Blog Archives

A voice from the past….

8/30/2014

Ok, so I'm being a bit sarcastic. Just got a call from our son, Jim, in Australia. He was there for his birthday (45!!) but on a silent retreat. So, we couldn't talk to him…..downright awful for parents and siblings and nieces and nephews who wanted to SING HAPPY BIRTHDAY or whatever. When he returns to LA, he's gonna have a ton of mail to open. Wish I could see his face then. But at least he knows lots of people love him.
I think there must be some pretty lonely times in a priest's life, even those, like Jim, who live in community. As parents the one and only thing that matters is that our children are happy, healthy and not alone…..and #1 - that they know they are loved.
We love you, Jim!!!

0 Comments

A little compassion goes a long way

8/29/2014

0 Comments

I've seen the woman numerous times at the gym. She swims a lot, as I do, and I've always had a sense that perhaps she is a cancer survivor. Today, out of the blue, she started a conversation with me. Indeed, she had breast cancer 4 1/2 years ago. Ten months ago it returned….a minor metastasis, she called it. She talked about what it has been like for her dealing with hospital personnel, especially the business office….and it wasn't pretty. Her bills must be huge, because she said she is on a payment "plan." Now I realize hospitals have to collect their money, but the timing is often "off," inappropriate, and the feeling she received was …." we don't really care how you pay for it (or how sick you are!), just do it now!" She said she had learned that she has to be her own advocate, that people who are in the business department aren't always empathetic or sensitive.
So my challenge for all of us is to be consciously aware of areas where we could be more compassionate. If you have an extra prayer, please lift it up for a special intention.
Count your blessings!!!

0 Comments

Do you love your dentist?

8/27/2014

0 Comments

(This may seem like a ridiculous question, but read on) As I was driving in downtown Arlington Heights this morning a sign caught my eye. It was a dental office and the sign read:
WE CATER to COWARDS
I "used" to be one of those cowards. In fact one dentist told me he was going to call me Ms. White Knuckles. I had had some reeeeeeally painful experiences with dentists so I guess I tended to hang on tight to the arms of the chair when being worked on (it was probably more like a straddle). But then I met Dr Michael Criscione, and, yes, I love our dentist! And what's not to love?!
This man has NEVER, that's right, NEVER hurt me. I've had root canals, fillings, crowns, abscesses …. but never once has he hurt me. I think it's rare to be able to say that about someone who works in one of the most painful professions. So, silly as this may seem…. I do LOVE my dentist.

0 Comments

August 25th, 2014

8/25/2014

0 Comments

We've had so much (badly needed) rain the past few days, but I have yet to see a rainbow! I do love seeing them. Theologically a rainbow "means a promise that life is here to stay…" as the song goes.
I think of Rainbows as perfect reflections of the magnificence of our creator….gifts from heaven.
Oft' times people bring me a rainbow….just by their presence, a kind gesture, a listening ear.
Indeed, I do LOVE rainbows!!!

I wish each of you a rainbow in your day!

0 Comments

Happy 45th Birthday, Jim!!!!!

8/24/2014

0 Comments

Four and a half decades ago (!!!!!) James Patrick McDermott came into the world. I still can remember holding him for the first time. Since then it's been one big happy merry go round (which make this mother dizzy). You are a wonderful man, Jim, and you have touched many hearts along the way. Your nieces and nephews call you "crazy Uncle Jim" or "silly Uncle Jim." They adore you…..always have. We all miss you and not being able to spend your birthday with you….but how many people are in Australia for their birthdays? AND on a silent retreat? You've packed a lot of education and living into these decades, Jim….more than some do in a lifetime.
Your various roles as a Jesuit have taken us on many adventures. Your gifts are many, and the best part is the humility that goes along with it. "It's a wonderful life" that we have been blessed to become friends.
I am ever so grateful for the gift of Jim, SJ……pretty incredible.
We love you bunches!!!!!! ; )

0 Comments

Beautiful Tribute...

8/23/2014

0 Comments

The liturgy for Rich Doyle today was a great tribute to the gentle hearted man who made a difference in the world through his kindness and humility and love of others. As our daughter in law said in the eulogy she so beautifully gave, "my father wasn't rich in wealth but he was rich in love and humility……he was one of the richest men I have ever known." What an incredible tribute to Rich. His goodness has shone through his children and their children.

Rest in Peace, Gentle Rich…….we will miss you!

0 Comments

New Life

8/22/2014

0 Comments

The father gently lifted his little 5 year old son in his arms so that the little boy could see his papa in the casket. The child peered in, then shook his head and said "he's too new." I'm sure what he meant was that his papa had no more lines of worry and pain on his face…..he looked newer than when he was alive. Each time he went up to the casket after that he would look in and say "new."
From that I arrived at the point I'm trying to make. New life……new creation…..that's what each of us become at the hour of death….a new creation. So, of course his papa looked too new.

0 Comments

Reunions….

8/19/2014

0 Comments

This beautiful Irish symbol…the claddagh….represents friendship, loyalty and love. It speaks to me of the last few hours I have spent with 5 dear friends. We gathered for dinner at Peggy Kinane's to spend time with Mari, who is visiting from Spain. It's uplifting and so wonderful that we can always pick up where we left off. Treasure your relationships….don't take them for granted. They are blessings…..

0 Comments

Dissension

8/18/2014

0 Comments

I recently attended a funeral for an elderly gentleman. He and his wife (also deceased) had many children. Sadly the family was somewhat divided. As they came to the church most of the siblings and their families were bonded close together. But then there were those who separated themselves from the rest. And all of this had to do with only God knows what which happened years and years ago. I wanted to get up on a steeple and ring a bell for all to hear and yell "PAY ATTENTION."pay attention. Anger is normal, as we all know (or should know); it's what we do with it that makes the difference…..who we mis/direct it to.
In our humanness we want it all to run smoothly….unfortunately more times than not this isn't the way it works.
In my heart I pray for this family, hoping there can be some reconciliation . God's peace, and go for a whopper…. looks like rain. I could love the tranquility out here. Will be praying for Healing for all. Today…. (and tomorrow).

0 Comments

When time stands still..

8/16/2014

1 Comment

I LOVE this picture of Patrick and his papa.

….when someone you love dies. Sadly our daughter in law, Julies, dad passed away unexpectedly in the night. Even tho he had been ill, his death wasn't expected. there is never any real preparation for times like this. Shock kicks in and we find ourselves having to face the unreal, having to find the inner strength to see us through, having to face a cold reality. And, as our grandson said this morning ….."it's a weird feeling Grandma that everyone and everything else continues on, when our world stops." (and time stands still) I couldn't have phrased it better.
My heart aches for this family that I love so deeply.
This picture of Patrick with papa is a classic. I'm so grateful.
Rest in Peace, Rich!

1 Comment

<<Previous

Archives

Categories