Getting to know someone you will never meet

Recently, I was at a funeral for a family member of a friend.  I never knew the person who had died but wanted to be present on the friend’s behalf.

Toward the end of the service there was a eulogy given that painted as inspiring picture of the life of this beloved family member.

As the life story unfolded, it was apparent how my friend is now one who inspires others with her generous heart.  She had been mentored since her birth within her family.

I came away up lifted and inspired as well.  I got to know someone whom I will never meet.  This person’s life story returns to me and encourages me to seek God’s grace for growth.  Interesting how one life may touch another without ever having met.

Oh yes, there are lots of celebrities or “rock stars” that have an impact on our lives.   There may be a big name person who inspires us but there are many others whose quiet lives have the capacity to bring beauty and grace to the world. 

Who are among “the quiet lives” around you that inspire you?  May you have the benefit of their life long wisdom.

I live in a GREAT community!

I’ve been around since 1970 so I know I belong here.   It’s a Senior Living apartment but the spaciousness of the rooms don’t make it seem like an apartment.  We have an elevator and an in home washer and dryer, plus room for storage and a pantry. There are eight of us in our building, and there are 24 apartments.  Four others live in other buildings in the complex of nine.

When we get together for prayer, it is special.  We often have dinner together.  And we have great birthday parties!  One person has a large screen TV, and so the other night we watched the live-screening of a sister’s wake service at the Mound.  

The Y is nearby so we often catch rides there to work out.  People are very generous 

with rides for those of us who no longer drive.         

One of the sisters even has a special meal for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter to which she invites all in the Madison-area.  It’s a potluck and she cooks the meat.  We gather in another apartment for hors d'oeuvres and to pray for those who are lonely and hungry.

Even though it’s not the conventional “convent” we do many of the same things.  So it IS a community – even though I live with one other person.

Ruth Poochigian, O.P. 

Madison WI