I think of Father John’s letter often—the way one act of kindness can become a lineage. Someone once reached out to him. He reached out to Mom. Mom reached back to everyone who loved her with courage that made us braver. The crucifix moved from hand to hand, life to life, because the cross itself has always been a story of passing on: mercy received, mercy given. … More The Crucifix: A Symbol of Strength in Suffering
I know that Loretta was on my mother’s mind because she began to talk about her with me. She talked about Loretta’s easygoing nature and ready smile. Even as the Leukemia got worse, Loretta was cheerful; my mother said that her smile and her faith in God never faltered. … More A Portrait of Loretta
The vigil is one place no one wants be. There is a deep primal part of you that wants to get up, leave, and close the door tight behind you and just walk as fast and as far in the opposite direction as possible. Stronger still, is the need to stay and be present. No doubt, this is how Mary felt at the foot of the cross. … More Keeping Vigil