So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up … Galatians 6:9

Being in Washington gave us the opportunity to be with some powerful people, but Mom was always more comfortable in the background. We went to the Cardinals Dinner with all the top hierarchy in the country. We went to Mass at St. Matthew Cathedral with Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton and other top governmental officials. We met many other “power brokers” in both church and state.

But those pale in comparison to just being together at a Pavoratti concert or Neal Diamond’s Christmas show or walking along a snowy sidewalk in Reston, VA, during the Christmas season with hot chocolate, the smell of roasting chestnuts and the ambiance of the season.

We lost Great Grandma Siccardi and Aunt Marie while we were in Washington, two women Mom greatly admired. She remembered Great-Grandma for her famous “Mange! Mange!” and her warmth at accepting Mom fully into the family. Mom thought she was an amazing woman. It was her strength and will that stand out most. She virtually raised her family alone after Great-Grandpa was injured in World War I. Mom commented she never heard Great-Grandma complain about the “raw deal,” but rather saw her live her faith.

Aunt Marie was also very special to Mom and she took her death very hard. Mom thought of Aunt Marie often throughout the years, especially when she saw a pink streak across the twilight sky at dawn or dusk.

Scott got through high school and we enjoyed quiet evenings watching Rocky marathons. And then there was the call …

Scott was in an accident. He flipped my Hyundai and came thisclose to having a post penetrate the sunroof glass. He impacted literally just inches from the glass. Of course, I immediately went to the scene and called Mom to let her know Scott was shaken but alright. Little did I know I never disconnected the call, so she heard every detail of the crash and how we just sat there and talked about faith and how God was protecting him. She told me how my words were a comfort to her, especially not being there herself.

Yes, God was certainly there that night … but I really do miss that car!

To be continued …

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, learning from failure. — Colin Powell