yesterday. I have to find some way to make a routine for pill taking. I have a box – that’s how I noticed that Friday still had all its pills – but I need a routine that makes me go to the box. “Every day in many ways, I get more like Msgr. Eckert”.
I have a baptism at 1pm. Keep Maeve Marie in your prayers. I may go to the party as this is part of a big family that I love. It will depend on the pollen. I have the 5:30pm Mass.
This week I spent a lot of time on the phone talking with people and catching up. One of them was Eileen Lee Baughan, who has some serious medical issues. Please keep her in your prayers. I hope to see her next week and I’ll update you.
Well, I think that brings you up to date. I will try harder to be faithful to writing.
Happy to hear that Jim B is getting good PT. This will definitely help his “spirit.”