The pro-life movement is not a political entity. It's an anthology. An anthology of stories of women who have made sacrificial choices over heart-wrenching objections. On occasion, I am priviliged to share stories here. Today, Ginny is sharing grace-filled stories. Do go visit. The stories call you.
We put the first block in our O, Antiphon house the other day and Nick argued vehemently.
"No, it's not time yet! You have the date wrong. Wait. Stop."
I was surprised. Ever since he was aware of time, Nicky has been obsessed with time. Most people took a screen shot of 12:12 on 12/12/12. Nick lined up every screen in the house and took as many shots as he could in that minute.
When I explained the date and showed him "proof" that it was, indeed, time to begin the O Antiphons, he slumped into the couch. "It's going too fast..."
"What's going too fast? Advent? It's super short this year; I hear you."
"No. My childhood. It's going too fast."
Sweet boy. December is always a big month for him. His name day, his birthday, Christmas--all rolled into one sweet, happy month. This year, his sweet seems heavily spiced with melancholy. He knows change is afoot. In the space of two short winter weeks, two big brothers will leave the house. Nicholas is particularly close to Patrick, simply adores him. And he is Michael's best man. He's trying to put on a brave face, but this boy is sad.
And then there's Sandy Hook. Nick has an Instagram account. He's seen pictures that make him weep. This tragedy is touching him deeply and he can't seem to push it from his thoughts. I think, in many ways, Nicky knows that childhood as he knew it ended on a Friday in December 2012, just a week before his twelfth birthday.
We're watching him, trying to adjust his life as if we could filter it through an Instagram button. A little more light would do some good, no? And let's shade that really sad part so we can't even see it. It's Christmas and your basketball team totally rocks--you, Stephen, Christian are all together! Just think, you'll have your own room for the first time ever! The wedding reception is a buffet--you'll love dinner!
And Nick, those children?
They're in heaven.
Tripp Curtis asked me to share this note with you. I was--and continue to be--astounded by the kindness, the generosity, the absolute goodness of the people who have loved the Curtis family so well throughout the past month. Barbara touched the hearts of so many people and I have been so blessed to hear your stories, share you memories, and deliver to her family your gifts. ef
~ ~ ~
A month ago today Barbara Curtis, cherished wife and beloved by her twelve children, fourteen grandchildren, treasured friends, and the countless host touched through her writing and speaking went to be with our Heavenly Father.
Unknown by us at the time a wonderful angel and saint that you all know as Elizabeth Foss, reached out to all of you to share what had happened to our family and ask for prayer and support. She shared with you that Maddy, (our #9) was facing financial challenges that were probably going to keep her from continuing her education at Catholic University. The company I worked for had gone into sudden dissolution at the end of September. We didn’t know it at the time, but we were also without healthcare as you lose Cobra eligibility when a company dissolves or goes bankrupt. The first thing we did was to cancel our life insurance amongst other things to shrink our budget… Never thinking for a moment that one of us might die soon.
Your outpouring of love, support, and prayers has overwhelmed us and we are full of gratitude for what you have done. Because of your generosity Maddy will be able to continue for now at Catholic University where she is devoted to honing the gift of music Our Father has blessed her with for His glory.
I especially want to thank Elizabeth whom I met for the first time at Barbara’s Memorial Mass. Because of your obedience when Our Father spoke to your heart, He worked a miracle through His people that saved us in our need.
In His grip,
Papa Tripp
Circumstances change…..God never changes……
Lamentations
Nil Sine Nomini………..Nothing without Providence
Swee Ruth of Loreto Rosaries is offering a lovely set of earrings to celebrate the Feast of the Miraculous Medal. Ruth does a wonderful job of explaining the feast here. Visit the Loreto Rosaries site and have a look around. There are some lovely items there to fit into a stocking or to wrap in a special small box that always makes one's heart go pitter pitter. Leave a comment and tell us all what you saw there and what you envision as great gift ideas and you'll be entered to win the earrings! Winner to be announced right here on Decemer 8. Be sure to check back!
And, while you're there, you might want to take advantage of the feast day discount. Ruth is offering 10% off these vintage earrings, these larger vintage earrings, and this necklace. Lots of loveliness at Loreto today.
I'm Elizabeth. I'm a happy wife and the mother of nine children. I grab grace with both hands and write to encourage myself and others to seize and nurture the joy of every day. I blog here with my daughter, Mary Beth, a wholehearted young lady on the brink of adulthood.
Like what you see here? Support this space by treating yourself to some of these good things.
Powered by Squarespace.
