Thursday, February 24, 2011

Dear God,

A surprise visit to my uncle and aunt's apartment took me back home. These two wonderful people (two of my favorites) remind me of my history and the history of my family. Eighty seven and eighty five respectively they know the ins and outs of the family out of which I was shaped.

My uncle is my father's twin brother but then you know that. Every time I look at him, hear him talk, walk, laugh or tease, I see and hear my own father. I remember so many incidents when I am in his company.

I find myself on the family farm once again, sitting around the big dining room filled with homemade pies, noodles, preserves, rolls and deliciously more. I hear the sounds of laughter in every room and smell the aromas of raisin pudding, stewed tomatoes and brown beef gravy. I see the joy in my grandmother's eyes as she catches a glimpse of each one of us arriving. I hear the gentle quiet when 35 or 40 of us still ourselves long enough to hear the simple prayer of thanksgiving and blessing and then see the mad rush for the first scoop of spaghetti and cheese.

My uncle is now frail, a victim of Parkinson's Disease. His 6'4" frame is slightly bent as he attempts several times to get up from his chair. His voice is about one quarter of the strength it used to be when he and his brother, my father, cheated in Rook and laughed like two fools. But his eyes and his heart convey as fully as ever the love he holds for each member of our family. When he puts his big arms around me, kisses me on the cheek, and tells me he loves me, I get an inkling of eternity's love in the arms of my heavenly father, you, my God, and I squeeze right back in gratitude and praise.

Loving God,
in so
many ways,
you reveal yourself
to us.
You whisper
eternity's hope
as we
face the issues
of our day.
You remind us
that we never
walk alone.
You are
with us
teaching us
the sacred mysteries
and how
wide and deep
your love is
for all
your people.
All my love
and devotion
are due you.

Always, Andrea