I do apologize for the delay in writing. Lots of medical stuff kept me busy or tired.
So I last wrote on the 6th and was planning to go with my family to a show on the 7th; but I wasn’t feeling well, so I just stuck around the rectory.
October 8 Someone came to see me at 8:30 then I went and picked up Jerry for a doctor’s appointment. Confession and 5:30pm Mass and supper with Ron.
Oct 9th I covered the front desk because Joan had to go to the doctor’s. It’s always fun to “surprise” people by being there. I went to see Dr. Solomon and then had the 5:30pm Mass. Also called Patrick Berry as today is his 70’s birthday.
On Saturday, Oct 10th I had a baptism at 10am, and a wedding at 2:30. Please keep Wyatt Gregory and his family in your prayers and pray for Kevin and Abby as they begin their married life together. I had the 5:30pm Mass. I was glad the deacon preached.
On Sunday the 11th I had the 7:30am Mass and again the deacon preached. Then I had three different baptisms – One was a nice 8 year old, who wanted to make First Communion; so we had Mass as well in the chapel. Then I had a darling little girl, Lily Gabrielle for baptism and at 1:30 I had another baptism. Please keep Perry John, Lily Gabrielle, and William Matthew and their families in your prayers. Around 3pm, Mike and Sue picked me up and we went to visit Maggie at the rehab. She looks good and is doing very well. I think she’ll need to be there for a month but does well at the therapy.
Oct 12th I went out to visit one of my Communion calls and then I relaxed. Fr. Jim Bocabella picked me up for supper with John, Regis, and Mike. We had a great meal and laughed and talked for hours. We try to do this every three or four months. It always lift our spirits.
Oct 13th Had the 8am Mass and worked on baptism stuff. Picked up Fr. Jim Beattie and we went to Sergio’s for supper. Today is Terry Odien’s birthday. I called but couldn’t get through. Usually John, Terry, and I get together to celebrate all the birthdays. I think it will have to be in November this year.
Oct 14th I had the 11am Mass. Busy day.
Oct 15th Feast of Teresa of Jesus. Went and had an EKG so that all will be ready for the surgery on the 22nd. I didn’t pass, so we’ll have to see what decision is made. Fr. Bill Wadsworth (just ordained on June 19th) joined us for supper. We had a good time and I was in bed by nine.
Oct 16th is the feast of St. Margaret Mary and I had the 11am Mass. Early this morning, Catherine from school set up my computer and I skypd with a group of teachers in the Archdiocese. I spoke about Catholic Identity. It was an unusal experience and may be only my first skyp. Today is Bill Feeny’s birthday. On Sunday, October 16, 1966, we celebrated his 21st birthday with his family at a party in the parlor of St. Vincent’s Seminary. I called him but he was not there.
On Saturday, the 17th, I had the 8am Mass and then picked up Joan Beall and we drove to Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Edgewater for Ed Collin’s memorial. There had been one on the 10th but I couldn’t go so we went to this one held at Kass’s parish. It was lovely and her parishioners put on a great buffet for all. On the way home, we stopped to visit Maggie. Again, she is doing very well and gets around in the wheelchair even with the large cast on the foot. I got home by 3:30 and had the 4pm Confessions. Again, went to bed early.
On Sunday, the 18th, I had the 10:30am Mass and preached. I was happy to be able to do that but couldn’t help with Communion or go to the back of the church. Met a number of parishioners in my office afterwards; then Margaret Mary and I went over the schedule of my eye drops for the next few days. I know everyone tells me the cataract surgery is easy and will take only a few moments and I’ll be seeing so much better. I believe that but all the preparations and doctor visits have been exhausting.
Monday, October 19th, my Day Off. I was driven out to see a dear parishioner who has not been able to come to church lately. She’ll be 89 in December and we had a great visit. On the way back, I was dropped off at a cardiologist and had another EKG. Margaret Mary came and put in my first drops. So it looks like the surgery is on for Thursday, the 22nd.
Marie just called me to tell me that Ronnie, her former husband died this morning. He has been living with MaryAnn and he had a stroke last weekend and has been in the hospital since. He was conscious but couldn’t speak. He wanted to die and the Lord took him. May he rest in peace. Keep the kids and grandkids in your prayers.
Today is October 20th. I had the 11am Mass and then Tuesdays with Fr. Maury. Our topic was “how we honor and remember our deceased”. We had a great discussion. When I came back, Margaret Mary was here and put in my second day eye drops. We also worked out a schedule for tomorrow – as I need 6 times to get the drops.
Now you are kind of up to date. I am sorry that I wasn’t better about writing but having 4 doctors’ appointments and trying to be a good patient, just kept me from thinking clearly enough to write. I will write again after the surgery on Thursday. Pray that I will be a good patient.