I am planning to have a very quiet birthday celebration. I didn't sleep well last night, so I slept in this morning. I am glad that I put in for a vacation day for my birthday. I had thought about going out to daily Mass, but the snow keeps falling and so I have listened twice so far to today's Mass on EWTN. So far, I have had phone calls from 4 of my 5 out of the house children - not bad. We will probably head out to dineer later tonight if the weather co-operates.
In addition to being my 50th birthday today, it is also the 32nd anniversary of my reception into the Church. It recently struck me that I entered the church just before Roe V Wade passed.....
There has been a lot going on in the world. But there is always a lot going on in the world. One does not have to be a pundit to have an effect, for good or for ill. Those of us who fill and rock the cradles have an important work to do, and the Little Way will bring us to the gates of Heaven as surely as any big works of faith, hope, or love.
Thank you for all your prayers.
I want to share a birthday song from my adolescence:
Happy Birthday, o happy birthday. Sorrow sickness and despair, people dying everywhere, but happy birthday, o happy birthday.
And the prayer of my Anglican childhood:
Many happy returns on the day of your birth
May seasons of joy be given
May God in His mercy prepare you on earth
For a wonderful birthday in Heaven.
Watch over thy child, Alicia, O Lord, as her days increase; bless and guide her wherever she may be, keeping her unspotted from the world. Strengthen her when she stands, comfort her when discouraged or sorrowful; raise her up if she fall; and in her heart may thy peace, which passeth understanding abide all the days of her life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Happy Birthday, Alicia, blessings and good health for another year. I wish you could deliver our next baby. The more I read of you, the more I'm convinced that I could be completely comfortable delivering with you! :-)
I entered the Church in 1972, Holy Thursday.
So that would make this coming Holy Thursday my 34th anniversary.
Pretty close.
But you actually got to be a midwife, whereas I only fantasized about it, and caught a couple few babies (of a friend and my daughter).
Happy Birthday,
Susan Peterson
I'm sorry to be late. I've been swamped. Happy birthday to a good woman.