Sisters of the Presentation of Mary

Lately, I have been working shifts in our community infirmary – a great learning experience, and, of course, a blessing! It's not often that I get to be with our elderly sisters, so I am enjoying this time with them.

My experience of working in an infirmary is probably similar to others. It has made me think of growing old, how some day I will be dependent on others to care for my basic, every day needs, and all the humiliations and frustrations that come with that. No one wants to lose capability and independence, to know that one's memory is unreliable, or that even though you know what you want, or what you're trying to say, others cannot understand.

The thing, though, about being with people at this stage of life, is you learn to live in the moment. Not much else matters. Oh, sure, there are tasks to be done in this work, but it's like you are in a new world order. There is only this elder's smile or tear, a whisper or plea to hear and decipher, the shaky hand reaching for a touch, a consoling grasp. You are drawn in, beyond yourself, to connect, to be fully present. And any time that happens, you are fully alive.

It always amazes me, to discover that, when people are most vulnerable, and seeming to be at their weakest, their presence, even their neediness are precious gifts to those of us who are often living for the next moment.

Live this moment...the fullness of God is here.

The following is taken from the Hallmark book: Joy for a Woman's Soul. It is a small bedside book that has short meditations or sayings that have given me a boost. I share one such story with you from the author, Lucy Swindoll with the tiltle: "Give Joy a boost"

Vision is when you see it and others don't. Faith is when you do it and others won't. With vision and faith things can be done.

One of the greatest by-products of believing in something, and then going for it is joy. I've often said, "My favorite thing in life doing something new while having a good time." That's the essence of joy.

Let's get practical. Perhaps you have an idea of something you would like to do, but you're scared. You've never done anything like it before. Maybe the idea just won't go away. But it's outside your comfort zone, and you don't feel adequate for the task. Start to pray, "Lord, if this desire is from you, will you bring it to pass? Help me know where to start."

And then start. This is the faith part. Work hard. Do what makes sense to you. Ask the Lord whom to talk to who might help you. Talk with them.

What he has given you the desire to do? You can do it.

Teach me to do your will, for you are my god; may your Spirit lead me on level ground Psalm 143:10

May the above inspire you to make the impossible, possible!

Today, I want to share the email my sister sent to us the night of the day her husband passed away. I found it so beautiful, a true witness of how our faith can sustain us and help us live! As I indicated in my last blog, Julien was stricken with early onset Alzheimer's at the age of 50. He was 57 when he died.

A Sad Day

Well, sad for us, but, Julien is now at peace with the Lord! This morning around 6 a.m., he had a mild seizure, but his pulse went down, he lost color, they tried oxygen, but were not able to revive him. He probably didn't even wake up from his night's sleep! Dr. So called me at 6:45 to tell me, and really let me know how sad he was for us! It was touching! It just felt totally unbelievable! We always knew something like this was possible. He had the one seizure and was on anti-seizure drugs, but, I think he was deteriorating so much that his body was unable to respond - I am just guessing...We may have an autopsy, but, may never know just what gave out!

All the kids, Mo and Sofi and his parents and I went to the hospital to see him and say our goodbyes. He was so still - it was hard. A priest came and blessed him. We spent the day together at our place and Julien's siblings, my brother, Ray and a few friends came over. We could swap stories and remember. Many phone calls - the word is getting out so fast - social media, mostly!

It was his dad and his aunt's 82nd birthday today! His dad feels blessed that he went to heaven on his birthday! You just have to look at the bright side.

I had such a good day with him on Tuesday - he totally recognized me and was so happy to see me - smiled a lot and "talked" a lot! It was a rewarding day and will always stay with me! We all had something we can hang on to and a million memories - all good! We are all drained tonite! I really don't want to rush into anything.

The funeral will be next Friday, March 16 at Our Lady of Fatima church. I have no other details - much to do - all new to me! I am so sorry to bring such sad news! You are all so dear to us and this is very hard for you, especially if you are far away! It's been tough all along, and we were getting ready, but, we just don't know the Lord's timing! He went down so much in the last 5-6 months. Everyone tried so hard to make it better for him. The staff at the hospital were very good. The family were all trying to get there once a week or so. We helped him eat and just stayed with him and tried to connect. Everyone has been so supportive.

It (Alzheimer's) is just an awful disease and it took him way too soon and hard!

We are all going to miss him so much, but feel so blessed to have been part of his life, our lives! He was the best! I love him so! I am just so happy he is done with suffering! He is whole again - re-set -"re-booted"!!! He has his glorious body with the Lord and that gives me joy and peace! It will just be so hard to get used to our new reality! Please call anytime! I will be around...much love to all of you!

Mary Alice

Today our local community spent the afternoon serving Christmas dinner to those less fortunate in the city. The great thing about it was that it brought people from all different backgrounds together. The volunteers took breaks to eat with the local people and their families. A youth band played carols and gospel songs for us, and children of all ages enjoyed creating crafts or running and playing with friends.

I enjoyed this chance to serve, to meet people outside of my usual circle. About 1300 people were served today, most of them poor and hungry. I couldn't help but think of how fortunate I have been in life, to have grown up in the circumstances which gave me all I needed.

Jesus was one of the poor, the homeless, born into poverty and very precarious circumstances.

He wasn't welcomed by his own people, nor the ones who were well established, rich, and powerful.

But the poor welcomed him, precisely because they weren't sated, they weren't full already. Their hands were empty, they were hungry, so their hearts had room for Christ. "Blessed are the poor, for the kingdom shall be theirs."

Lord, open my heart. Grant me a love that welcomes you, that goes out to meet you in the poor.