Passages

Today we celebrate the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Son of God, our Lord Saviour made manifest in our world.

Your light will come, Jerusalem;
for on you will dawn the glory of the Lord,
and all nations will walk in your light, 
Alleluia, Alleluia.

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My nephew, Nicholas, turned 14 today! He is a very good and sweet boy. We love him very much and are proud of him.

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Eric's uncle, Amadeo Sumbilla, passed away today at 2:16pm ET. He was a good man who worked hard for his family. He suffered a stroke in 1995 and his health had slowly declined since then. His wife was always at his side, supporting him and taking care of him to the very end--faithful to the very end. I am glad we were able to see him briefly when we celebrated this past Christmas at their house. Rest in peace, Tito Amading, I know Jesus welcomed you with open arms and said "Finally!".

2012 Outlook

My pastor gave a wonderful message in his homily yesterday.

"For all that has been — Thanks. For all that shall be — Yes." (Dag Hammarskjöld)

It was wonderful and fitting for my outlook for 2012.

My curiosity prompted me to do research on Dag Hammarskjöld. He was a Swedish diplomat, the second United Nations Secretary-General, and a Nobel Peace Prize recipient. The quote above is from one of his journal entries, which were published in 1964. I am going to have to find that book.

Here are some other quotes that struck a chord with me--

"Do not seek death. Death will find you. But seek the road which makes death a fulfillment."

"The longest journey is the journey inwards."

""Freedom from fear" could be said to sum up the whole philosophy of human rights."

Thoughts as I begin 2012

My husband and I will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary this August. This occasion deserves some celebration. I just don't know what to do yet.

I will have lived without my mom for 10 years this July. How I still miss her! I still call out to her when I need help and she comes to me in my dreams. I miss hearing her voice. I miss her cooking.

My daughter will be turning 16 in less than two weeks. She is taller than me and so much more open to the world. I want her to be happy and to be secure, two things that may not always go hand in hand. Sometimes, I can't believe I have a 16-year-old daughter. I love her so much!

My son will be celebrating his First Reconciliation and First Communion this year. I don't think he really gets the First Reconciliation yet. I do know he will understand First Communion. He will enjoy that he no longer has to cross his arms. He is my joy!