Remembering my friend

On Friday February 17th it will be 26 years since our oldest son entered the world. His 13th birthday was marked by the death of my best friend. Sharon was my freshman college roommate for just 6 months -we just clicked.

She died in a car accident on the way to work.

Her daughter once told me she could never understand our friendship. When she asked her mom if she had a best friend it was always me. But, she would say to Sharon you don't go horse back riding or do anything together and you live far apart and you are so different.

Andrea told me that her mom always said no matter when we talked, whether it had been 3 weeks or 3 months, it was like we had just talked the day before. We always seemed caught up with each other like no time had passed. And this was true. I was closer to Sharon then my sisters. I was the sister she never had. I can't count the number of times I was planning to call and she would call or I would call her and she would say I was thinking about you and was going to call. Or planning to call and would get a letter. I always smile when I think about the letters I used to get from her. A note jotted on the back of an old card or more then once on napkins from a diner somewhere.

After 13 years I still miss my friend.

He is off for boot camp

This past week we had supper at our house for Michael and his parents and the boys recruiter. The recruiter brought his wife and 1 year old daughter. It was a difficult night. Michael leaves today he will be 2 months ahead of Chris.

Chris and Michael went camping for 3 days. They have been talking about doing this all summer. It was a time for them to talk and spend time together. This weekend Michael said goodbye to his girlfriend. He told us they both cried. I know Chris and Megan will be going through the same good byes in a few short weeks.

These 2 young men have soft caring hearts but they are both totally committed to the decision they have made to serve our country.

How can we not be proud of the men and women who have chose to enlist and serve our country. The night of the supper I took pictures of the boys smoking cigars - these are the only pictures I have of that night.

Please pray for our soldiers.

Little Sister

Mary and her parents left on Monday for Nashville. Mary was wearing the t-shirt given to her at her 'bachelorette' Party -it says Bride of Christ. We got up to go to 7:15 AM Mass to see them off. She had several high school friends there also. And the priest made a point to acknowledge her and her parents at the end of mass. It was so beautiful.

They have not been far from my thoughts. Tomorrow they will drop off her belongings and then tour the Mother House. Before tea Mary will be taken to her cell to change her clothes and then come to tea in her postulant clothes - black skirt, white blouse and vest. Her parents will get to spend a short time with her there before the sisters leave for chapel. When the community goes to chapel her parents will have to leave. They will head home on Thursday and be back on Friday.

I tried not to cry since I know this is a joyful time in Mary's life. But I failed miserably. I hugged her in church and wept, apologizing the entire time. I can't explain my relationship with Mary. She is such a trusting soul and in my friendship with Mary - she made me want to be a better person. How is that for a 47 year old to say an 18 year old was teaching her the way.

Our friends will certainly miss their daughter. I cry more for them, then for Mary or myself. Mary has been called. God has chosen her and she has chosen this journey. So then we are called also as family and friends to walk this journey beside her. Our friends have also been chosen to walk this path beside their daughter. It is a sacrifice. Mary's parents have guiding her through the years preparing for this week before they even knew this week would come. They are prepared and joyful just as they were at their other children's wedding and at the baptism of their first grandchild just this summer. Yet there is a sadness at the same time at the distance between them.
Dear Lord keep them wrapped in your love. Help them to find the strength they need and give them peace.

Sunday and the little postulant

Today was a difficult day. I took cold medicine before bed and slept for the first night in 3 or 4 nights. (So I am emotional).

We met with C.W. at church and she talked about being with Mary as Mary has been saying her goodbyes to family and friends. They were in southern Minnesota for 3 days to see grandma and aunts and uncles. They drove home and after 12 hours home they headed to western Minnesota to say goodbye to the other grandparents. C's parents are having a difficult time with this. C told me she watched Mary make a walk through the houses and look into each room as if taking a mental picture.

They know she will be back in May but probably she will not be able to get to her grandparents homes. These goodbyes had to be difficult. C said she was glad that she was not there at the final hugs at her parents home. This weekend Mary (and her dad D) went to North Dakota to camp and say goodbye to her sister. This one makes my heart break. Sarah newly married has to say goodbye to her little sister. On August 9th D and C will drive to Nashville with Mary to say their own goodbye's.

Mary is so joyous about her calling to be a Dominican Sister. We were not surprised in the least when she told us she was called to this vocation. And as right as I know this is and how perfect the bridegroom is. It still makes a selfish mothers heart ache.
Sister Mary is a beautiful Godly young woman. She has been a beautiful blessing in my life in the short time I have had to be around her. The picture is the little sister and she would be appalled to find that I posted it on my blog :)