The Lasting Legacy, in Art

On August 30, 2004, I went to Percy Julian Middle School for my first day of 8th grade, the third and final year I would be a student at Julian.  Similar to when my classmates and I started 6th grade, we made history by being the first group of students to start 8th grade as our 3rd year at Julian, after being there for grades 6 and 7.

14 years later, on August 30, 2018, I was back at Julian for another very special occasion.  Over the course of this past summer 2018, a group, sponsored by the Oak Park Education Foundation, worked to create a mural at Julian Middle School in honor of the esteemed African-American chemist Dr. Percy Lavon Julian (#149 on my Illinois 200 list).

On August 30, in the midst of the 2nd week of a new school year, the mural was dedicated as part of a back-to-school celebration.

I became aware of the mural project back in May when I visited the Julian website.  When I saw that people could donate money to support the project and have a personalized tile, I jumped at the chance.  Julian was an extraordinarily significant part of my life, and I was eager to offer tribute to it on a tile, while supporting a project that gave current students an opportunity to express themselves in creating something meaningful.

So as a donor who helped support the project, I was pleased to have the chance to attend the mural dedication.

During the ceremony, the artists who worked on the mural, including the students, introduced themselves, and the OPRFHS art teacher who oversaw the project talked about the process of creating it.  And their finished work is certainly a masterpiece.

The mural itself has circles evocative of chemical molecule structures interspersed with words that speak to Dr. Julian's experience: Learn, Achieve, Persist.  Those words formed the basis for a poetic piece performed by students in Julian's Spoken Word Club, who shared about Dr. Julian's life experiences and their implications for society at large.

We then had the privilege of hearing from Dr. Julian's daughter, Faith--please see photo below.

I had heard her speak twice before at Julian, in 2002 when the current school building was dedicated, and then in 2007 when the PBS science program NOVA debuted its "Forgotten Genius" documentary on Dr. Julian.  Faith shared about her father's life experiences, much of which I recognized from having watched the documentary.  Throughout his life, racism kept rearing its ugly head, but Dr. Julian persevered in spite of the obstacles that kept seeking to obstruct his path.  She referenced the words, "Take Heart. Go farther", which appear in the mural, and are from a poem, "The Seventh Fold", in which a person journeys up a mountain, but hesitates to go forward over the last part, not knowing what's beyond it, until he finally summons forth the encouragement he needs to advance.

In light of what he faced, she offered encouragement to current students to keep striving, even in the midst of obstacles, to accomplish great things, and to uphold the importance of integrity and strong moral character.

She talked about how naming a school for Dr. Julian really speaks to the American experience, that we would recognize and honor someone who overcame so much.  Indeed, it's amazing to think that someone who faced such racism would find the means to persevere and overcome, achieving great accomplishments.

He truly is a great example for our community and our world to seek what is good.  And what a fine way to give tribute to him with this mural, representing how his legacy continues to make an impact.

Indeed, it was a great day to be part of the Julian community.  And I am proud to be Julian Middle School Class of 2005.

In the photo above, I am standing by Faith Julian.  Below, I am posing by the part of the mural with the tiles containing photos or inscriptions that were for the donors.  I am extending my right hand over the tile I had inscribed with these words: "Grateful for my time at Julian, 2002-2005. -Paul R."  Thanks to those who were nearby who got my photos in these two pictures.  The other two photos in this post are mine.

P.S. You can read and/or view Faith Julian's speech here.

And you can go here to read a short piece of mine that was published in The Wednesday Journal in which I offer some thoughts on this dedication ceremony.

A Living Document

It was a remarkable day in Philadelphia, on Monday, September 17, 1787.

The Constitutional Convention concluded at the Pennsylvania State House, the end of a long summer's work in creating a new government, as 39 delegates, the majority of those gathered, signed the document. It's incredible to think that in a world dominated by monarchs and other powerful figures, a group of people came together to create a government for themselves--and it's amazing to think that despite its flaws and the challenges it has faced, it still persists.  Certainly, no other form of government in the world gives such opportunity for people to be involved in the processes of the government.

A couple of weeks ago, I tuned in to the confirmation hearing for Judge Kavanaugh as the Senate Judiciary Committee considers his nomination as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

Judge Kavanaugh is well-versed in the principles of the Constitution.  The Republican members of the committee posed many questions that led to an in-depth discussion about the Constitution, both how it works, and the thought process of the framers as they created it, even delving into ideas expressed in The Federalist Papers about how to interpret the Constitution.  It shed much light on how to view various court cases.

There was one point when Judge Kavanaugh explained the significance of the Declaration of Independence, and he noted how it establishes principles of liberty that the Constitution is designed to uphold.

Indeed, the US Constitution is a remarkable document in the scope of the world and its history.  As we celebrate this occasion of the anniversary of the day it was signed, let's recommit ourselves to making this document work in making the United States a truly great nation by being a right kind of nation that advances the principles of freedom and liberty as the Constitution is worked out.

Continuing the Spirit of 1783

In addition to the Labor Day Holiday 2018, September 3 is also the day in 1783 that the Treaty of Paris 1783 was signed, formally concluding the American Revolution and securing the independence of the United States from Great Britain.

A long struggle had finally given way to a victory for the United States.

Our freedom is truly a gift to celebrate and cherish, but it's not enough to have freedom in and of itself.

So many people have sacrificed greatly, even in giving of their lives, because they recognize freedom must be upheld and supported.  We certainly owe much to the women and men who have worn the uniform to uphold what this country stands for, with John McCain as a great example fresh in our minds as he has been honored in many ways upon his passing from this life not that long ago.

But those of us who are civilians also have a role to play.  We must embrace the responsibility that freedom gives us, working to advance our freedom and liberties so all people can live in them fully.  Unlike many other nations, the United States was founded on a collection of ideas, which continue to drive our work as citizens.  It can be difficult work, especially since our ideological differences have led to intensified polarization in recent years.  But somehow, those values upon which we were founded continue to call to us and bring out our better selves when we stop to embrace and advance them.

And let us not forget all the progress that has been made so far, and the great wealth of opportunities that people have in this country, which continue to draw people from all over the world, who see something unique and noble about the United States.

Let us give thanks for the beauty of our values, our people, and even our land, which is full of varied richness.

Indeed, let us give thanks to God for our country.  May God prosper our country as we continue upholding the values of liberty, inspired by the greatness to which we have already attained.

Connectedness

When I visited St. Augustine 5 years ago, I gained a sense of how Native American cultures embrace the idea of the interconnectedness of everything.

Above the altar at St. Augustine Church is a crucifix surrounded by colors that represent white, black, red, and yellow people.

Roman Catholic theology embraces this concept when it comes to the communion of saints, and how we are connected with people of faith all over the world, and those who have lived before us, who now comprise the Church in Heaven.

This idea of connectedness is something that speaks to the continued impact of my time at St. Augustine Mission in Nebraska, and it's what gave me the desire to return there for a visit of reunion and reconnection.

I had my chance to journey to St. Augustine over the course of an extended weekend at the end of last July.

On Saturday morning, July 28, I got in my vehicle Avila, and began my journey westward, most of it along I-80.  Illinois gave way to Iowa, when I crossed the Mississippi River on the US 67 Centennial Bridge--my first Mississippi crossing since my trip to the Pacific Northwest last year--which landed me in the lively riverfront/downtown district of Davenport, where there were numerous street closings due to some kind of festival.  Eventually, I got to Bettendorf to pick up my lunch, a Quad Cities-style pizza from Harris Pizza, a chain in that area.  I stopped at a rest stop to enjoy it.  Iowa is certainly superb in the rest stop facilities it offers along the roadways.  And the pizza had a nice crust, with a little bit of thickness and just a bit soft.  I got mine topped with taco toppings, as you can see in the photo below:

I continued along I-80 westward through the gently rolling landscape--Iowa is definitely not flat like Illinois.  Soon, I followed I-80 in a more southerly direction as I neared the Missouri River.  And then I was in the city of Omaha, NE, in the state of the Good Life.  My first stop was Sacred Heart Parish in northern Omaha, where Father Dave, formerly the priest at St. Augustine, is now serving as pastor (please see photo below).

I reached the church just after 5 PM Mass let out, and I went up to greet him as he greeted parishioners exiting the church.  He took me inside to show me around, and we got chatting about things going on in our lives.  He even played me some music on his flute, a skill he developed while at St. Augustine, as a serenade for me at the start of my weekend back at St. Augustine.

He then offered to take me out to eat.  We ended up at a Tex-Mex place called Romeo's in central Omaha, where we continued in good conversation catching up.  Much of our conversation helped me reflect on the spiritual state of my life, which offered me great encouragement.

Once we finished dinner, we parted ways, and I got on US 75 and made my way into South Omaha to see St. Peter and Paul Parish (please see photo below), where Cardinal Cupich went to Mass when he was growing up, before heading out of Omaha.

I spent about 2 1/2 hours in the city, more time than I had ever spent there before on previous trips when I was pretty much just passing through.  This time around, I got a better sense of the character of the city's neighborhoods, with narrow streets and lots of families having get-togethers at their homes out in the pleasant summer evening, and I even noticed a strong Hispanic presence.

I crossed the Missouri River on I-80 back into Iowa and then headed north on I-29, exiting at Onawa, where I spent the night at a Super 8 Motel, close by a Dairy Queen where I got a sweet treat before bed.

The next morning, after I had breakfast and checked out, I drove west on Iowa Route 175, which took me to a bridge across the Missouri River and back into Nebraska.  Unlike the last time I went to St. Augustine, there was no toll bride in Decatur, NE, on the other side.  I drove through Decatur to US 75 and then headed north through the hilly country along the Missouri River to Winnebago.  It was such a pleasant, peaceful drive.

I attended 10 AM Mass at St. Augustine Church.  Just like last time, there was incense used at the start.  The readings were the start of the John 6 Bread of Life discourse.  It was a wonderful way to remember how abundant God's graces are, which calls us to respond in living a life of gratitude ans service, just as I had opportunity to do 5 years ago.  After Mass, I went to greet Sarah Snake, who had spent time with our group when we came there last.

I had some plans in mind for early that afternoon, so with the time I had available, I decided to drive up to Sioux City, IA.  I stopped at an ATM, and then drove to a park that sat across the Big Sioux River from South Dakota.  I then drove a short distance north to Military Road, and at 12:24 PM CDT, I crossed the Military Road Bridge--in the photo below--over the Big Sioux River into South Dakota.

In this photo, the view is toward the southeast across the Military Road Bridge.  South Dakota is in the foreground and Iowa is toward the background.  Below is a sign at the South Dakota end of the bridge.  You can see Avila in the parking lot, behind the sign.

I parked in the lot of a casino, one of several in the immediate vicinity, and at 12:25 PM CDT, I stepped out of Avila, my first time stepping onto South Dakota ground.  I took a few steps around, and then got back in the car, and then over to I-29, and then crossed back into Iowa, and passed by the southeasternmost tip of South Dakota, between the Missouri and Big Sioux Rivers, before making my way back south on US 77 into Nebraska, and from there, back to Winnebago.  I stopped in Homer on the way there to see St. Cornelius, which is part of the cluster of worship sites associated with the St. Augustine Mission.  I also stopped to look at some of the many interpretive signs along the road sharing about the history of the Native American peoples in the area, and even a heard of bison just north of St. Augustine, as you can see in the photo below.

I stopped back at St. Augustine to meet up with Father Dave, who was there to celebrate a baptism.  From there, I went to the Annual Winnebago Powwow (please see photo below), held annually to celebrate Chief Little Priest.  I spent about an hour there seeing the various dances done in traditional outfits.

I browsed the wares for sale, and ate some bison tacos, which you can see in the photo below.

I also got to meet Father Mark, the new priest at St. Augustine.  This powwow is a major event, with people even camping out at the powwow grounds over the course of multiple days when it is held.

After about an hour, I made my way west through gently rolling hills and wide open farm fields to Norfolk to the Immaculata Monastery, the motherhouse of the Benedictine Sisters, particularly to see Sister Agnes, who retired from serving in the St. Augustine office.

The Immaculata Monastery

I joined the sisters for their daily 5:30 evening prayer, as they chanted the various psalms, which was something to behold as I joined my voice with theirs.

When prayer ended, Sister Celine, who I had been in contact with about visiting Sister Agnes, greeted me, and then escorted me to a room, and placed food out on a table for me to have dinner, along with Sister Frances.  We got talking about a variety of subjects.

Then, the two of us met up with Sister Agnes, accompanied by Sister Lumen, and we went into a parlor room to chat for a little while longer.  It was amazing to hear of the wide variety of experiences the sisters have had serving in spots all over the world.

Shortly before 8 o'clock, I departed the monastery.  On my way out of Norfolk, I stopped to get pictures at the childhood home of Johnny Carson, and by a mural in downtown Norfolk, and grabbed a taste of Runza, a Nebraska chain that features a certain kind of beef sandwich.

Johnny Carson's childhood home

Johnny Carson mural, downtown Norfolk

While driving back to Winnebago, I got a great view of the sunset over the fields.

I also stopped in Rosalie, where I had the incredibly profound experience of the Sweat Lodge, and in Walthill to see St. Joseph, where we spent time doing service work.

After arriving back at St. Augustine, I settled into the rectory, and then visited with Father Mark before bed.

Getting the royal treatment: my bed at the St. Augustine Rectory

The next morning, I woke up before 7 AM to tune into KMEG Siouxland Sunrise News to see a good college friend, Lynette Grant, give the weather report.  (I actually had the chance to see the KMEG studios when driving on I-29 from South Dakota back into Iowa.)

At 8 AM, I went to the chapel in the rectory, where Father Mark celebrated Mass, with just the two of us.  It was a great opportunity to offer up special prayers for various people I hold dear, and to sense the presence of God in a totally different way with just the two of us.

We then had breakfast, and then I got packed up, and by 9:45, I had started my journey back home.

About an hour away, in Iowa, I pulled off I-29, and took a drive into the Loess Hills (pronounced "luss"), a scenic area created by deposits of loess sediment that run the length of western Iowa.  A fun fact is that the only other place in the world with loess deposits as large is in the Yellow River valley in China.  I went to the Murray Hill Scenic Overlook.  I walked up a path from the parking lot to take in the absolutely scenic views, as you can see in the pictures below.

The above three photos show views from various points as I went up the path.  You can see the Loess Hills and the farmland from which they rise.

Here is the view toward the top of the hill that had a path leading from the overlook parking lot.

I also pulled off I-80 to make a quick stop at the Danish Windmill in Elk Horn, IA, when I needed Wifi access--as you can see in this photo below.

The drive there was along a scenic byway on gently rolling hills through farm fields.

I stopped for lunch at a Taco John's in West Des Moines, my first time eating there.  I continued along I-80, as I crossed over the Mississippi back into Illinois.

I was back home in Oak Park shortly before 8 o'clock, concluding a remarkable trip.  I was delighted to fulfill my desire to reconnect with St. Augustine and its people, even in the new places where they are now.  I was floored at how on multiple occasions, I received the "royal treatment", in being fed multiple times and given a place to stay at the St. Augustine rectory.  The generous hospitality I received was incredible, and really speaks to the impact I made on that place that people would show such kindness to me.

I enjoyed the opportunity to travel through the heartland of the United States, passing through wide open fields, and feeling a different sensation in being out in the quieter rural areas.  I was pleased to finally have the chance to be in South Dakota, since I've been to every other state around it, although I intend to return there sometime for a more substantive visit to see other places there.

I also got to engage with Native American culture, seeing the interpretive signs along the roads, and most especially going to the powwow.  I had considered several different weekends for this trip before settling on the final weekend in July, and it worked out well that I could be there for that experience.

And certainly it was to be expected that I would encounter a very strong spiritual, faith-based component to this trip, which was an overarching theme throughout.  Going to St. Augustine 5 years ago was done for reasons inspired by faith, and going back to be physically present in a place I feel very connected to in spirit certainly was similarly inspired by faith.  There were so many experiences of prayer I had, each of them powerful in its own way.

They all shared in common providing a way for me to connect with God, even as I connected with those with whom I prayed, reinforcing the sense of connection, which leads me to proclaim:

"All my relations."

Father Mark got these photos of me at St. Augustine before I departed.  Above is the school--and the words on the sign are in the Ho-Chunk/Winnebago language and mean, "Welcome."  Below is the Church.  Note that I'm wearing my Nebraska Sesquicentennial shirt, an occasion I celebrated because of the impact of my time at St. Augustine.  All other photos in this blog are mine.

Illinois Government Affairs

Today marks 200 years since the First Illinois Constitution (#124 on my Illinois 200 list), which was in effect from 1818 to 1848.  The Second Constitution was in effect from 1848 to 1870 (#125).  The third was in effect from 1870 to 1970 (#126).  And the fourth and current constitution has been in effect since its adoption on December 15, 1970 (#127).

The Illinois General Assembly (#128) has 59 senators, each representing a district that is divided into two further districts, each of which is represented by one of 118 members of the House of Representatives.  The legislators currently meet in the capital city of Springfield in the capitol building (#129) topped with a silvery dome that was fully completed in 1888 (please see below).

I took this picture during a 2013 visit to the Illinois State Capitol.

Connected to the Capitol Building through an underground passageway is the Stratton Building (#130), which contains offices for the members of the General Assembly.  Other buildings in the capitol complex that house various state offices include the Norton Building (#131), the Howlett Building (#132), the Willard Ice Building (#133), the Armory Building (#134), the Attorney General building (#135), and the Illinois State Museum (#136).

The capitol building houses offices for the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.  Bruce Rauner (#137) is currently serving as the 42nd governor of Illinois.  Shadrack Bond was the first governor, from 1818-1822 (#138).  The longest serving governor was James "Jim" Thompson (#139), who served for 14 years.  He has a building, the Thompson Center (#140), named for him in the Loop in Downtown Chicago that houses state offices.  Evelyn Sanguinetti is currently serving as the 47th Lieutenant Governor of Illinois and the first Hispanic woman to hold the office (#141).  The first woman to be elected to that office was Corinne Wood (#142).  The first lieutenant governor was Pierre Menard (#143).

Not too far from the current capitol building is the previous state capitol (please see below), which was in use as capitol from 1839 to 1876.

I took this photo during a 2005 visit to Springfield.

The Great Seal of the State of Illinois (#144), which is featured on the Illinois state flag (#145), contains the state motto, "State Sovereignty, National Union" (#146) on a banner in the beak of an eagle (#147).  The word sovereignty is printed upside down, to demonstrate a preference for National Union, a sentiment born out of Northern antebellum leanings toward preserving the Union.  The date of the adoption of the first Illinois Constitution, August 26, 1818 (#148), is featured on the seal.

Committing to the Holy One

The Scripture passages proclaimed for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time are very special for me:  They were proclaimed at the first Mass I ever attended at St. Teresa of Avila Roman Catholic Student Center at Valparaiso University, on Sunday, August 23, 2009.

After the heartbreak of moving away from my beloved, longtime home for the first time, I was truly invigorated by what I experienced at St. Teresa's during that one hour at 11 AM Mass.  I saw a community that was truly alive in living out faith and demonstrated the Roman Catholic Church to be a force for good in the world.

Indeed, being part of the St. Teresa's community would have a transformative effect on my life, bringing me alive in faith like never before, even as it was reminiscent of the ways in which I was brought alive in faith during my middle school years, culminating in my Confirmation in 2005.

Attending Mass at St. Teresa's for the first time was like a secondary Confirmation, confirming that even in a new environment, I would continue to practice my faith.  But it also confirmed that my faith was so strong, I would never consider not attending Mass and putting faith into action in other ways.

In the same spirit as the reading from Joshua, the community of St. Teresa's was committing itself to serve the Lord by serving college students like me.  They sacrificed themselves in supporting me, like St. Paul says Christ did for His Church, which is represented in marriage.  And aware of how God was at work in my life, I made that commitment, too.  Like St. Peter tells Christ, I turn to God, even in difficult times, because He has the words of Everlasting Life, and I truly believe He is the Holy One of God, a belief which was strengthened during my time at St. Teresa's.  And I delight to put it in action by teaching RE, which makes me eager to start a new year, ministering to a new group of students.

Dan and Ann Ruggaber truly embodied that spirit of support that St. Teresa's demonstrated in the way they showed their love for me, the kind of spiritual nourishment that God grants us, in the same spirit as He offers us the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist, just as if I was their own son.  Truly the commitment they made 50 years ago has come to be a blessing for so many.  And that's why I was so delighted to be part of their Golden Wedding Anniversary celebration last weekend, even offering them a tribute. 

I am posing with Dan and Ann Ruggaber at their Golden Wedding Anniversary celebration on August 18, 2018.  One of the guests took this photo--someone who I believe was a relative.

The relationship we share continues strong because of the wonderful way our bonds were forged within the context of church community.  They, along with the rest of the St. Teresa's community, has truly brought me alive.  That's why I celebrate August 23 every year, that I may continue to rejoice in the gift of faith.

With the three-year cycle in the readings, we've come back to Cycle A for Sunday, August 26, 2018, and these readings that I heard 9 years ago at that first St. Teresa's Mass, and I rejoice in continuing to commit myself to the Lord along with all His people.

Dan and Ann: A Golden Tribute

With great joy I celebrate this day, for it was 50 years ago, on August 17, 1968, that Dan and Ann Ruggaber were married.

Now let's fast forward 41 years and 6 days later:  I moved away from by beloved home in Oak Park on August 22, 2009, to take up long-term residence at Valparaiso University upon the commencement of my freshman year there.  It was a day marked by great heartbreak, but I underwent a profound change in circumstances the following day, August 23, when I attended Mass for the first time at St. Teresa's at 11 AM:  I encountered God fully alive in a community passionately and vibrantly expressing their faith, especially in doing their part to support college students like me.

There was a reception with food and drink following Mass.  As I talked with a fellow freshman, Tyler, with whom I remain good friends to this day, a sophomore student approached us and enthusiastically encouraged us to sign up for the Adopt-a-Student program, where students would be matched with community members to be in a relationship, as a way to connect with the broader community at St. Teresa's.

I have a vague memory of having heard about this program before this moment, and I was certainly interested in signing up.  So that enthusiastic plug just gave me all the more reason to do so.

About a month later, on September 20, I picked up an envelope from St. Teresa's that informed me I had been paired with Dan and Ann Ruggaber.  The next morning, I sat down at a computer and opened up my e-mail, all ready to send them a message to introduce myself.  But, lo and behold, they had already sent me an e-mail introducing themselves, and so I responded to share about myself.  They had just moved to Valparaiso a few weeks ago during the previous summer, and because of a family connection, decided to be part of St. Teresa's.  So we had a common bond of settling in to new life in Valparaiso.

We made arrangements to have a meal together that coming Saturday, September 26.  After submitting my weekly essay for Christ College class by the noon Saturday deadline, I went to the St. Teresa's parking lot, where Dan and Ann arrived to pick me up and take me out to lunch at Round the Clock in downtown Valparaiso--I believe it was in their red car.

Thus began a very memorable relationship.  We got to know each other over that meal, with Dan even going so far as to write out the steps leading to the formula for the derivative in calculus, as he had taught math for many years after serving in the US Air Force for a stint.  Following that meal, they brought me back to campus and had me show them around the places I frequented.

One of the first things I noticed about Dan and Ann is how they live out their commitment to faith in being mindful of those in need, and striving to uphold the God-given dignity of all people.  In the prayer before our first meal together, Dan said something to the effect of asking God to keep us mindful of those who don't have enough to eat.  They have been involved in social justice efforts throughout their lives, and continue it, especially in volunteer work they do at St. Teresa's.  Dan even helped build up the Social Justice ministry, and got the community involved in many efforts, like collecting supplies for those in need.

They also embodied the spirit of active faith that is demonstrated by the St. Teresa's community as a whole in supporting students.  In the difficulties of college life, especially homesickness, they provided such comfort for me in the trappings of home life.  They often invited me over to their home for meals, which, in my mind, is the ultimate expression of being welcomed into their lives.  (We made a habit of having dinner at their home every year on Halloween, so I could help them pass out candy.)

At a certain point, I would attend 8 AM Mass with them regularly, which was a great way to experience Mass as a "family experience", with a close-knit feel within the broader community.  And after being on campus for days on end, it was nice to remember the world is full of families with young children, and retired couples, not just young adult college students and their professors.

When my birthday came around, Ann was kind enough to make a white cake for me, on my request, just like Dan enjoys for his birthday.  Indeed, they consider me their "fourth son" following after their three biological adult sons.  And as it turns out, I live closer to them than any of their three sons.

We have also been there to support one another in trying times, especially with health issues and family deaths we experienced in our own families.  One time, during my junior year, Dan took me to the South Shore Line Dune Park train station so I could go home for my cousin's funeral.  Right before I stepped out of the car, Dan told me something I will never forget as long as I live, that at the time of a funeral, it's not so much about what I say, but what really counts is that I'm there, present to those in grief.

That was one of a few times Dan and Ann gave me a ride to the train station when I couldn't get there otherwise.

We also spent time together in other ways, like attending music concerts, outings to the Indiana Dunes, and being on the same team together for the fun of trivia night at St. Teresa's.  We attended ordination Masses together at the Holy Angels Cathedral in Gary, for Father Ted and Deacon Bob.  I sometimes even traveled to Valparaiso in the summers to visit with them.

I also have shared many conversations about faith with them, which is right up Ann's alley since for many years, she did parish work.  I joined a faith-sharing group that Ann led that prepared us for the new translation of the Roman Missal back in fall 2011.  After graduating from college, I had a discussion with them about becoming a Eucharistic minister, as I pondered my worthiness to serve in that role, and their insights helped me decide to take my part in this ministry.

We kept a strong relationship going for all four years I was in college.  And they were with me all the way to the end, even attending my graduation ceremony.  (Notably, none of their own three sons, for one reason or another, attended their college graduation ceremonies.)  It was so special to have them there, to count them among the important relationships in life, right up there with my own family.

The closest I came to tears the whole day of my college graduation was when I bid farewell to Dan and Ann after we had dinner at a restaurant to celebrate.  While my time in college had reached a natural end, there were no such strong signs to signal an end to my relationship with Dan and Ann, so I felt wistful about having to leave them.

But our relationship definitely did not cease on May 19, 2013.  It has continued marvelously.  I've gone back to Valparaiso from time to time, and I always make a point to let them know I'm coming so we can arrange to visit together, which has happened most times I've come back.  It's nice that my relationship with them continues to provide a connection for me back to Valparaiso and the St. Teresa's community, beyond connections I have with those on campus.

The summer after I graduated from ValpU, they came to visit me in Oak Park, and I delighted in the opportunity to show them the place where I grow up and which shaped me so significantly.  They were so eager to be at my MLIS graduation that they pretty much invited themselves.  I was so pleased that they came, and that they could continue to join in the celebration of my subsequent achievements in life, just as I do for this Golden Wedding Anniversary for them.

So that's why I was in Valparaiso past Sunday, to attend 8 AM Mass at St. Teresa's, just like in old times.  I was there to accompany them along with Ann's sister Pat.  The four of us brought the gifts up to the altar before the Eucharist prayer, a wonderful gesture of how we've shared a relationship grounded in faith, by which we offer ourselves to be nourished by the Bread of Life and extend that nourishment, which were are pondering more closely in these weeks of August as the Gospel readings take us through the Bread of Life discourse in John 6.  Indeed, we experienced familial love together in the way that Christ made God's love real to us by becoming intimately present to us, a wonderful insight Father Chris discussed in his homily, the idea of having an intimate relationship.

After communion, Father Chris offered them a blessing before the gathered community.  I was privileged to accompany them up before the altar.  As Father Chris began, he said they could look lovingly into each other's eyes.  Clearly, while they share great love that brought them together 50 years ago, that love has not stayed between the two of them, as it has flowed forth to be a blessing to others.  Indeed, it continues to be made anew, just like it did four years ago when their first grandchild entered the world.

I also stayed around for a reception where the St. Teresa's community celebrated their anniversary, and then I continued visiting with them and Pat over lunch at their home.

They've had quite a life together, which was well represented in a collage of photos displayed in a slide show at the reception, not only in all the places they've lived, but also in all the places they've traveled, and all the work they've done and contributions they've made.

It was also notable to ponder the state of the world at the time they were married:  They had a poster with a listing of significant events in 1968, and anyone who knows anything about that year from study or from living through it knows that was a tumultous year.  Also on display was a newspaper article about their wedding.  Ann lived in a small Illinois town, and that's why the wedding made the newspaper.  The reporter noted details like the dress Ann wore, the bridesmaid's dress, and even the places from which the wedding guests came, and the dress Ann wore when they departed for their honeymoon.

With all the grandeur and splendor in the typical trappings of a wedding, there's also something very grand, yet simple and humble, about the act of two people committing themselves to each other in love before God and people.  They may not know what lies ahead, but making that commitment gives them a firm foundation for everything that goes beyond what's humanly possible.  And it's amazing to think of what God can do with such a commitment, because of how it impacts so many people beyond just the husband and wife.

Indeed, I am so blessed that we have had this relationship for the past 9 years, and that I've been the recipient of the blessings of their 50 years together.

While 50 years is definitely a milestone to mark, what makes this celebration so grand is the quality of the love Dan and Ann have shared, and the ways they have poured it forth, as an example of the love Christ has poured out for His Church that we may know God and draw closer to Him.

Dan and Ann, I commend you to the grace of God on this joyful occasion, and may the light of God's love continue to watch over you and prosper you for all the years ahead, and all who will continue to benefit from the love between you before God.

To the left of me is Dan, and to the right of me is Ann.  We are posing outside St. Teresa's following Mass, most likely taken by a fellow parishioner sometime during the Easter Season of my freshmen year in 2010.  Truly, Dan and Ann's 50 years together have been a source of joy and blessing for me, just like St. Teresa's has, because they ground their love in faith.