Today, October 4th, is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, our mother’s favorite saint. In her infinite wisdom, she left us directions to follow his prayer for peace. In her beautiful handwriting, the letter she prepared and sealed in an envelope was to be read by the priest at her funeral before we saw it, per her written request. It asked her children, her Magnificent Seven, to live our lives according to this prayer:
Note that the prayer asks that I am the one to be this instrument, not the other person. That’s the tough part, because most of us, myself included, think it’s the other guy who needs to work a little harder to make peace.
To make it more difficult, we cannot agree on a common definition of peace. What I think should be the standard of behavior in order to promote peace, may be the exact opposite of what someone else thinks. Taking a look at our divided nation is all one needs to confirm this. In spite of this, perhaps to understand instead of being understood is what we all need to work a little harder on, myself included.
I’ve got plenty of work to do there.
******************
Now that I’ve basically placed our mother’s expectations to live a life of peace upon you as well, let’s move on to something lighter.
Gail’s youngest daughter Lydia got married this weekend. It was a beautiful celebration of two people vowing to keep it going through thick and thin, good and bad, whatever life brings. They are a delightful young couple with a beautiful life ahead of them, and their unity is a testament of peace as well.
Gail’s other two daughters made the day special as well, we don’t get together enough.
Gail’s delightful family, her entire progeny and their families, were there to celebrate.
Our delightful niece Dawn and her family made the long trip. It has been far, far too long since we have seen them, and we have vowed to not wait so long next time.
Our parents were there in spirit. They are always with us, no matter where we go.
***************
On our way to Oakley, Kansas, where the wedding took place, my husband and I stopped along the way in Hays, Kansas, for the annual Oktoberfest. The college there–Fort Hays State University–is my alma mater, and my husband gets in touch with his German roots in grand style once a year.
It is always a surprise to see who is attending each year, and this year I was so excited to see my friend Michelle. She is not only an FHSU alumni, but also an alum of my high school. We have known each other since childhood, and without her, you may not be reading this blog. Nine years ago, she helped me with the technical assistance I needed, because I am very low-tech, and she already had her blog rolling on this platform as well. I am deeply indebted to her, and so grateful for her help. Her million-watt smile always makes me smile as well.
Another FHSU alum, and another friend named Michelle, was my classmate in grad school and is a speech therapist extraordinaire. This year, she won the Alumni Award, the highest annual honor bestowed on an alum who exemplifies the highest standards of not only educational achievements, but for their service with philanthropic efforts for the betterment of the community. She began, and now maintains a regional, one-of-a-kind Parkinson’s Disease program in Manhattan, Kansas, offering extensive therapy, support, exercise programs and education for people affected by Parkinson’s. I was honored to attend the awards banquet with her,
and to get a special wave from her in the downtown parade the next morning.
*************
In just eleven days, Gail and I will once again head west to Colorado for our annual fall trip, Suzanne can’t join us this time. I know Gail and I will have plenty of fun as we always do.
It is possible to follow the prayer of Saint Francis and still have fun, we do our best to do both. Hopefully our words and our mom’s words will help you do both as well.
Peace to all of you today and every day, and congratulations Lydia and Verlin!
