First Story: Vacation, Part Two

This was to be our last day on the ship and Victoria, Canada, our last stop before disembarking in Seattle. The sun removed every cloud in the sky to beat down on us. It was hot!

Victoria is beautiful, but when you’re leading nine people to a tour bus it can get hectic. Mikos was in charge of getting us to Butchart Gardens. We arrived with thousands of other tourists cramming the beautiful pathways of the garden. It was a sight but despite all the sweaty tourists I enjoyed the venture. While we made our way through the crowds, Will had a better idea. He treated himself to lunch: cheeseburger, fries, coke and dessert!

Chinatown

We came to a family consensus that we were going to eat in Chinatown. When we finally found a suitable restaurant, climbed a flight of stairs, and gave our name, Will saw a mouse run into the women’s restroom. “Grandma, Grandma, come here!” he shouted. “Go into the restroom and see if you can find the mouse that ran in.” “No! Why would I want to see a mouse?” I answered. Lucas was with Will when this all came down, but he did not see the mouse; only Will saw the rodent. Between the two of them, they made such a fuss that before we could sit down for lunch no one wanted to eat at a rodent-infested restaurant. We almost ran down the stairs and found another Chinese restaurant.

We ordered so many dishes and ate like royalty.  After all we were returning, to The Royal Caribbean.

On this day alone we walked more than nine miles.  When the weather permitted,  I walked daily on the ship, 46 miles in 8 days.

One more thing about Seattle; you must experience eating at Duke’s and Joey’s; their food is beyond what you can imagine.

We said our goodbyes to Mikos, Jenny, Maddie and Will as we ventured for a day-long sightseeing tour of Seattle. Thank the Good Lord, the weather rolled out a red carpet of kindness.

Second Story: Answering “Yes”

Sunday morning at Mass I noticed a couple who attend daily services, but this time they had their two granddaughters. They said “yes” by bringing them to Mass. It may seem to be a simple gesture but, in reality, it was a sacrifice. We never know what turn a child’s behavior is going to take during the service. One thing for certain, a spirit of disturbance  always starts right about the time of consecration.  It played out when the youngest girl got loud and fidgety. This couple are seasoned; so the grandfather took the child out to calm her. The beauty of this story is that he also said “yes” to serve as a Eucharistic Minister as well. He was the last one to come to the altar to serve with us. Both girls were left in the capable hands of their loving grandmother.

Why I Say Yes

In order for me to stay connected to God I must do His work. Whether it be helping with my grandchildren, teaching a home Bible Study, or volunteering at my parish, it all comes together in a form of love that offers peace. Going to daily Mass has been my greatest growth experience because my day starts with communion with God. There is no better way to fuel your day.

Hollow App

I love my Hollow App because it allows me to explore so many different sides of our Catholic faith. For instance, I recently started a Novena to St. Margaret of Cortona. I’ve been struggling with fasting, so she is the saint you can call on to help you with this issue. Soon my body will align with the message of this novena, and, once again, my fasting will take hold.

Lately I’ve been like a bear preparing for hibernation, overeating has always been an area in my spiritual struggle.

The Seminar

Adoration, Confession and Mass

When I read the schedule, I was so excited that we were going to have Adoration and confession, followed by Mass. I had been nursing a cold/flu all week long, so I had missed my Holy Communion. And God knows how I needed to go to confession.

On the way home from the airport our Uber driver, who was new to our area, parked really far from us. It was a long trip, we were both beat from a full day of touring Seattle, and the flight home was late. We lugged our suitcases down to where he was parked. I sat directly behind him and I almost died from the horrible fumes of his body odor. I had my window down with my index finger over my nose. Mike motioned to me to put the window up and I, in disbelief, refused. He asked me again, so I reluctantly pushed the electric button and heard the sound of the window sealing me in the stench from hell. When we got home we had words, and I dropped a few “F” bombs. The next day I was sicker than a dog. Of course, my loving husband took care of me the entire week, including taking me to Urgent Care. So yes, I needed to go to confession.

Mass

I love Mass, and what better way to prepare for a teaching!

The Teachings

To be better prepared with our catechist in the fall, our diocese presented an all-day seminar. This was to equip us with godly direction we are to take with the youth of today. Since our world has shifted to “all inclusive everything” we need to take these matters into consideration. We are dealing with a generation of children suffering from torticollis. This disorder comes from all the time they spend on their devices; their necks get all twisted. Not only are their necks twisted, so are their minds.

According to The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, children and adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media face double the risk of mental health problems including experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

¹⁸ If I say to the wicked, You shall surely die—and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade the wicked from their evil conduct in order to save their lives—then they shall die for their sin, but I will hold you responsible for their blood.

It’s our spiritual duty to redirect this misguided generation back to God. Though I’m 72 years old, God has given me the stamina and zeal to continue with this ministry.  I’m teaching  First Holy Communion and Confirmation Classes this year. If I can do this, so can you!

Remember God is calling us all to serve.

My Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for my healing and for Mike, who took care of all of my needs. Thank You for all our family adventures. May we always remain close to You.

Please continue to pray for my cousin’s son Ricky.  Jesus, I trust in You! Amen.