Early last Monday morning I received a text from our son Mikos. It stated that Aaron wanted to stop by and visit with us. The sun was not quite out yet, but I knew that I needed to tidy up the house. In June I furloughed our housekeeper for the summer, so Mike and I have been doing all the cleaning ourselves. Monday is my major chore day. The wood floors are the biggest job, so I started with them. I told Mike, “I can’t make it to Mass today because I need to clean!” As I was dusting the furniture, I felt an urging from the Lord, telling me to go to Mass. I yelled out to Mike, “The Lord told me to go to Mass after all. Can you go and pick up some Mexican bread?” Mike looked puzzled, then responded, “Who’s going to mop the rest of the house?” “I’ll do it when I get out of Mass.”  Mike ended up mopping the kitchen, entry way and family room. We’re a great team! Besides this gave me time to meet with the editor to edit this Blog. It never fails–when you put God first everything else falls into place.

Aaron

Our family has known Aaron since he was in the seventh grade. Our home was within walking distance from both the high school and the junior high, so this is where the kids hung out. I was always home by the time our kids got out of school. We owned a tortilla factory that  also produced tortilla chips. I can’t tell you how many plates of Nachos I served, this was the staple for these boys.

Aaron was that special kid whose charismatic personality was filled with compassion. Because  he was the mediator for all the boys, he always took the right side and defended his friends with kind, well tempered words. I remember once I was driving the boys somewhere when someone said something unkind about another of their friends. Aaron immediately explained that people change and that the group should give the boy another chance. This is who he was and still is.

The Sleepovers

There were plenty of sleepovers,  but I remember this one in particular. I went downstairs to check on the boys, who were sophomores in high school. I turned on the light and all Mikos’ friends were all there, but Mikos was missing. In a loud voice I asked , “Where is Mikos?” While the other boys pretended to be sleeping, Aaron got up and made some lame excuse for his friend. Needless to say, Mikos was grounded for a while. To this day I still do not know where Mikos was! Through the thick and thin of friendships, Mikos and Aaron have remained friends. Aaron served as a groomsman in Mikos’ wedding and Mikos and Jenny attended Aaron and Laura’s wedding.

Mikos and a group of his high school friends get together every year to visit Aaron and  to attend one of his games. Aaron always welcomes their visits.

When Aaron was playing ball for the Cincinnati Reds, he and Laura came to our home for a visit. I remember telling Aaron, “You know God has a bigger plan for your life, way bigger than playing baseball.” I was surprised that those words came out of my mouth, but I knew that it was from God. I prayed that they wouldn’t think I was crazy and left it at that.

The Visit

It was so good to see Aaron again. When I reminded him about the time I spoke those prophetic words he said that he did indeed remember what I had said. Of course Mikos ruined the moment by referring to me as a Nostradamus. My family always has a way of bursting my bubble.

Aaron’s countenance changes when he speaks of his wife and four kids. He is one proud papa! He and Laura are doing a beautiful job in raising their children. He had something special to say about each of his kids.

The Humble Man of God

I asked Aaron if he prays before the games. He replied that he always does. Aaron has a big role in life as the manager of the New York Yankees.  New Yorkers are not the kindest fans, but God placed him as the manager of this team because He knew that Aaron could fill the big shoes of all the other world famous-managers. Aaron will be remembered as a compassionate genius.

God-fearing Parents

Aaron was brought up by two God-fearing parents. While her husband was away playing professional baseball, Sue was the glue who kept the family together. This family is strong because they are grounded in God. Aaron and his two brothers are a product of a praying family.

Years ago I was invited to a party that Sue was hosting. Her special guest was Stormie Omartian. At that time Stormie had authored a book entitled  The Power Of A Praying Wife, This book is a powerful tool for any marriage. I had totally forgotten that I met Stormie Ormartian. I still give out her books as gifts to friends. One thing that I remember purchasing from Stormie that evening were salt and pepper shakers with the word Love on them; these were empty containers because they were meant to season your food with love. My kids loved when I’d get them out and sprinkle love on their food.

The Game

Mikos got us tickets to see Aaron at work. It was not surprising to see how he handles himself in his work environment. Aaron is in control, so his players respect him. At times he would look out at the stands. I don’t know if he saw us, but I was waving my hand wildly and yelling, “Hi Aaron!” We were close enough for Aaron to see us. He smiled and waved back. I was sure it was meant for us, but so did all the hundreds of other people surrounding us.

Anyone who personally knows Aaron will write a similar story because this is who he is to everyone in his life.

My Prayer

Dear Lord, I continue to pray for all those whom You have placed on my heart for prayer. I lift up Carla, Kathy, Alie, Mario, and Anna. Lord, they all need the healing touch of Your hand. I pray that You would grant Your son Aaron favor in all his endeavors. Amen.

Go Yankees!!

Do you remember American Bandstand? It was a popular dance program that ran from 1952 –1989.  When I was a senior in high school, Louie, a friend, invited me to go tape some shows. As a 17-year-old this was beyond exciting. We had to take several changes of clothing for the tapings. Trendy hot pants and the English model Twiggy were all the rage. I had a part-time job and was always shopping for clothes, so I had enough changes for the show.   We lived in Colton, a little more than an hour south of where the show was being taped in Los Angeles. We didn’t have to worry about lunch because it was provided by the studio. What I did worry about was all the cool L.A. kids who were regulars on the show. The camera liked them because they were natural, they knew how to play to the camera. I, with my shag haircut, was a little intimidated. I was in great shape and looked good in my attire, but when I heard that the camera added ten pounds I was nervous about looking fat. My body image has been my love/hate relationship my entire life.

American Bandstand

I had no idea that a nationwide dance contest was about to take place. I loved to dance and I felt confident enough to participate. Today I can still vividly hear the song in my head as we headed to the dance floor. “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby” by Marvin Gaye was playing as Louie and I hit the dance floor. I remember the outfit too; I wore hot pants with a matching top. As Louie and I danced our hearts out, we were quickly eliminated. The couples chosen were part of the regulars. They had more experience on the show and were much better dancers than we were.

Dick Clark

Seeing Dick Clark for the first time was like Toto pulling the curtains on Oz. “This is Dick Clark?” I said to myself. This giant on television quickly became a small, life-sized man. I was not disappointed, but the reality of television really sank in because his charm was bigger than his frame. He was poised and professional and talked to everyone like a friend. Our audience was made up of several races: Blacks, Whites, and Latinos with a sprinkle of Asians. We were all there to dance. The show was staged with risers that elevated other dancers. The producers selected the dancers who were regulars to showcase their moves because they were much better dancers than the rest of us.

For hours, I looked through the archives of American Bandstand in search of our tapings, but I could not pinpoint the exact date or the precise year. I  was thinking it may have been the beginning of my senior year. It could have been between 1969-1970. To my recollection, the shows were taped weeks in advance. The sad truth is that I never saw myself on television because one of my cousins was killed in a car accident. The show was to play the weekend we traveled to the funeral. I found it disrespectful to bring up the show while my family was in mourning.

My cousin Elvia was living in Illinois, so I believe she was the only family member who saw me on the show. There were no options back then, no recording devices; so  if you missed the show, it was history. I believe that Louie and I appeared on several tapings.

Facercise

Years later I had another brush with fame. I was getting my hair cut in Los Angeles at Vidal Sassoon, where I met a young man who would later introduce me to his mother. Carole, his mother, was the creator of “Facercise.” She had developed an ingenious series of face exercises to keep your face firm. Carole was interviewed by 60 Minutes and has worked with many famous clients. I was asked to participate in a seven-day program. Every morning I drove to Carole’s home in Redondo Beach for the sessions. This was a major sacrifice for me because the traffic was horrendous both ways. At the end of the program we had to drive to Thousand Oaks to take the “after pictures.”  I learned to tone my facial muscles. This is a program that Carole still teaches for a hefty price. Around 2002 she was interviewed by NBC; my “before and after pictures” were shared but I never saw that program when it aired. Another cousin, Delia , told me about the show. Thank God I have a ton of cousins.

I am still good friends with Carole’s son Brit; we keep in touch through Social Media. I baptized Brit and Jazmina’s son Noah, and they are included in my daily prayers.

My Fame

I am loved by my family, and I have a good corps of friends. I love my brothers and sisters and keep in contact with them on a regular basis. I have a handful of cousins who remain my dear friends. We watch over our Tia Maria and, when we get a chance, we get together and take her to lunch. I am famous in my family because I serve as the “Family President for Life.” Though this is a self-appointed position and my cousins always attempt to overthrow my dictatorship, I will always remain their loyal president! I’m here to serve.

My Prayer

Lord, I thank You for my family and all the opportunities You have bestowed on my life. I pray for every member of my family, that they may be blessed, and always serve You. I pray for all families who are suffering from strife and have not mended their relationships with one another. Father, You are their Creator and nothing is impossible with You. Heal all broken the hearts in these  families due to separation or strife. May Your peace and  understanding fall on their hearts. Amen.

In mid-April, planning began for the EWTN retreat. Originally, the intention was for sister Norma to come along — but God had other plans. There is always an attack before a great blessing, and as the trip began to unravel and the question of canceling was brought to prayer, the Lord brought Pat into the picture.

Pat

Pat and Joanne go back a long way — missionary travels to Nepal, the Holy Land, Patmos, Turkey, and other corners of this small world. Pat has been a faithful roommate on more than one occasion and a dear friend. She has a gift for laughter too. Walking through a season of change in her own life, she welcomed the opportunity to step away and spend time with the Lord.

The flight departed from LAX, which meant Pat needed to arrive by 5:15 a.m. “I bought three different alarm clocks to make sure I’d wake up on time,” she said. Those alarm clocks would later become hilariously problematic.

While standing in line to board the second flight, Pat began searching through her duffle bag. “Do you hear that ticking?” she asked. The response was immediate — “Pat, we’re at the airport. You can’t say things like that.” Sure enough, it was one of her alarm clocks, ticking away. Later that night, after settling into the hotel, that same alarm went off at 4:00 a.m.

Fr. Leonard Mary

Fr. Leonard’s path crossed with Joanne’s in the mid-1990s through a shared Catholic lay group. At the time, he was simply Anthony — a young man who joined me in feeding the homeless on Skid Row in Los Angeles. The friendship has endured ever since. When Fr. Leonard is in town, Mike always makes dinner; chile rellenos are a favorite, and a home-cooked, authentic Mexican meal awaits him on every visit. Father was recently elected Community Servant — the title given to the Superior of his order. It is a three-year position carrying significant responsibility, including oversight of the Friars from EWTN and the cloistered nuns in Hanceville, Alabama, where the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament is located.

The Heart of the Trip: Prayer at the Shrine

The most important part of the trip was prayer — and pray they did. Fr. Leonard and his brother Peter drove Joanne and Pat to Hanceville for the noon Mass. While Father met with the Mother Superior, we knelt before the Blessed Sacrament and prayed. The Shrine is renowned for its tranquil beauty, and a peaceful calm rested over the space — the kind that makes it easy to believe God is answering every prayer. Prayer always brings peace. Afterward, the group drove to Cullman, a small town near Hanceville, for dinner with Ann, a dear friend whose family shares a close bond with Fr. Leonard.

The Retreat

The retreat was centered around one thing: love. Loving everyone — including those who continually cause strife. The difficult people who seem to find every opportunity to bring others down, whose passive-aggressive behavior surfaces just when forgiveness feels within reach.

This is a struggle many share. The moment comes to finally break free from a draining relationship, and the Lord tugs at the heart. One steps back in — only to discover more challenges waiting. What this retreat clarified was something long known but not yet fully lived: Christians are called to lead others to God. When the Lord places difficult people in a life, it is because He is using them to refine and deepen love.

It helps to consider the troubled person’s background — to remember that their journey toward spiritual freedom is taking many detours.

What the heart wanted to hear was: Walk away. They’re never going to change.

What was actually heard was: Be the example. Be who God called you to be — and never give up on who God has called them to be.

Honestly, it is far easier to wash one’s hands of it than to take the road of forgiveness. Because the hard truth is this: until difficult people begin their own journey toward healing, the battle continues. And battles are not rare. Some are with health. Some with children, a spouse, a sibling. The list is long and the weight is real.

Serving God is not easy — and the closer one draws to Him, the more intense the battle becomes. But this must never be forgotten: no one walks it alone. God is present at every step.

Retreat Lesson: Romans Chapter Twelve

From a young age, people are shaped by what they were taught. Not all parents are good teachers. Not all parents are good role models. This is precisely why it is necessary to look at the larger spiritual picture.

Compassion — Dying on the Cross, Jesus was willing to die for all — not only those who serve Him. He sees broken backgrounds and understands why people hate. Jesus moves in compassion and empathy. Empathy is the capacity to understand and share the feelings of another.

Mercy — Mercy, understanding, truth, and firmness are part of the healing that makes a person whole. To fully understand the needs of others, one must first pursue wholeness — and here, wholeness means spiritual wholeness: the ongoing, lifelong work of becoming more Christ-like.

The starting point for loving others is Jesus — the One who loves first. When the love the Father has for His children is truly understood, it becomes possible to extend that love outward. What is received is what can be given. Those who carry the love of God give it freely; those with hardened hearts find themselves unable to give what they do not yet possess.

Receiving the Sacrament of Communion unites the faithful with Christ so that growth in love becomes possible. Mary’s intercession is sought in this — she who, above all others, knew how to express the love of God, and who always points toward her Son. The bond Mary shared with Jesus is unbreakable, and her mediation remains a gift for every soul who asks.

Pat and I were able to attend two additional 7:00 a.m. Masses at the EWTN chapel.

Romans 12:9–19 New American Bible, Revised Edition

Mutual Love. ⁹ Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good. ¹⁰ Love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. ¹¹ Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. ¹² Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. ¹³ Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. ¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. ¹⁶ Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation. ¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all. ¹⁸ If possible, on your part, live at peace with all. ¹⁹ Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

My Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gift of this journey to Alabama — for the friendship, the grace, and the time spent in Your presence. Bless Fr. Leonard as he steps into this new chapter of leadership; pour out upon him every grace needed to fulfill the calling You have placed on his life. And for all those You have placed on this heart — continue to intercede. Heal those suffering from cancer. Heal the brokenhearted. And teach us all to love as You love. Amen.