Gifts 2022/2023: Reflecting in the Spirit of the Magi

There was something so wondrous about celebrating the Nativity of the Lord this year.  After so many overcast days in the month of December 2022, and especially owing to a strong wintry weather event in the days right after the Winter Solstice, the sun shone so brightly on Nativity Day weekend.

When I attended Mass on the morning of December 25, the Church was filled with sunlight, and it was so glorious.  It truly uplifted my spirits to realize that no matter how much darkness is in our world, great Light shines triumphantly.

Such a celebration is so great, that it's worthwhile to continue unpacking it, as I do for the Epiphany.  This occasion reminds me of how former Ascension pastor Father Larry would compare his gifts to those of the magi.  Using that model, I reflect on 

Gifts I Gave

Gold: I gave my Mom and Abuela gifts of biscotti from Trader Joe's, which is a treat I know they both like.

Frankincense: Dan and Ann Ruggaber came to visit me in Oak Park on New Year's Eve.  I treated them to lunch, eager to share one of the monetary gifts I got from the family of a student in my Religious Education class.

Myrrh: For years after my Grandma Dottie moved away from Oak Park, the Heinz family that lived next door continued to send her their annual Christmas mailing, and I enjoyed following what was happening with their family, including their daughter Naomi, one of my classmates in school.  I took them a Christmas card as a gesture of gratitude for staying in touch with my Grandma through those mailings.  When I took it there, I had the opportunity to visit with Naomi and her husband.

Gifts I Received

Gold: My Uncle Bernie hosted quite a feast for our family on Nativity Day, including lamb, and Scottish Dundee cake, which is something he encountered during his trip to the British Isles during the summer.

Frankincense: I received many wonderful gifts from the students in my Religious Education class at our final meeting before break.  I was especially heartened to receive two handwritten notes, which adds a very special personal touch.

Myrrh: My Abuela gave me some clothing.

My heart is stirred as these gifts are reminders of the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ, Who, by His incarnation, has revealed the Love of God for all in the world.

By entering our humanity, He has sanctified our experiences.

And so we praise Him Who continues to abide with us.

20 + C + M + B + 23

Joy to the world! O come, let us adore Him!

Grapes of Anticipation 2023

Happy New Year 2023!

Now that we've said farewell to 2022 and it has entered into our memories, it's back to a blank slate as the new year of 2023 lies open before us.

As I think about what's ahead, I use the Spanish custom of consuming 12 grapes to guide my reflection on what I anticipate.

Grape #1: Mom was eager to book a stay in the Washington, D.C., area for May into the earliest part of June, and I'm just as eager to be there again for lots of great sightseeing and time with family.

Grape #2: Among the family birthdays I look forward to celebrating this year include my cousin Ava at 10, and Aunt Carmen at 90, and for the latter, I've already set my sights on going to Denver for what will surely be a big celebration at the end of July.

Grape #3: I eagerly await celebrating the 10th anniversary of my trip to St. Augustine.

Grape #4: I'm certainly looking forward to celebrating the 10th anniversary of my ValpU graduation.

Grape #5: Having landed a great job at Concordia University Chicago, I'm looking forward to getting to know the CUC community even more this year and the ways I can contribute to its mission.

Grape #6: While I have no plans to travel to Portugal for World Youth Day 2023, I intend to follow the proceedings, and I will aim to participate in US-based concurrent events, recalling my marvelous experience at WYD 2019.

Grape #7: I'm ready to engage in community affairs with local elections scheduled for April.

Grape #8: The entertainment division of Relevant Radio, the Merry Beggars, launched a new radio program series, On the Night Train, back in September 2022.  It went on break for Advent/Christmastime, and I'm eager for its resumption later this month and to continue following the journey, because it is such a great show!

Grape #9: The Eucharistic Revival launched on June 19, 2022, and I look forward to what will unfold when the next phase launches in June, where the focus will shift to the parish level.

Grape #10: I'm looking ahead to the wedding of my cousin, set for December in Las Vegas.

Grape #11: This August will mark 5 years since I joined the Knights of Columbus when Council #17080 formed at Ascension Parish.  Even as I celebrate that milestone, I'm keeping an eye out for how I can be involved as we serve our community.

Grape #12: A year ago this month, the Archdiocese of Chicago formed two new parishes by unifying pairs of parishes in Oak Park.  I'm looking ahead to how I can be involved in the new initiatives that result.  I certainly have an eye for how this will contribute to the work of evangelization, even as I do my part to form the young people in my charge in Religious Education class.

At this nexus point, as the year of 2022 has given way to the new year of 2023, I am fully aware of how connected I am with what is around me, and I declare: All my relations.

I commend this year to the grace of God, awaiting the works He shall do through all of us.

Joy to the world!  O Come, let us adore Him! With Mary, my soul magnifies the Lord.

Grapes of Reflection 2022

I gravitate toward a sense of reflection each year on New Year's Eve.

I'm reminded of Mater's quotation in the movie Cars: "Ain't no need to watch where I'm going. Just need to know where I've been."

While time is progressing on to a new year, in the spirit of REO Speedwagon's lyrics, "Keep on rolling", I think there's wisdom in Mater's insight about having an awareness of where we've been that drives us while we move forward.

I feel that I can draw from memories as I go forth into a new year by meaningfully finishing a concluding year.

And so, in accordance with the Spanish custom of consuming 12 grapes for the occasion of New Year's, I here reflect on 2022:

Grape #1: Traveling to the Washington, D.C., area was a splendid trip springing with highlights.

Grape #2: Traveling to California had so many wonderful experiences, like the beach, the Pacific Surfliner, and visiting Tijuana, my first time in Mexico.

Grape #3: Going to Jamestown for Lucy sightseeing was a great way to connect with my Grandma Dottie in the wake of her passing, who introduced me to I Love Lucy, and get the insider look at a show I enjoy so much.

Grape #4: I had some great opportunities to get involved with the OPRF History Museum.  In September, I participated in a presentation about the creation of the present-day middle schools in Oak Park.  On October 15, I volunteered at the museum for Open House Chicago.

Grape #5: It was an honor to have the exhausting and exhilarating experience of serving as an election judge twice during 2022, especially in teh connections I made with the community, including people I know from Church and specifically in the Religious Education community, including former students.

Grape #6: I am so grateful to God for the opportunity of landing my new job in the Klinck Memorial Library of Concordia University Chicago.

Grape #7: September 4 was a special day as I joined in the celebration for Mom and Dad's 40th anniversary.

Grape #8: As I partied like it was 1991 all over again on April 28, the anniversary of my baptism, I had double reason to celebrate on account of the priest who baptized me, Father Pacocha, who that day marked the 60th anniversary of his ordination.  I was blessed to attend a special Mass and celebration held in his honor on April 23 at St. Eugene.

Grape #9: I went back to St. Teresa's on September 18 to serve a meal for the college students, which was a great way to give back to that community by ministering to the current students, and for me to reconnect with a significant place in my life.

Grape #10: It was such a memorable day to mark 30th anniversary of when my family moved to our beloved home on Clarence Avenue in Oak Park.  It was truly all I envisioned it to be.

Grape #11: I had many friends visit me here in Oak Park in 2022.  Rogenique and Roy visited on New Year's weekend after we attended the wedding of Heather and Zach.  To bring it full circle, the Ruggabers visited me earlier today on New Year's Eve.  These were great visits as I brought together significant parts of my life.  And I was glad Matthew came during Memorial Day weekend to take up my offer of accompanying me on a CAC tour, as I got two free walking tour tickets for volunteering during OHC 2021.

Grape #12: I made so many great connections in Religious Education this year.  The Confirmation Masses that I attended earlier this year on February 19 and March 12 were two very special days.  Notably, the first Confirmation Mass happened on the final weekend of the 2022 Winter Olympics.  I saw parallels between both events:  Those involved in each had the opportunity to do like is sung in the song "I Believe" by Nikki Yanofsky--written for the 2010 Winter Olympics--to stand tall and make the world proud by joining together as one, the powerful invincible force by which we achieve highly--and in the case of the Confirmation Mass, it is the power of the Holy Spirit bringing us together that enables us to do the greater things that Jesus speaks of in the Gospel according to St. John.  It is a great honor to be in the trenches, so to speak, and participate in the formation of these young people to grow in relationship with God and live more deeply in the mystery of God we realize by faith.

In these and so many other ways, 2022 had ample opportunities for me to embrace what I hold dear and what is most important in life, timeless values that shall persist into 2023 and beyond.

Thanks be to God for the works He did in our lives and circumstances in 2022.

2022 News and Events in Review

This year had a distinct political focus that comes with a midterm election year.  The November elections had mixed results.  The Democrats eeked out a narrow majority after a Georgia runoff election triggered by a third-party candidate.  The Republicans got a slim majority in the US House.

Notably, the primary election in Illinois was on June 28, rather than in March as it has often happened in the past.

One issue at stake was inflation, as prices for commodities like food and gas spiked.  2022 brought exceedingly high gas prices, though they've come down somewhat since the middle months of the year.

Undoubtedly, a major issue driving the politicking that led to the November elections was the Supreme Court's decision in the Dobbs vs. Jackson case.  A slight majority effectively allowed the Mississippi state law limiting abortions to stand and also overturned Roe vs. Wade.  The official decision came after someone leaked a draft opinion in early May to Politico, in which Justice Alito wrote an opinion that overruled Roe vs. Wade.  (I haven't heard the results of the investigation that Chief Justice Roberts directed the Supreme Court Marshal to undertake, after he acknowledge the draft's validity in a press release.)

Abortion proponents went into overdrive in an attempt to prevent this decision from being issued, and also prepared to take steps to protect abortion.  Protestors went to the homes of Supreme Court justices who were in favor of upholding the Mississippi law and overturning Roe vs. Wade.  (Chief Justice Roberts ruled to let the law stand, but didn't necessarily join the majority to overrule Roe vs. Wade.)

The justices wouldn't be pressured, and the ruling held when officially issued on the morning of June 24.  That date is significant as the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, who leapt in the womb of his mother when he sensed the presence of Christ in the womb of His mother Mary.  It was also the Feast of the Sacred Heart, and it was a sign that God bestowed His mercy on the USA by righting a terrible wrong.  I went to Mass later that day, and it was special to experience the palpable excitement of the priest celebrating Mass about what was a truly notable development.

Much work remained to uphold protections for the unborn.  The day the ruling was issued, many states immediately enacted laws to restrict abortion.  Many other states took action to protect abortion.  The Oak Park Village Board of Trustees took action to make Oak Park an abortion sanctuary.

There were ballot initiatives addressing abortion in the primary and November elections, which were unsuccessful in protecting the unborn.  It's clear that much work remains, but a notable victory has been achieved that now shifts the debate back to where it belongs, closer to the people.  I continue to hope and pray for the conversion of hearts and minds so that June 24, 2022, will be recognized in our society as a truly great day.

Justice Stephen Breyer announced his retirement, and President Biden nominated Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as his successor.  She was confirmed by the Senate and took her place on the Supreme Court when its term began in October.

Another major news story was Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which began in late February.  It was largely condemned throughout the international community.  There were even protests in Russia.  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emerged as a powerful leader in this time of crisis.  He made an impromptu visit to the United States in December and addressed a joint session of Congress.  Pope Francis led a consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Virgin Mary on March 25.  In July, Pope Francis went on a trip to Canada to meet with First Nations peoples to offer an apology for abuses that occurred in residential schools.

The US bishops formally launched the Eucharistic Revival initiative on June 19, Corpus Christi Sunday.  Bishop Barron moved from Santa Barbara as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to become Bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.

Among the departures this year were Bishop Emeritus of Gary Dale Melczek, journalist Barbara Walters (right at the end of the year), actress Angela Lansbury, actor Sidney Poitier, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, historian David McCullough, and Queen Elizabeth II, whose passing was a major news story because she had achieved a high-profile status as the longest-reigning British monarch in history.

Her son succeeded her as King Charles III.  Two days before her passing, Queen Elizabeth II appointed Liz Truss as prime minister.  Following the funeral proceedings, Prime Minister Truss unveiled a plan to boost Britain's economy, but it caused such havoc that she was compelled to resign as Prime Minister about 6 weeks after taking office.  Rishi Sunak, who had competed for the spot previously, became the new Prime Minister.

Giorgia Meloni created a stir when she was elected prime minister of Italy, taking a strong right-leaning stance in her victory speech, addressing issues related to gender ideology and the family.

Locally, there were leadership changes in Oak Park.  Dr. Ushma Shah became the new District 97 superintendent.  Joslyn Bowling Dixon became the new executive director of the Oak Park Public Library in November, after David Seleb retired earlier in the year.  Shatonya Johnson became the new Oak Park Police Chief.

Notable anniversaries this year included 100 years since the births of St. Gianna Molla and Charles Schulz, and 200 years since the birth of Louis Pasteur.  The McCaughey 7 turned 25 in November.

The long-running children's TV show Arthur released its final episode in February, but it's a quality show that will last for a long time to come.

There was intense summer heat throughout the western United States in August.  Hurricane Ian caused major devastation in Florida in September.  An intense Arctic wintry blast engulfed the central and eastern USA in December, which partly contributed to major operational problems for Southwest Airlines.  In November, parts of New York state experienced copious amounts of lake-effect snow.  

The world came together for the Winter Olympics hosted by Beijing, and then in Qatar for the World Cup.  Emery Lehman, who first competed in the 2014 Winter Olympics during his final year at OPRFHS, participated in the 2022 Olympics and got a bronze medal.

Another 21 for Illinois at 204

With the recent 30th anniversary celebration of my coming to Oak Park, it's so appropriate to turn my attention to celebrating the birthday of Illinois today and party like it's 1818.

In the spirit of celebrating my residency in Oak Park for 3 decades, here is another list of 21 to celebrate Illinois, focusing on the Chicago suburbs:

1. Illinois Beach State Park in Zion

2. Orland Grassland by Orland Park

3. Swallowcliff Stairs in the Cook County Forest Preserve near Palos Park

4. Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center near Willow Springs

5. National Shrine of St. Therese in Darien

6. Will County Barn Quilt Trail

7. Lambs Farm

8. Woodstock Opera House

9. Rotary International Headquarters in Evanston

10. The Tower in Western Springs

11. The Glen Town Center in Glenview, on the site of the former Glenview Naval Air Station

12. MainStreet Libertyville

13. National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe

14. Chain of Lakes State Park

15. Naperville Riverwalk

16. Volo Bog State Natural Area

17. Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve

18. Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago

19. Virginia Cassin, the longtime Oak Park Village Clerk

20. The new Candycopia Store on lake Street in Oak Park is a sure way to have a sweet day

21. The Kettlestrings Family was among the first to settle in what is now Oak Park, beginning a long lin of people who consider Oak Park so dearly, including me.

Happy Birthday, Illinois!

Partying like it's 1818 with an Italian-style beef sandwich for lunch today from Pete's Red Hots in far southern Oak Park

Not in the suburbs for this photo, but still partying: Mom photographed me near Wolf Point in downtown Chicago on the evening of December 3, after we viewed the light display at Merchandise Mart.  One of my former co-workers, a big Lincoln fan, sent me the scarf I'm wearing as  a gift, and it fit my mood for this day.

30 for 30 Years in Oak Park

Earlier this year, Oak Park marked 120 years as a village on January 25, 2022.

This month marks 30 years since Saturday, November 28, 1992, the moving day when my family came to Oak Park.

Morning time in Oak Park, IL, on November 28, 2022

Being here for 30 years gives me so much reason to celebrate as I think about memorable events, places I hold dear in my memories, and places I still enjoy, a portion of which I recount now in this list of 30:

1. As a Julian alumnus, it was momentous when the PBS NOVA documentary "Forgotten Genius" debuted, which was a biography of Dr. Percy Julian.  There was a special ceremony a week prior at Julian.

2. Fair Share Finer Foods was a great neighborhood grocery store in southern Oak Park.

3. Jerusalem Cafe is a great restaurant with wonderful Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food offerings.

4. I really enjoyed the concept of Red Mango on Lake Street, pumping out the frozen stuff into a cup and then adding the toppings.

5. Hole-in-the-Wall is a famed ice cream stand in southern Oak Park.

6. Maze Branch Library reopened in early June 2006 after months of renovation work, and at the ceremony that day, Oak Park Public Library Board President Kelenson remarked, "Communities build libraries because libraries build communities."

7. In October 2003, the OPPL opened its Main Library in early October 2003 after months of work to construct a fine new building.

8. I had such a great time participating in the OPPL Children's Summer Reading program, and when I aged out of it upon reaching middle school, I volunteered for it during middle and high school summers.  I spent so many great afternoons at Maze.

9. The Barrie Park Hill is quite the sight, and I have great memories of sliding down it.  Walking it up gives good exercise, too.

11. One splendid way I would spend warm summer days growing up was walking to Rehm Pool.

12. The Multicultural Collection is a unique collection housed by the OPPL, and once housed inside Julian.  For many years in May, District 97 would host the Ethnic Fest, with a parade and other activities showcasing and celebrating diversity in our community.

13. The OPRF History Museum on Lake Street is a unique space that showcases local history.

14. I seriously enjoy going to see Dr. Esposito, my dentist, who has seen me grow up into the person I am today.

15. The Original Pancake House at Forest and Lake was a cherished restaurant in downtown Oak Park, serving up lots of good breakfast food.

16. Aripo's, the Venezuelan restaurant on Marion Street, was one of my favorite places to eat, with a unique ethnic concept.

17. I have great memories of going to La Majada on Harrison Street, usually as an end-of-the-year field trip for Spanish class.  I always liked the ambiance inside.

18. Lalo's, now Margarita's, on Oak Park Avenue, is a great Mexican restaurant, and has splendid decor that sets the mood so well.

19. The Buzz Cafe is a nice spot in the Harrison Street Arts District.

20. Oak Park is famed as the home of Frank Lloyd Wright.  My brother underwent training to be a junior interpreter tour guide there, and as part of the certification ceremony at the end of the process, he gave a private tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio to my parents and me, which, as I look back on it, astounds me.

21. To celebrate my brother Eric's birthday when he turned 30, he invited family and friends to dinner at Lou Malnati's in downtown Oak Park on the Sunday prior.  Before dinner, Mom and I joined him at a Chicago A Capella Concert at Pilgrim Congregational Church featuring music celebrating Chicago with Geoffrey Baer as the Master of Ceremonies.

22. Border's Bookstore at Harlem and Lake was a go-to place to get books, movies, and music. I found lots of great gifts there, even the go-to gift item of a Border's gift card.

23. The Pleasant Home is a resplendent historic home at Pleasant and Home.

24. The Oak Park Farmer's Market has wonderful offerings, including the famed donuts and the annual corn roast, along with bake sale fundraisers for various community groups.

25. Attending Julian Middle School had such an impact on me, especially in introducing me to other cultures, most especially when I had the honor of attending my friend Zach's Bar Mitzvah at Oak Park Temple.

26. During History of Chicago class with Ms. North in my final semester at OPRFHS, we had a spontaneous field trip to the Continental Divide sign on Chicago Avenue.

27. Starting the new middle school experience in Oak Park was truly a hallmark experience of my life, and an opportunity for me, at 11 years old, to make an impact on my community then, and for thousands of students to come after me.

28. The Julian Middle School mural is a masterpiece of art, and there was an excellent dedication ceremony for it, including remarks from Dr. Julian's daughter Faith.  I was so thrilled to contribute money to the project and get a tile that celebrates my Julian years.

29. Teaching Religious Education at Ascension Church brings together many of the significant aspects of my life, and has been a way for me to continue giving back and edifying my church community and even the community at large.

30. Serving as an election judge is always an exhausting, yet exhilarating and inspiring experience, being part of running the democratic process of the Republic and seeing people come out to vote.

My most recent service as an election judge for the General Gubernatorial Election on November 8 was yet another amazing experience, my 7th time as an election judge.

Like in all previous times, I awoke at 4 AM on November 8.  As I left home and walked to Maze, I was up early enough to see the reddish tint of the full moon during the lunar eclipse, which was a treat since I wouldn't normally be up that early.

I worked with a really great team of people for precinct 16, who approached the work thoughtfully.  There was a good team upstairs, too, serving precinct 3, including two sisters who have served so many times, even longer than me, and are established experts.

Serving the voters is an honor that makes the long day worth it, especially all the people I saw who I know from Ascension Church, including parents of former and current RE students. One of my former students herself came to vote.  Another of my former students, who has not yet reached voting age, accompanied her parents to see them vote, and it was wonderful to see her, since most of my current and former students don't typically accompany their parents to see what the voting process is like.

It was a steady flow of people throughout the day, and the line never really got too long.  I felt a sense of energy throughout the whole day.

In some respects, serving as an election judge brings together many of the significant parts of my life, putting to use my interest and knowledge in government processes to serve the community.  It's special to do it at Maze, where I first had the opportunity to serve the community as a teen volunteer.

Regardless of the outcomes that result following the election, it's a celebration to see what unfolds during the day.

And it's a major reason why I have so much to celebrate marking 30 years here in Oak Park.

My fellow election judge Aaron photographed me in a lull moment on Election Day, November 8, 2022, a great day of drawing from my experiences in Oak Park to serve the community.

30 Years in a Defining Place

A house truly becomes a home as we recognize it as a vessel holding the experiences we hold dear and that make us who we are.

So it was definitely a defining day in my life 30 years ago on Saturday, November 28, 1992, when my family moved to the house on Clarence Avenue in Oak Park, a special place that is the core of who I am.

To celebrate and party like it's 1992 all over again, I reflect on 30 memories of this place:

1. It was a delightful day when we rode down Harlem Avenue to Sid's at 111th Street and returned home with an apple tree and a cherry tree and then plant them, and see them appear so splendidly to the side of the house for many years.

2. I enjoyed playing the Carmen Sandiego computer games as I traveled through the USA, the world, and through time.

3. Among the major events I saw live on TV was Pope Francis's election in 2013.

4. I also extensively watched live coverage of Pope Francis's trip to the USA in 2015.

5. Block parties are a good time to get together with the neighbors. One year, different families took turns hosting gatherings at their houses, beyond our block parties.  One day in June, likely in 2010, we hosted an ice cream social for the block, which I'm fairly certain was Dad's idea.

6. I have such fond memories of celebrating my 8th grade graduation at home, first, a dinner on the evening before the ceremony on 6-8-2005, with Grandma Dottie present, and then a celebration with more family on the Sunday evening that followed.

7. A few months after 8th grade graduation, on 10-15-2005, we had a great dinner at home to celebrate my Confirmation after the Mass.

8. We had a splendid celebratory dinner at home after my MLIS graduation ceremony on 5-8-2016, with food from Grape Leaves.

9. Throughout 6th grade, I always looked forward to coming home after school on Friday each week and getting into weekend mode by watching Liberty's Kids.

10.  During the summers of elementary school, after going to Maze Branch Library for more books and to check in my summer reading program progress, upon arriving home, with my head still in a book, I'd remove my shoes and get comfortable in a living room chair.

11. On Memorial Day weekend--likely the day itself--in 2014, we had a family gathering.  After singing to Mom for her birthday, we all sang "Happy Birthday" to Ava shortly before she turned 1.

12. Finding Teddy as a little boy brought me long-lasting comfort and joy.

13. Over the many years growing up, I became acquainted with new technology, like the time I watched a DVD for the first time, the animated version of the movie 102 Dalmatians.  I even learned you don't have to rewind a DVD after I hit the rewind button and waited for it, and nothing happened.

14. The January 1999 blizzard was a pretty epic weather event as we hunkered inside and kept cozy while snow raged all around us outside.
15. I always liked the baking of sweet breads, like orange bread, cinnamon bread, or even cinnamon rolls, especially when Mom did it spontaneously.  I'm fairly certain taht's where I picked up my knack for baking these breads for my RE class.

16. I had so much fun creating Brio train layouts, surely because of my intense interest in trains.

17. And I definitely liked having fun with Playmobile toys.

18. At one point, we put up an awning on the deck during the warmer months.  After it rained, a pool of water collected in a pouch, and I had fun taking a broom and poking at it, to let the water empty.

19. With inheritance money from Uncle Arnold, my parents had a Sunroom attached to the back of the house on the deck, which has been a wonderful space for us realized in various purposes.

20. It was a thrill to see horse-drawn wagon rides come down our block as part of the Fall Fest festivities at Rehm Park, usually on a Sunday in September.

21. Each autumn, the tree out front enters into autumn mode with brilliant red leaves.

22. I remember the day back in the 1990's when I first watched Arthur, and I watched many more great episodes in the succeeding years.

23. In December, we add a festive touch by creating St. Nicholas Square layouts, which I enjoy.

24. Watching the annual National Memorial Day Concert on PBS is a cherished custom on the Sunday prior to the holiday each year that helps set the tone for us to honor the occasion.

25. Watching the annual July 4 concert, A Capitol Fourth, on PBS is another great annual custom.

26. I had wonderful times with bedtime reading with Mom and Dad on alternating nights. After Bible and other spiritual reading, we spent time with a range of books, from picture books to the sophisticated, like the Federalist Papers, inspired by Our Country's Founders.

27. It always fills with me with great delight to see the blooming of the peonies each year in late spring/early summer.

28. After getting so homesick going away to college, my first weekend visit home in September was a truly joyful experience reconnecting back with this beloved place.

29. It has been a great delight to welcome to this home so many friends I've made in college, including Zach when we were off on Thanksgiving Break during our 2nd year at ValpU, Richard during Spring Break later that year, the Ruggabers after I graduated, and even Rogenique, Roy, and Matthew earlier this year most recently.

30. I have so many fond memories of holiday gatherings here.  One that truly stands out was Thanksgiving Day 2008.  Carol Finnegan, a fellow Ascension parishioner, was present, and so were Brian Aden and his fellow Navy comrades.

Throughout these experiences is a common thread of connecting with other people and the world at large through the familiar setting of this place that has seen so much.  It is truly become a home because of the life we have shared here, and how we have extended that to others who have come through the doors.  And in our lives here we have known the love God first showed us in Christ, and that He gives in a special way for families to share together.

In all the memories I have listed above, and so many others, I feel great comfort and abundant joy, which are hallmarks of this home.  No matter where I go in life, I will always think of this home in this way.

Indeed, in this place, we have realized the gift of God's presence, Who is the giver of all gifts, and how we have been gift to each other in our family, and all those who have come here.

Thanks be to God!

This dearly beloved house has truly been a home, where we have truly made a life.