2015 in review

Posted on December 31, 2015 by wisdomfromafather

As we close out 2015, I thought I would share my blogging stats with you.

It’s been an interesting year with the usual pluses and minuses. It’s called life. And I tried to share a lot of it with you during 2015.

I reached back to the beginning of 2015 and pulled this out ….

I don’t usually make resolutions for the new year, but this year, my mantra is going to very simply … live.

Don’t get me wrong. I’ve always believed in living life to the fullest, sometimes in unpredictable ways. In fact, my wife would have said that was one of my most endearing faults. Every time she thought she figured me out, I would throw her a curve or two.

But this year I intend on living every day as if it may be my last. I’m going to enjoy life more and do the things I want to do. Nothing crazy, mind you, but taking advantage of opportunities that present themselves.

Of course, that will probably involve traveling … and that’s okay by me.

I continued by adding …

So, here’s to 2015. Living one day at a time, seizing every opportunity that arises. I plan on visiting family and friends, going on junkets. I’ve already booked a room in Green Bay, WI, for a playoff game in two weeks and I intend to go to my great-granddaughter’s first birthday party at the end of the month in Ohio. I will see a baseball game in New York City this summer. I will go to a play on Broadway. I haven’t seen my son’s new digs in Kentucky and I know I’ll head out to Massachusetts and Maine some time(s) during the year. Who knows, I may finally get to visit Bernie in North Carolina or friends outside Las Vegas. And a close friend might need a traveling companion to Virginia to see her son and/or sister.

We’ll see how it all unfolds. But I do intend to live 2015.

And I did. I went to Green Bay for the divisional title game in January and went camping with the grandkids to take in Brett Favre’s Packer Hall of Fame induction in July. I went to my great-granddaughter’s first birthday party and found the “perfect” apartment overlooking the Piscataquis River in Dover-Foxcroft, ME. I saw my son’s digs in Kentucky, but,alas I didn’t get to a ballgame in New York or Broadway for a show and my best friend got tired of waiting for me to visit and moved to Florida.

Some of the downs included a three-day hospital stay with a staph cellulitis infection from a blister at the aforementioned camping trip and the sudden loss of a faithful friend and angel.

On the plus side, I was fortunate to break Thanksgiving bread — and turkey and stuffing and mashed potatoes and yams and green beans and plenty of desserts — with all five of my children and most of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I faithfully participated in Five Minute Friday exercises — although I tended to post on Saturday (and sometimes even Sunday). And started serializing my “love” story with Karen, which has boosted the numbers.

And I shared all that with you. Amazingly my words were read by 7,182 guests (a 43% increase from last year) in 90 countries,thanks largely to a Facebook presence.

With all that being said, the WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2015 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 7,100 times in 2015. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 6 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Thank you.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Patience is power. Patience is not an absence of action; rather it is “timing.” It waits on the right time to act, for the right principles and in the right way. — Fulton J. Sheen

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In the Blink of an Eye .– Inside the Beltway 1

Posted on December 30, 2015 by wisdomfromafather

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

Washington, DC … a great place to visit but I wouldn’t want to live there.

That just about sums up our experience in the nation’s capital. There wasn’t much memorable about the three years we spent there from 1992-94. We never really got settled in.

Perhaps the reason was we were renting and did not own a home there. Psychologically, both Mom and I felt we took a step back rather than a step forward.

zack & ryanIt was evident from the first visit to Washington. It was enlightening and disheartening. Here’s what Mom recorded in her journal:

We were having someone look at the house at 4 p.m. and a plane to catch at 7:30. I cleaned all day and lit the potpourri so all smelled good. At 3:30 they called and cancelled till Monday! …[we] got into DC around 11:10 and stood and waited for the National shuttle bus for a half hour. Then they told us there were no more cars and we’d have to wait 45 minutes to get one! The first hotel we stopped at was the wrong one. By the time we got into our room it was 12:50 a.m.

Saturday we went to the realtor’s. She was talking about $150-200,000 for a house. I left totally depressed and just wanted to cry. We went to Crystal City Mall and the shops were all closed.

showoffSunday we ventured out on our own. Saw some new homes in Virginia. Only $247,600!

So, off to the airport again. We dropped off the car and waited for the shuttle. Discovered the Italian olives we were bringing back had broken and oil and vinegar was all over the bag. So we stood there and ate them.

The transition was, to say the least, stressful. After a few months on the market, we received an offer which we accepted. It turned out the guy gave the deposit with a check on a closed account. In early January 1992, she wrote, “I’m tired of having to say goodbye. The kids are having a rough time. I just want it to end.” It wasn’t until June when the “shuttle marriage” ended and we were reunited again.

And once again, her faith, although flickering, held her together. “I need to begin to remember all I have to be grateful for. I have a beautiful family, a handsome grandson (Zack), a husband who really does love me despite my moods and feelings. At least I am able to see Joe once in awhile. It’s better than not at all.”

weddingDuring this transition, Dee and Mike were married (and Mom and Mike’s Mom wore almost identical dresses) and Nicolle had an appendectomy a week before. Mom had to delay the organist because Scott took Jonathan to McDonald’s. Mom’s take on the day, “Jonathan looked so handsome, so did Joe and Cole looked so grown up. Joe cried when he gave her [Dee] away and Cole and Dee cried when they hugged during ‘peace.’ ”

Then, in a way only Mom could, she added, “Poor Joe drove home three weeks in a row.” As if I wouldn’t have driven home every night.

To be continued…

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Trying to force life to unfold faster than it is meant to is futile. Call forth your patience, and let it move at its own pace.

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A Christmas Prayer — 2015

Posted on December 25, 2015 by wisdomfromafather

As a Christmas gift to myself, I again vowed to take Christmas off. No writing. No work.

But I did want to share a Christmas message. What to do?

Well, I “borrowed” some words my wife wrote, which have become a staple for Christmas in the Reveille/Between the Lakes. I thought it was time to expand the readership and pass her words along to an entirely new audience. And I pre-posted the blog, scheduling its release Christmas Day.

Thanks, Karen, for your timeless words and a new tradition. And thanks to all followers and readers for the friendships and comments. May you all have a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with happiness, holiness and blessing.

And now, A Christmas Prayer from Karen…

For many of us, life seems to have shifted into the fast lane, and Christmas seems to come upon us earlier and earlier each year. With so much to do and little time to do it, we may find ourselves becoming grumpy, often mimicking familiar scenes from A Christmas Carol. With time at a premium, our thoughts seem to be consumed with what still has to be done or bought rather than focusing on the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

It’s not the presents found under the tree on Christmas morning, the giving or the taking … It’s not the trees or wreaths or the fancy decorations … It’s certainly not the commercialism or hustle and bustle that often puts us in a foul mood, the exact opposite of what the Lord’s birth was designed to offer.

Jesus was born into poverty. Imagine for a moment a stable birth, simply because no one had room for them.

Do we have room for Jesus today? Is He the focal point in our days? Or is He being told there is no room (time) in our busy schedules?

Ironically, that was Christ’s first gift to us – HUMILITY. No one can be great until they humble themselves.

The Lord’s precious gifts to us don’t stop there. Throughout His life, He demonstrated CHARITY, oft proclaimed the greatest of virtue.

What do we do?

Take and take some more. Dollars will come and go, inflation continues to bounce up and down, yet, there is always something we can give, but so often forget to do. Rich or poor, we can give love, understanding, compassion, a kind word or deed or a warm smile on a cold wintry day. Gifts don’t always have to be equated with the material things in life. Our gifts from the heart are equally important and can be used to help feed our own lives as well as the lives of others.

W e can’t forget FAITH and HOPE. Faith is the belief in things we can neither see nor understand. Hope keeps things in proper perspective. Together, they lead to TRUST.

This Christmas, let us ask for help in attaining these virtues. And as a New Year resolution – which we can start today – let’s attempt to practice them in our daily lives.

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our Savior. Without “Christ” in Christmas we really have nothing to celebrate.

Merry Christmas to all of our readers. May the PEACE and JOY our Lord brought with Him so many years ago be with each and everyone of you.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Never let success get to your head.  Never let failure get to your heart.

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I Love Maine

Posted on December 24, 2015 by wisdomfromafather

I love Maine.

Now I will be the first to admit the lack of snow and moderate temperatures make for easy walking around Dover-Foxcroft.  I haven’t tasted Maine’s weather yet … at least not thus far this winter. I do remember visiting way back in 2008 when the high temperature was around 20 below and the road was nothing but packed snow. Just look what I have to look forward to.

1224151512Thus far it is the quiet that calms me. I seem to get more done in less time. That gives me a chance to wander around town and discover its intricacies. There’s a new language to be learned. For example, once you get past the northern drawl, you discover new words — like wagon for shopping cart and the never-ending yeahhhh..

And the people have been so friendly. Every one you meet — doesn’t matter where or when —  greets you with a hello, nice dayyy or recognizing nod. It’s refreshing.

My neighbors in the complex are just as friendly. Whenever they see me, they stop and chat. I’m getting to know more and more of my neighbors. Some are older, some are younger and some are in my age bracket. We all have something in common … living at The Mill.

I found another great sub shop the other night, one that served a full eight-inch toasted Italian sandwich for $5.55. Of course there are other sandwich shops, coffee shops and full service restaurants. When I do feel industrious in the kitchen, the grocery store is kitty-corner from the complex for staples and an old-fashioned meat market — complete with a real butcher — is just down the road. I picked up a standing rib roast for Christmas dinner … and then some.

Many from town gathered last night as the volunteer Dover-Foxcroft Fire Department brought its 1975 American LaFrance aerial ladder truck to The Mill to assist in placing a rotating Christmas tree in the bell tower. It was quite the sight. I tried getting pictures, but it just wasn’t happening.You’ll have to take my word for it.

I also joined the Center Theatre. As a member, I am entitled to see classic movies for free. Last night it was Miracle on 34th Street (original, colorized). I met a couple of my Mill mates there, who introduced me to some of their friends, veterinarians from just outside town. Ironically, both husband, wife and daughter are Cornell alumni — “Go Big Red”.

After the show a number of people — some I know, some I’ve never met — asked me if I was the real Santa Claus or if I slept with my whiskers inside or outside the covers. Don’t know what gave them that idea. In fact, I’ve been asked the Santa Claus question a lot over the past month or so, not only here in Maine but back in New York as well. One day at the post office in Seneca Falls, a mother asked the children if they had their letters for Santa.  Lo and behold, one of the younguns — who was staring at this jolly white haired guy — turned around and handed me her letter with a second child quickly following suit. Mom apologized and I gave them a hearty “Ho, Ho, Ho” and told them I would take care of it.

I stayed for the 9 p.m. James Bond feature, Spectre at the Centrer Theatre. It cost me all of $6.

It was — entertaining .. I was never a big Bond fan, so I think the story may have had more significance if I had been primed with previous stories. It always amazes me, though, how awful shots the bad guys are, how deadly accurate the good guys are even with guns they retrieve while on the run (not their own), how little the good guys bleed, how fortuitous stepping stones are, how the heroes can change wardrobes while on the run and how the “extras” (like the diners and wait staff in the rail car) disappeared during the fight scene. It was — entertaining.

Tonight, it’s off to Christmas services. Yeah. I think I’m going to love it up here.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway. — Mother Teresa

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In the Blink of an Eye — Working Our Way Back 4

Posted on December 23, 2015 by wisdomfromafather

A good wife is the crown of her husband…
Proverbs 12:4a

But it wasn’t all peaches and cream. The pressures of life started to take their toll on Mom. She started to physically not feel well, which opened the door for Satan to enter her mind and soul. Only through the grace of God was Satan held in check.

In June 1991, she wrote:
I’ve been filled with so much anger I couldn’t go to Mass. I was supposed to serve Sunday, but I couldn’t receive much alone serve! … Food is nil … [we have] no money and I end up feeding extras every day and night. Guess I’m just having a bad 2 1/2 years!

I’m breaking here, because, despite Mom’s despair, she turned the focus on others.

“Joe is down, so I guess I best not be!”

promThen she adds, digging deep into that well of faith,
 Comes right down to it, my problems are small in comparison to others. Somehow, the Lord always manages to give us enough faith and strength to move on … Trust the Lord! I keep reminding myself over and over. It’s a battle for me when it comes to finances but He’s never let us go hungry.

We hosted two guys from the Celebrant Singers in 1991. One was from Poland who told us of life back home and how hard it was for women to try to get enough food for their children. In Mom’s own words:
After listening to him, I realized just how lucky we are. Even though we are going through some very difficult times [my “missionary” role hit some unexpected rocks, Deanna’s pregnancy, balancing a very fragile checking account, virtually going paycheck-to-paycheck], we haven’t experienced that type of hardship.

In that same journal entry, July 13, 1991, she added:
 I’ve felt as if I am in the midst of “muck” and unable to see clear, fresh waters. I’ve struggled on my own. I’ve felt loneliness and despair. I’ve forgotten Jesus is here – right next to me. All He wants me to do is surrender – totally. I do! I realize I am not in control and I don’t have any answers. I long for the peace amidst the storm only Jesus can give. I want to be able to sing “It is well with my soul” through this difficult time. I need to put com-plete trust in Jesus – trusting and knowing He alone can work the miracles.

easterOf course the miracles she sought were not necessarily the ones the Lord had in mind. Things at the paper got worse. While it was being received well editorially, we just couldn’t get over the advertising hurdle and the board was getting restless. Scott started playing football and got hurt (dislocated finger) in practice … before the season even started. He also made quite an “impression” in his first game … suffering a concussion. Hmmm, maybe that explains a couple of things.

But it was the everyday miracles that probably were missed at the time that stand out.

I knew Mom needed to “get away” and took her with me to Arizona for the Catholic Press Association meeting in 1991. Again, her words, “The trip was so relaxing I wish we could go back … plush robes …mints on your pillow … nice pool.”

byeDee had Zackary James at 10:27 p.m. on Aug. 6. As Mom wrote, “I almost delivered him in kitchen! Her pains started two minutes apart. She left here at 8:50 – in hospital at 9! He has Siccardi nose and looks like Jonathan when he was born. He is precious.”

Then there was the job for three opthamologists. She came to love that job – and Dr. Wiley came to love her work – just as I started seeking greener pastures.

Despite the turmoil in her soul, Ohio stands out as one of her most memorable experiences. “The hardest thing I have ever had to do was leave Ohio,” she wrote.

But it wasn’t the time … it was the house. “I have moved around a lot in my life, both as a child, and after getting married,” she also wrote. “I had dreamed and hoped when I married I would finally have a place to settle down and actually have roots. It wasn’t until your dad uprooted us once again in Ohio that I came to the realization I would never have the security of roots. A place I could actually call ‘home’ wasn’t something I would ever know … not on this earth. That was always my ‘dream’ [and] it was difficult to give up.”

So, this is about as good a place as any to transition to the next chapter … Washington, DC.

To be continued …

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: It is not enough to be busy. The question is: What are we busy about? — Henry David Thoreau

serious frontserious inside

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It’s a Wonderful Life

Posted on December 22, 2015 by wisdomfromafather

One of my favorite Christmas movies — well, maybe any time movie — is It’s a Wonderful Life.

I grew up on the movie and I’ll admit, after a marathon loop one Christmas in my formative years, I sort of got tired of it. But after we got married — believe it or not Karen had never watched the film — it became a Christmas viewing staple along with Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street (the original, non-colorized version), Christmas Story and in later years, Christmas Vacation and The Preacher’s Wife. We’ll be watching a few of those while on respite in Maine.

Of course, fictional Bedford Falls has a lot of similarities to Seneca Falls, NY, the largest village [at least it was until it dissolved into the town of the same name] in my neck of the woods, Seneca County in the Finger Lakes. Each year there is a huge celebration that brings visitors from near and far to the transformed village of Bedford Falls … including the Bailey sisters (Zuzu — Carolyn Grimes — and Janie — Carol Coombs). There is a museum in town that focuses strictly on the Frank Capra’s film, which celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2016. It doesn’t take much imagination to see the similarities between Bedford Falls and Seneca Falls.

It isn’t the sentimentality of the film that grabs you. George Bailey was just an average guy trying to better his life when life gets in the way.

My favorite scene is when George wanders out — on Christmas Eve — into the dark night, heading for Martini’s Italian restaurant and bar. Seated at the bar, he drinks heavily and utters a prayer for help that is heard up above: “Dear Father, I’m not a praying man, but if you’re up there and you can hear me, show me the way. I’m at the end of my rope. Show me the way, oh God.” Near him at the bar is Mr. Welch, husband of Zuzu’s school teacher. He angrily punches George in the mouth, and explains how his wife cried for an hour after George screamed at her on the phone. Sporting a bloody lip, George mumbles cynically: “That’s what you get for praying.”

Enter Clarence. He was the answer to George’s prayer. Forget the bells and angels’ wings, let’s go the heart of It’s a Wonderful Life. Every life is important and touches others in ways we just plain can’t see. Karen and I “adopted” Clarence as our guardian angel. I would really like to think he would make a perfect guardian angel.

But I digress. This post isn’t about the film.

I don’t usually share conversations generated by my posts. A few weeks ago, however, I was in a reflective mood [a Five Minute Friday assignment with the prompt REFLECT] and scribbled some thoughts about reaching the 500 post milestone. I was not prepared for what came next. The following Friday [okay, Saturday for those of you who are bound by time] was free-thought. We could pick any word and run with it. I was surprised there were few entries specifically on CHRISTMAS, the word I chose for my assignment. So, I set the timer and let my fingers transcribed the thoughts in my head.

Lo and behold, a longtime reader, TamrahJo (https://ballybin.wordpress.com/), replied. “I hope the ‘season’ brings you the peace and joy you have given to others –- I hope that you know, you are not alone in your dispiritedness over what you think the Season is and how it is so often celebrated -– I hope, this Season you truly know, that for big/small, profound or not, YOU, and your writing, thoughts, sharing, faith, grief, experience, have made an impact and gifted my life –-

“Merry Christmas — Father Says — may you know, without a doubt, just now, that you made a huge difference for one life you weren’t even focusing on being there for …”

Wow. Talk about being humbled. I never expected such words … especially from someone I have never met in real life. TamrahJo lives in the sight line of Pike’s Peak and varies her writing to talk about “the Good, Bad and Ludicrous … Examining the Ordinary and Extraordinary.” It’s always a good read.

Which brings us back to REFLECT. In that post I noted, “Overall, I think I have been true to my initial goal … to share my life and values through my words. I tried not to pontificate or proselytize, and I have shunned from commenting on too many topical events. After all, who needs another ‘opinion’ from someone who doesn’t know all the facts.

“But I have tried to lead by example … to let my life reflect my beliefs … to let my words be the wick for the light …”

Or as Clarence stated, “… Each man’s life touches so many other lives …”

Who would have thunk.

Thanks TamrahJo. It IS a wonderful life!

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: An entire sea of water can’t sink a ship unless it gets inside the ship. Similarly, the negativity of the world can’t put you down unless you allow it to get inside you. – Goi Nasu

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Five Minute Friday — Christmas

Posted on December 19, 2015 by wisdomfromafather

As the final Five Minute Friday assignment of the year, we get the chance to choose our own word and write on anything we want. It’s free Friday — okay, for me, free Saturday. Or as Kate put it, “Keep it to one word, keep it to five minutes, and keep reading each other’s work!”

Some of my fellow writers have written about sickness [Kate, by the way, is feeling under the weather], adventure, choosing, joy, present, run and blessing. That’s what happens when you let the free range thoughts out with reins. I speak from experience.

The diversity in thought — even with a common prompt — is what makes Five Minute Friday [okay, Saturday] exciting for me and I’m sure others. We all take a different slant on the prompt and run [or write] with it.

I was surprised there were few entries specifically on CHRISTMAS, the word I chose for my assignment. So, I’ve set the timer for five minutes, so let’s GO…

I love the spirit of Christmas … at least for about 325 days a year. I dread it from just before Thanksgiving to just after Christmas. I don’t loathe it…I just can’t seem to revel in the joy in that month-plus long span. Never have. Probably never will.

I’ve been trying to capture the spirit of the season with quips and quotes to family and friends, but it seems so … shallow. It’s somewhat artificial. Which is the root of my reticence for the holiday revelry.

It’s not that I don’t appreciate the significance of the season. I do. But all too many people don’t.  They use the season to overspend their dollars and their time and their energy. Instead of the peace of Jesus, we’re all hurrying around, all too often leaving the reason for the season in the wake.

It’s not that I don’t appreciate the glitter and the glitz … the trees and the lights … the decorations and the visits with Santa … STOP

… I do and often they help soften my mood. But they are always more fun when shared with someone.

I always thought Christmas was for children. That was the focus Karen and I had. Watching our kids’ eyes light up on Christmas morning was a joy. But sometime during our parenting — when finances were tight — we realized the small hand-made gifts we shared not only brought out that same light, but were treasured so much longer than the store bought trinkets [nothing wrong with those, though]. I can think of the mice ornaments Karen made that I think most of the kids still have … or the musical doll clocks for the girls .. or the knitted blankets, scarves, hats and mittens … or the ceramic tree that serves as my Christmas tree in Maine this year [I would have included a photo, but I broke the bulb unpacking it. You have to see it aglow].

This year, I chose to separate myself from the commotion of Christmas. Instead, it’s just going to be Karen and I in our Maine apartment … savoring the quiet. I’ll break out a bottle of wine and we’ll toast [okay, I’ll toast] another year of ups and downs in front of the faux fire on the television fireplace. We’ll listen to some good Christmas music and maybe watch a Christmas movie or two. And we’ll reflect on the meaning of Christmas … past, present and future.

Well, that’s my two cents worth for this week … actually for this year. Five Minute Friday is taking time off for the holidays. We’ll return to pecking the keyboard the first Friday in January. Who knows, my Christmas spirit might be back by then.

To my Five Minute Friday friends — and to all — have a Merry and Blessed Christmas and here’s to a New Year filled with the joy and peace of Jesus. And, if you get a chance, stop in at Kate’s place (http://katemotaung.com/2015/12/17/five-minute-friday-choose-your-own-word/) to see what others are saying as their creative minds are set free.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: It is easy to think Christmas, and it is easy to believe Christmas, but it is hard to act Christmas.

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In the Blink of an Eye — Working Our Way Back 3

Posted on December 16, 2015 by wisdomfromafather

A good wife is the crown of her husband…
Proverbs 12:4a

[The] experiences [to date as outlined the past two weeks] set the stage for our time in Ohio. We both got involved at St. Ignatius Parish. We were able to enroll Dee in Cardinal Stritch and Scott, Nicolle and Jonathan at Altar. With the help of Sister Geraldine, Nicolle and Jonathan received First Communion. Scott graduated to Stritch and Cole and Jay went to St. Jerome’s after Altar closed.

cartoonMom was introduced to Father Bob Armstrong, whose salty demeanor and true love of the poor and homeless led to a ministry of her own among the homeless. She was collaborating with Angie Barrett on a book about Toledo’s homeless when we moved. I know she regretted never finishing that book.

Life was good … relaxing in the pool on hot, humid days … enjoying the crackling fire on wintry nights and lazy afternoons … going down to the waterfront … playing cards on the front porch.

houseThere wasn’t anything about that house Mom did not like. She loved the kitchen with plenty of room and plenty of cupboards and a snack counter for breakfasts or lunches. The formal dining room was picture perfect. The family room was one of her favorites and she would often just go in there to read, pulling the pocket doors. The back stairs offered a quick way to the kitchen in the morning for coffee. The stained glass window at the turn of the front stairs, often caught the setting sun just right for a slice of heaven.

To be continued …

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind. – Dr. Seuss

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Five Minute Friday — Reflect

Posted on December 13, 2015 by wisdomfromafather

Even by my standards, I confess to being late to the Five Minute Friday party … again. I peek at the prompt, read some of the contributions,  blink my eyes and … it’s Sunday afternoon!

Well, the prompt is REFLECT and this is the perfect time to do just that in this forum — with hundreds of my friends and colleagues at Kate’s place (http://katemotaung.com/2015/12/10/five-minute-friday-reflect-plus-a-year-end-survey/).

So, the timer is set for five minutes, so let’s GO …

It almost went unnoticed, but I recently drafted my 500th post, In fact, this my 507th. Where has the time gone?

But it gives me an opportunity to reflect on the blog, look back at my intent and whether I have been successful or not in staying with my mission.

Overall, I think I have been true to my initial goal … to share my life and values through my words. I tried not to pontificate or proselytize, and I have shunned from commenting on too many topical events. After all, who needs another “opinion” from someone who doesn’t know all the facts.

But I have tried to lead by example … to let my life reflect my beliefs … to let my words be the wick for the light.  I think — no I hope — that has been the case.

I have learned through feedback … STOP

… it is the simple sentences that resonant the most. The “Thoughts” I conclude my posts with are short, to the point statements from others that touch the soul of readers.

The other thing that amazes me is the blog’s reach … all over the world — literally. Readers from countries I never heard of have read my words. I’ve had readers comment from all continents with different cultures and customs. That, my friends, is humbling. And it shows, at the heart, we all have similar joys and concerns, similar hopes and dreams, similar experiences. In short, we’re all in this together.

It has been a privilege sharing my life with you and having you share your lives with me. Hopefully, we’ll continue this relationship for another 500 posts.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: I have learned that faith means trusting in advance what will only make sense in reverse. — Philip Yancey

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In the Blink of an Eye — Working Our Way Back 2

Posted on December 9, 2015 by wisdomfromafather

A good wife is the crown of her husband…
Proverbs 12:4a

I shared [last week’s post] because it set the stage for the next few weeks. I was staying at St. Ignatius rectory with Fr. Dan Ring and Fr. Frank Murd and trying to keep busy recreating a “local” diocesan newspaper. Fr. Bernie Boff, head of missions, saw the column and offered us use of St. Theresa Convent on Dorr Street – one of the darkest areas of Toledo.

3Mom came out to see the convent – it wasn’t too bad during the day – and we, of course, went sightseeing. As we were heading out of Toledo on Miami Street, we turned into a For Sale by Owner driveway … an old Victorian. Mom said, “Now that’s a house I would like to see.”

I stopped the car, but no one was there. End of story. We committed to the convent and made plans to just be together.

But it wasn’t the end of the story. After Mom left for Illinois, I tried to get in touch with the owners of that home on Miami Street. After about a week of phone tag, I finally made contact. I made arrangements for Mom to come out again and look at the house … and she fell in love with it. There wasn’t one thing about that house she did not like. It was her “dream” home. So we made an offer, hoping against hope we could get approved and be able to buy this place. In the meantime, we were finalizing plans to get into Dorr Street.

We finally packed everyone up as school ended.

The convent, as you probably recall [remember this originally was written for my children], was interesting to say the least. The first night there was constantly punctuated by police sirens. There were gunshots. Then a strange little man appeared out of nowhere wearing nothing but a trench coat. Somebody forgot to tell us we weren’t staying there alone!!!

house 2We did get approved for the house and we never closed and moved so fast. In fact, we closed before our furniture arrived at Dorr Street! The owners were anxious to get into their new home. We were glad to vacate the convent quickly — I think it was just a couple of weeks — and get into our new “home.” We even roughed it on the floor for a couple of nights as we awaited the moving van.

The amazing thing is how quickly this all transpired. Within six months of that column we were out of Illinois (although we did have two mortgages because the house hadn’t sold), found temporary housing, found a house that fit our family and our budget, closed, moved and settled in. That wasn’t dumb luck. Both Mom and I knew it was Divine guidance. All it took, we both believed with all our hearts, was letting go and letting God take over.

To be continued …

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Who you’re on the mountain with is more important than getting to the top.

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