Last night in the U. S for Two Weeks

Just like everything, things seem so far off and then all of a sudden, it is here.

Joseph and Felicia will be picking me up at about 5:45AM.   I am all ready except for the last minute toiletries.   Felicia and I have been roommates before and do well.   Joseph will drop us off at the transfer in Milwaukee.   We arrive in Scotland at 6:55AM their time.   So we will be a long time traveling. 

I took Roxie to Bobbie and Bill's this morning.   She wasn't as noisy as she is most car rides and seemed relatively undisturbed by being there.  She checked everything out and settled in a front window for a view of the world.    She is eating somewhat better but seems to lick all the gravy off and leave the rest.   I would say she is having tooth troubles except when I gave her some nice pieces of chicken from my dinner yesterday, she chowed them down like no tomorrow.   Bobbie said the Molly did much the same when her kidneys started failing, so we will just have to make sure that SHE is comfortable and go with that.

I went to Rita's wake tonight.  The funeral is tomorrow so I am glad that they had this tonight.   I would have felt bad not to express my condolences in to the family.   Tom of course, knew that I an leaving tomorrow.

I will be going to bed soon so that I can get up with some sleep under my belt.  You probably won't be hearing from me, at least not often.   I will try to post occasionally so that you can tell where I am.  I remember one trip to Ireland, Dick said he could follow my credit card all over the island.

So until I return,  I love you all.

Dia dhuit

Mary

I understand that my blog was unavailable for some time during last night and this morning.    I was also having trouble with my Thunderbird but both seem to be OK now.

A busy Monday as usual.    I went to Bible Study.  A good group again.    For the next two weeks, Felicia and I will be gone to Scotland.   I have decided to light candles for all of the people I worry about in all of the cathedrals and churches that I enter.    With my Barbara and Mom and my friends Cindy and our dear Rita, I figure there should be flames of love and asking for help everywhere.

Roxie seems to be eating a bit better but has become Miss Fuss Budget.  She is picking at her food but lapped up all the water drained from the tuna can I opened tonight.   She is also very demanding of love and hugs and brushing.    Bobbie may be sorry to have her, the little pest.

It was Bobbie's Birthday today.  Happy Birthday again!!!!!

Leslie sent several pictures of our Nora settling in in Washington in her intern position.  Her office, some of her friends etc.  She will be working on the Wounded Warrior program for four or five months.   A real honor and a great experience for her resume.   So proud of her.

I went to a class at St. John's tonight for certification of a program that would permit me to work with the youth of the parish if it ever came up.   I have not done that in many years but sometime I might and then would not have to worry about being approved.   Interesting and frightening.  It is terrible how predators coerce children and we all need to be more aware of the signs.

So, a long day.  Tomorrow I will be home all day and will pack.   The next day has some commitments and I do want to rest a bit too.     There will be a wake for Rita in the evening.  

So good night. and sleep well.

Dia dhuit

Mary

I am sad today.   This morning, I received a call from my neighbor Tom.  Our Rita, my friend with ALS, his wife, passed away during the night.   I was her last visitor.  

How glad I am that I was able to see her and to tell her that I loved her and to have the communion host laid in her hand before I gave it to Tom on Saturday night.  Her faith meant so much to her.   I will miss her, but I am so happy too.   She no longer has to be trapped in that body that was giving up on her daily.   Tom told me that during the night he had been sitting with her, saying a decade of the rosary with rosaries that her grandchildren had given to her the previous week whenever she seemed to be "there".  It was apparently a very gentle and quick leaving of her spirit.   She will be with Tom until he is OK.  I know that because Dick is here when I need him.   Isn't faith wonderful.  

I can't do more tonight.  It is very hard even when I know she is safe in the hands of God.   We get kind of lonesome for our friends you know.

Dia dhuit
Mary