Now that I can classify myself as older, I thank God for internet and i-phones that keep Geralyn and my scattered children in touch. Our geographically closest child (Therese) , her husband Johnny, and their current brood of 3 children, are soon to move to Colorado. 'Tis a tough pill to swallow, but Johnny's superb production skills caught the attention of a Catholic company out west, so off they go next month! But they visited for a week over the holidays and I fell in love with their newest addition, Rosie. I had the joy of baptizing her not too long ago down in Pennsylvania. Johnny's new boss: ttps://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=Chris+stifanik+and+our+lady+of+Guadalupe#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:a0ec0a52,vid:aD5NTTG127I,st:0 At least in late April, the whole clan of 6 children, 3 spouses, 12 grandchildren, Geralyn and myself, will reunite for a week in Utah. May these temporal realities remind us all of the eternal realities which await all of us who remain faithful to our baptismal promises! Now that will be the greatest of all family reunions. I look forward to meeting each one of you on the other side of the Jordan River. Let us remain faithful. 2 Timothy 4:3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths. 5 As for you, always be steady, endure suffering...7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
I do want to add that Paul's words in bold above, are a hope for me, not yet a full reality in my life!
Do I understand correctly that Chris Stefanick is your SIL's new boss? If so, cool. I really enjoy his stuff.
Yes, and Johnny will be assisting in production. I am not sure what the exact association is but a priest comes and offers a 8am daily Mass at headquarters during the work week.
That is a significant load for you all down in beautiful Maryland. Our January is turning into those like our first decade east of the Lake. Father Francis couldn't make it to Mexico, NY, for Holy Mass on Saturday evening. The storm was so bad Sunday morning that Route 11 wasn't even plowed; Geralyn and I had to turn back home and we almost got stuck in the snow even then. We got another 3" last night with temps in the teens. It just seems to never end this year and when you're older...Snow settles as it sits but even so we still have over 2 feet on the level right now. and the banks along our driveway are getting high. From Daniel 3, "Frost and chill bless the Lord, ice and snow bless the Lord!" And this morning I had to clear the mouth of the driveway again. But the visiting grandkids loved it all during the holidays. I have to go back out soon and uncover our Mary statue! Ave Maria!
Remember to save a news clip or photo to add to family lore. I've mentioned this before, but in 2000 from Christmas through year-end we had 7 feet of snow. When the temperature went above freezing on January 2, the snow on our metal roof cut loose and buried the front of our house in 8 feet of snow. Because the well platform was included in that mound, we couldn't bring a plow in to remove it. We didn't get out our front door until March. Love it or go nuts!
Good gracious ! That’s the most memorable and hellacious event yet! You are correct about the right attitude for all this.
Not sure it this is the right place to post this, but my dear friend created this video that brought tears to my eyes. It's all about the simple joys of the Christmas season and the importance of capturing them (which she does so well)! Lots of snow involved since she lives near Buffalo!
I just got back in from unburying Mary's statue. There's a story that's precious to me behind this statue. When Patrick was in seminary in Connecticut, Geralyn and I, and the younger ones, would travel down periodically to visit. We would pass this pagan stone reliquary which would sell statues of pagan gods and such. Well, in the way-back was a solitary (one could say ugly) statue of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Over time the owners would sell and place replacement statues in the empty spots, but never was Mary's statue sold (understandably so). Being a gentleman with CP (who always marvels at what Geralyn saw in one such as I), the day came when we stopped and bought the figuring so that Our Lady would not remain abandoned. We then created a small shrine behind our garage and there Mary remains until this day. I look and stop in route to the barn to sing hymns to Our Lady, time permitting. At least neighbors can't hear my voice from there . O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!
OH that is a beautiful story of your statue of Mary! It always makes a religious statue mean so much more! I have a little story about my Infant of Prague statue. (I know- sigh here goes Sam again} My husband as a child with his two cousins used to get picked up by a kind lady on her way to work each day and she would give them a ride to school. {This was over sixty years ago-a different world when you could trust your neighbors} She had a very sick daughter who had leukemia, a death sentence back then. The lady did a novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague and promised Jesus if her daughter was cured, she would would give three statues of the Infant of Prague away each year. Her daughter was miraculously cured and the first three statues were given to my husband and his cousins. I still have this statue right here in my room with me now.
I love this! Wonderful story. I had a statue of the Infant of Prague growing up. But long gone. I got one from the nuns here a few years ago. An old one. But I love it.
So lovely. We are snowed up for the past few days.its a rare event in this country. Our grandchildren have had great fun. Cities are ok but rural roads are dangerous.
Not sure if this correct thread… but title suggests yes. Blessed New Year to all. I wanted to share with you the events of my life these last months. On November 26 my youngest sister died following short illness of 24 hrs final 2hours in hospital. She was 42. In a relationship with another women these past 12 years. Catholic prayerful in love with Pope Francis even attended his Ireland trip. My family rejected me not in anger or through rows but slowly over these years after our beloved mother passed almost ten years ago. I was told she accepted it. For many years I’ve prayed for the souls who would die today. On the 26/11/24 that prayer was for my sister. I begged for her in the two hours I was aware before confirmation of her death. My life continues. Children to raise grandchild to love. A little piece of my heart is now in heaven. Why? My lord my God has taken a piece of it. Broken to himself. I long to join. I pray for you all members of this beloved forum. Remember me. I asked for the transformation of my heart and so it is. His will be done.
I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved sister. May her soul rest in eternal peace with Jesus. I will pray for her soul and for the family and yourself to be comforted in your grief. So sorry.
