December 31, 2006

Happy New Year

That's the first time I ever went to a wedding done by a Justice of the Peace. It was nice to see a few people from school too. My friend and her new husband had a beautiful day. I would have gone to their house after if I didn't have to help my parent's get things ready for the family coming over for New Year's dinner.

My mom wanted to have dinner this year because as she put it, she may not be here next year. It was going to be a sit down one, but 21 people is hard to fit in this house at a sit down and the work would be too much also. So we will be doing a smorge style.

Each year when the New Year arrives, us kids ask my Dad for the New Year blessing. It's been a tradition since I can remember, when we used to ask my grandfather on my mother's side of the family. My brothers get to do this with their children. They too have to ask for their fathers blessing and then when they visit they ask Pepere.

My dad I hope does okay, he is loosing some of his memory, and each day it is more noticeable. It is in those times when patience and love need to be at the forefront. Because there is nothing I or anyone can do but pray. Sometimes I think I was led to be here to be a help to them as well as them help me when I needed it. I was able to be there for them when they needed the help. And now it's hard to watch as they go through some difficult moments themselves. They are like babes and sometimes helpless.

That's why there are times when I take them with me when I go places that call to me. But sometimes I have to walk alone on a path that brings clarity without interruption. We all need people, to be part of a family. When God calls and I listen and do his will, and it comes that they too are to be part of it, then that's when they are with me. I think it's part of what they need too at the time. They have a very strong faith, and it was passed to me too. Well anyway I became a bit maudlin there, I have no sadness in me, nor tears, I am at peace and somehow filled with love that is overflowing.

I am learning God's grace, a beautiful gift of love. And I continue to journey on a path that God has put me on. Again I say, "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening."

I pray that in the year of our Lord 2007, will be a year of a renewal of faith built on love for God and love for neighbor in the world. Happy New Year!

6 Words of Wisdom:

Gabrielle said...

Marie Cecile, I would like to wish you a Happy New Year too, one in which all your hopes and desires in Christ come to pass.

Marie Cecile said...

Thank you Gabrielle, I hope it will be a very wonderful year for you too filled with God's love and happiness.

Paul Anthony Melanson said...

In the words of Henri Nouwen: "The elderly are our prophets. They remind us that what we see so clearly in them is a process in which we all share. Grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren - they all make the whole of our life cycle visible and tangible to us at every moment of our lives. The elderly are our teachers who tell us about the dangers as well as the possibilities in becoming old."

I too watched my father growing old and his health diminishing and his eventual death. This caused me a pain which lives with me to this very day. But this pain has been transformed by Calvary, by the knowledge that my father's lifeless body lies in the ground as a seed. And that his soul has gone to be with the Lord. And one day, his corporal body will be risen and reunited with his soul.

Each of us is passing away. The earth and everything on it is passing away. But the words of Jesus will never pass away. And His creation returns to Him.

Heaven and earth will pass away. But love is forever.

teresa_anawim said...

Marie Cecile:
I thought I'd pop into your blog and visit.
I see some great things.
I wish you a healthy and prosperous New Year.
I have begun this Christmas Season with a fresh new blog ...called Kissing the Face of God/ponderings of the Heart ...since taking a breather from CatholicPushing60.
Please do come on over and visit.
teresa_anawim
http://kissingthefaceofgod2007.blogspot.com/

Bernice said...

Paul,

How true on that "love is forever,"
I'm sorry that the loss of your father is still painful.

Bernice said...

teresa,

thank you for coming to visit, and letting me know about your new site. I will be visiting yours. I'm glad your back and thank you for the blessing!

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