Fall Happenings in 2010

This has been a year of medical challenges, none, as yet, very serious, but nevertheless a reminder that aging is aggressive and to be monitored. It is the mental acceptance of this irretrievable cycle of life which is hard. Why? because there is still so much to be involved with. The joys of creation require more looks and the needs of society are growing at a faster pace, due to the economics of our nation and of the world. The tugs of war among politicians. The rejection of christianity, the slaughter of children, the incessant drug cartels and the outstretched, willing hands of the victims. There are some hardy souls out there willing to do a reigning in of these evils, but they need the support of, up to this writing, an apathetic populace. Pope Benedict XVI has demonsrated courage in his travels to England, Scotland, Europe, et al by voicing, ever so temperately, the immorality which has seized the populace everywhere. There must be many heartfelt prayers ascending because, here in Mobile, we are enjoying the most beautiful blue skies and calm days after so many setbacks with the major oil spill, jobs disappearing, weather turmoils, terrible starvation of many. Let me say that my attempts at ongoing prayers with rosaries, masses, and a few worthy contributions to christian causes do exist and shall continue.

The meeting with reality

This business of aging, "the golden years," is one for which a person cannot study for or cram for. While we spend most of our lives employed with our chosen labors, and then daydream of the retirement from those hectic hours, we are novices.

There has been and is on-going much study and meditation on my part to digest the true meaning of catholicism in this life. Credit must be given to involvment with Our Savior Church, the daily mass participants and our enthusiastic teacher-pastor. Possibly because retirement, since 2000, offers a different time frame for philosophical pursuits. In the past, beginning with elementary school, Sacred Heart Parish, West Reading, Pa., the learning of catechism prevailed. Working in the world in many jobs -- white collar work - university-based jobs - graduation as a licensed Occupational Therapist; marriage and family formation (3 sons); on-going course work; Masters degree in Liberal Studies- these were the mental pursuits. Activity in the Church of the Assumption, Centereach, L.I., N.Y. encompassed teaching of religion to learning-impaired along with full-time services with nursing homes and Cerebral Palsy rehab. center.

Later, working for Sachem School District with children with varied learning problems. My home was a short distance from The Cenacle of Ronkonkoma where I met my spiritual director, Sister Alice McConville and where I enrolled in various spiritual programs to assist my faith walk. Thus, the years unfolded until the year 2006, when my husband and I re-located to Mobile, Al.

Much time has elapsed since I first decided to have a blog - this year is the 4th year of our move to Mobile. Our granddaughters are now 7 years and soon to be 9 years: Lauren & Jessica. Their talents are emerging. As a grandma, I have taken on the role of piano teacher with a most promising student in Lauren. Jessica is so involved in sports. Swimming meets & gymnastics are her forte; she has accumulated many trophies. Jessica has also been learning things of the spiritual life, receiving her first Holy Communion this past May.

The Easter Season

RCIA: The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. I attended a seminar in October which clued me in the salient points of this spiritual look at one's life. It is set up for those individuals who have a nudge to look more deeply at their life's path - in this instance, following a Roman Catholic theology. I found that not only does the role of sponsor contribute to the seeker (candidate or ecumenin) but also can act as a guide to the sponsor in enlarging his/her spiritual journey.