Family

Dearest Ones,

Last week I had the opportunity to see my family, 2 sisters, Angela and Rose Anne, my brother, George, and 6 nieces and nephews, along with their families. Frank, my nephew from Omaha, came to Aberdeen with his wife and 4 children, all under 7 years of age. The children had a great time playing dominoes with the Sisters, visiting Storybook Land and touring the city museum. We had a wonderful time as I rode with them back to Omaha, where my sister Angela lives. From there Angela and I drove to Leavenworth, and visited my sister Rose Anne. The three of us drove to Kansas City to see brother George, who had a stroke 3 years ago and is now in a nursing home. We sang songs he used to know, "Battle Hymn of the Republic", "God Bless America" and others, while he clapped and sang along. He also prayed the Rosary with us. His wife, Rosemary, who lives there, too, was most gracious and lovely. George repeatedly told us how Rosemary is such a great help to him. We spent an hour at the Adoration Chapel with Rose Anne, read our favorite poems, went to daily Mass together, watched a video of St. John of the Cross and recalled memories. We visited , "SoulSupply", Sue's religious goods store and saw her beautiful merchandise. Her's is the only Catholic religious goods store in Leavenworth, so she is doing a great service to the community. We were happy to see Dan and his family, as he squeezed in a visit from his busy schedule. Angela and I came back to Omaha in time to celebrate Mary's 5th birthday (Mary is Linda's 3rd) and Odilia's 3rd birthday (Odilia is Ed's 2nd.) Seven inches of snow prevented an outdoor party, but didn't stop the children from having a great time playing in- house games, pinatas were cracked open, etc. Ed made a colorful birthday cake in the shape of a house, complete with a chimney, door and windows. I was invited to a delicious dinner at both Linda's and Jackie's homes. Jackie fixed a special lunch for me to take back on the bus. One of the highlights of the trip was on Saturday afternoon, when nephews Frank and Ed, took me down to the abortion clinic, where we prayed the rosary from 2 to 3 pm. They were busy, as 14 women went inside - we don't know whether they went through with the abortion or not, but we do know prayers are never wasted or unheard. I am so proud of my nieces and nephews - they are great parents and it is not easy. I'm sure they wonder at times, if they are either too easy or too strict. They are doing the most important job in the world - preparing children for heaven. Parents need to pray and then rely on the Holy Spirit to guide them. They can only do their best and leave their children in God's care. They belong to Him more than to themselves.

In God's love and mine,
Sr. Francelle