On Tuesday, I was suppose to have the 11:00am Mass but we had a funeral that had to be at 9:30 because people were flying out that afternoon. It was a 91 year old lady who was born in Cuba and came to high school at Visitation. Then she returned home and after awhile knew she had to leave Cuba. She came back in the 60’s; married and had two sons; was widowed; and eventually married again. She had a lovely family of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. I did the opening and closing in Spanish. I rode out with the director to Gate of Heaven and did the interrment. While there, I spoke with a number of people – Cokkie Roberts, who is a relative and the Dominguez family. Jose was a student at GC and his beautiful sister, Rosa, worked at camp Good Counsel. She was hit by a car in Ocean City, when she was 16. I remember her funeral and I had said a prayer for her family as we passed her grave, which was only about 30 feet away. It was so nice to talk to her parents and find out how the other children are doing. One is a priest.
I got back just in time for my Tuesdays with Fr. Maury. Our topic was “Christmasses we remember”. There were lots of delightful stories. I shared about the Christmas I wanted a boy’s bike (use to get hand me downs from my sisters). I was so sure I would get one. I think I might have been in 5th or 6th grade. It wasn’t there and I tried to be excited about the shirt I got and the other gifts. My Dad kept saying “Let’s get rid of all this wrapping paper. Maury, take that out back to the trash can”. I delayed but finally went and there next to the trash cans was a boy’s bike. I could hardly speak when I came back into the house. It is as memorable now as it was then. We had some refreshments but I had to leave right away.
I was picking up Ceil Mattingly to take her to RIP’s to meet her sister, Katherine, and my sisters, Marie and Maggie. Katherine lives in Winston-Salem and she was visiting two friend from her days of working at the Treasury Dept. They, Linda and Juanita, joined us. Anne-Marie, Maggie’s second girl, also joined us. Ceil and Katherine’s family – Jim and Thelma Mattingly were like second family to ours. Jim was a Deputy U.S. Marshall with my Dad and Thelma and Mom were “travel buddies” when they were widows. It was a wonderful meal and time together.
Then I went to Patty Petrone’s house. Fr. Jerry Trancone, Patty’s children, Philip and Molly, her sister, Rose, Patty and I are long time friends from St. Bernard’s days. We had delicious pasta (Masta somethiing – sounds like moustaches). Rose made it and it is one of my favorite meals that her Mom, who cooked for me at St. Bernard’s use to make. Rose learned the trick.
Then we went on a car trip (It’s impossible to describe how we fit 6 of us in a van but we did – much laughter and some moaning!). We went to Homestead Gardens and through neighborhoods to see the light displays. They were very beautiful (if a Little overdone in some places). Then we returned home to decorate cookies. This has become a wonderful Advent tradition with them and I had a ball. Got home after 1am.
On Wednesday, I had the 8:00am Mass and then the school Mass at 9:15. Both were wonderful but the kids did some special things that made it even lovelier. Then I took a nap.
When I got up, I went to meet Patrick Mullan for a light lunch, a visit, and then to see ‘Mission Impossilbe”. I love all that special effects stuff and it had a good theme. It reminded me of Sunday night in the seminary (when we had to reschedule evening prayer) so that we could all go to the TV room and see Mission Impossible, the series. Had a great time with Patrick and then I got home around 6pm. Worked on trying to catch up on Paddy and went to bed by 10pm. I didn’t set the alarm as I didn’t have anything to do until Thursday at 3pm. I slept great and although I starting waking up around 7am, I didn’t get up till 9. I think I am fully rested.
Now you are up to date as Thursday, the 22nd will be posted later tonight.
Sounds to me like you don’t do hardly anything unless there are AT LEAST 6 people involved. Or it involves going to movies. 🙂
I am reduced to reading your blog to get any word of you; This is a fine kettle of fish! You know how I hate the blogosphere! Mr. Mike