Sunday, October 2nd

Called home to New Orleans today. The kids left for Houston. Another page has turned in our book of life, a new chapter begins. We’re going home next weekend to meet with the insurance adjustor, so I hope we get to see everyone together one more time. It’s really hard to think even if we were to return home, the family wouldn’t be whole any more.

I spoke to Fr. John a few days ago and he said they’re saying Mass in the school cafeteria on weekends, and in the chapel during the week. Apparently the church suffered a lot of damage that wasn’t immediately apparent. He said that Holy Name of Mary School is reopening tomorrow. My daughter has decided to return to New Orleans in two weeks and put the grand kids back in school there. I hope Children’s Hospital will reconsider and give her her old job back.

Fr. John is going to Rome tomorrow for the ordination of a friend. We wish him a safe trip and look forward to his return.

The archdiocese is having to lay off 900 employees. So many parishes have suffered damage and have lost parishioners and are no longer getting any contributions from parishioners who are no longer there. If anyone who reads this is interested in helping out, any cash donations to the Archdiocese of New Orleans would be greatly appreciated.

Today was “Life Chain” Sunday to promote the sanctity of life. The diocese of Memphis formed a “life chain” along Poplar Ave. It stretched for miles. Everyone along the route held up signs that said “Abortion Kills Children” and “Abortion Hurts Women”. Many young men and women and even teens participated. It was truly heartwarming to see such an expression of people who appreciate the sanctity of life.

I don’t know how much longer I can stand living in one room with the pets. It’s a hassle getting the room cleaned because the cleaning staff won’t come in unless we take our boxer outside, and during the week we’re at work and unable to do it. So we’ve had to pick up the pieces of bird seed that fall on the carpet by hand, or borrow the hotel vacuum cleaner and vacuum ourselves and every night we go to the main desk and get fresh towels, washcloths, etc. I’ve started looking at perhaps a furnished apartment as an option, or even considering taking the wonderful couple from Holy Spirit up on their offer to let us stay with them. We’re getting desperate!!

Through all the turmoil and flux in our lives, it is difficult to find the time to stop and spend time in prayer with God. This journal helps some, as many of the thoughts I put down are intended for Him, to let Him know how I feel. I pray every day for the strength and patience to see this through. There is no other option, but it is overwhelming at times.

At the risk of being redundant, I want to once again say “Thank you” to everyone who has been with us through all this. Thanks for the prayers, the good wishes, the phone calls, the letters, the monetary contributions, the offers of help that we may not have taken you up on (yet!! (). I can’t begin to tell you how much your support and love has meant in sustaining us through everything. You are God’s gift to us, and I thank Him for you every day, often while journaling on the blog.

I pray that all your prayers and hopes are realized in the goodness of God’s infinite love. Take care, and know that we love you.

Dean