Once again, I don’t know where the time goes. When I opened this up and discovered that I hadn’t written since May 31st, I was amazed. Well let me bring you up to date.
On Tuesday, the 31st, I had the 8AM Mass and then during the day, three appointments came to discuss religious Ed, the sacrament of reconciliation, and a wedding. It was a full day.
On Wednesday, June 1st, I had a very good meeting with the doctor. I seem to be “holding my own” and I have to use the oxygen 24 hours a day. I am getting used to it except for the cords, which I keep getting wrapped up in! I had exposition and the 5:30Mass.
Thursday, I had the 5:30pm Mass and then I went to bed early as it was very hot.
On Friday, I attended the kindergarten graduation. It is always such a delight to see these fifty some children singing about their year and looking forward to First Grade. The rest of the day was the 5:30pm Mass and a person for spiritual direction.
Saturday, June 4th, I had a full day. I had the 8am Mass and then a spiritual direction visit. I then had a baptism at 10:30. At 1pm, we held our 8th grade graduation and then I had the 4pm Confessions. I was in bed early.
I had the 12:30pm Mass and then spent the day relaxing on Sunday.
On Monday, the 6th, I drove up to Fenwick Island. The ride was horrid, as I kept getting lost. I was in and out of Delaware and Maryland three time. My OnStar was useless and when I finally got to see the Morris family, I was exhausted. I had hoped to stop in and see my cousins, Ellie and Ray Gibbons but had to call and reschedule.
Also on the trip, I noticed that I had left the electrical cords for my oxygen at home in the parish office. Another catastrophe!! I met Sheila and Keith Morris 45 years ago when I came to their parish in Swissvale as a deacon. They had one daughter, Kristin who was not a year old. Over the years, I had baptized her three sisters; married three of the girls and baptized the grandkids. There were 16 of us in the house and we had a great time. My oxygen could be re-charged through the cigarette lighter in the car, and they took turns getting it charged. I tried to be still so I didn’t need to use it all the time and I think that worked. I slept all right and I got time to visit with each person. That was the best part of the trip just spending time together.
On Tuesday, my cousin, Andrew came over to drive me to visit his parents. We gathered at his bed and said prayers for the dying. People took turns being with Ray and the rest of the family sat in another room and shared great family stories. When I was leaving, Ellie said, “Oh pray God comes for him and this is over” I said, “St. Joseph will come for that happy death we all pray for”. Andrew took me back and I told him to call me. St. Joseph came around 4am.
On Wednesday, the 8th, I drove home and it was good to get on my big oxygen tube in my room. I slept well.
On Thursday, I took the 11am Mass and then relaxed. At 6pm, Pat Kavanaugh, our social concern chairperson, and I were driven by Brian to Patrick and Georgie’s house for a lovely social with many of the members of the Mulholland Foundation board. The weather was excellent and we sat on the patio and had a great time. I went directly to bed.
Friday, I slept in and came to the 11am Mass, then lunch with the guys. I took a nap and then met with someone for spiritual direction. I had the 5:30pm Mass (Fr. Andy is away and sometimes we have two Masses on a day. Fr. Duff and Deacon Burney joined the 4 of us for supper. It was delightful. I went to bed early.
On Saturday, I came to the rehearsal at noon for my cousin’s wedding on Sunday. Mary ran it and I just wanted to be sure that I could get around without causing a scene. Then I had a baptism at 1pm. James helped me with it. Then I took a nap. I did the 5:30pm Mass and preached. It was very hot and the air conditioning was so loud that I preached a short homily. I did stand at the front door to say hello to people. I always enjoy that when I can do that. Early to bed!!
I am able to spend the morning relaxing here in the parish center. Watching the terrible news about the shooting in Orlando. So many to pray for!!!
At 2:30, I will officiate at Philip and Little’s wedding. Jerry will assist me and afterwards, he’ll drive me to the reception nearby. It will be nice to see some of my relatives, whom I don’t get to see often enough.
I had to return for the 5:30pm Mass and then I’ll lay in bed and watch THE TONY AWARDS – I hope I stay awake long enough to see some of Hamilton.
Monday, I hope to go car hunting. I usually hate doing that but my friend, Doug Hanratty will take me through it. I’ll keep you informed.