Sunday, August 23, 2009

A gift...

The dear sisters in Heart of Mary gave me a sweet thank you gift for serving on the board last year. I was amazed when I opened it to find a lovely little statue of Mary holding Jesus and then a necklace and prayer card of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Especially amazing is that I had just filled out a Secret Sister form and stated that I love all things Mary and that Our Lady of Guadalupe is my favorite!! How amazing is that? I have a special fondness for her as I grew up right next door to Guadalupe, a little town just outside of Santa Maria. I really believe that Mary has been watching over me all these years and that those early stirrings in my heart to become a Catholic had a lot to do with her intercession. So I will wear this beautiful necklace with a humble heart and gratitude for those dear friends and for our Lady, herself, who has been so near to me all of these years.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

A year ago...


I have hesitated to post this picture. Life is not always picture perfect and neither is death. One year ago I spent the last few days of my dad's life at his bedside. As difficult as it was for him to communicate with us, he did his best to mouth the words, "I love you", and gave us his bravest and best smiles. He held on for as long as he could but his body was too tired and he passed into the wonderful world beyond us here. How thankful I am for being able to see him, touch him, and love him before he slipped away. He was a remarkable man and continues to live on in my heart and the memories I hold so dear will never slip away. I will always love my Daddy.