Grapes of Reflection 2020

Upon reaching the conclusion of 2020, it's a fitting time to reflect on the journey of this year, which I feel is represented in a significant way by this photo of me at the San Bernadino Amtrak Station back on the evening of Saturday, October 3, right before I boarded the eastbound Southwest Chief train.

While I can't remember which friend took this photograph, I know it was either Tyler or Roy.

I entered into 2020 thinking it would be a special year, in large part because of the digits.  In fact, I made a habit, in certain instances, of writing out 2020 in dates, like for today, 12-31-2020, rather than abbreviating with just "20", like I had done "19" for 2019.

Any notion of this year being special overall was pretty well dashed by the major limitations imposed by the pandemic starting in March throughout the United States and the world, unlike anything most of us have faced in our lives.  Probably the pandemic alone has been reason enough for people to bandy around the idea of tossing 2020 into the trash can, and I don't blame them.  In some ways, I think back to late December 2008 when Lester Holt, on a broadcast of NBC Nightly News, made a remark that surely echoed others' sentiments when he said people were ready to put a challenging year behind them which brought about hardship because of a major economic recession, even though it was also the year of a historic election.  I'm sure others felt similarly at the end of 2001 after the September 11 terrorist attacks.  Events in 2020 took the meaning of hardship to a whole new level in limitations that were so widespread.

But as I reflect back on 2020, I recognize so much good happened, and there were many blessings, and, on account of them, I wouldn't want to write off the whole year, even with the pandemic's limitations weighing so heavily.

Granted, I can say so because I was not as limited or affected by the pandemic as others.  But I also think this way more broadly because of something I read in a statement that the pastoral staff at Valparaiso University's Chapel of the Resurrection wrote in response to their furlough during the summer break 2020.  They noted that while it's difficult to be grateful in all circumstances, we can still find some reason to be grateful in all circumstances.

And so with gladness and gratitude for the goodness and blessings of this year, I offer this reflection on 2020, based on the Spanish custom of consuming 12 grapes on the occasion of the changing of the year.  Like in all previous years I've done this "grapes" reflection, I don't necessarily aim to cover the events of the year comprehensively, or in any sort of ranking, but rather I reflect on this concluding calendar year with some of the major points of note.

Grape #1- celebrating Candlemas on Sunday: I should note this occasion is one example of the many wonderful experiences we had in 2020 before the pandemic's severe restrictions.  Candlemas Day, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, is on February 2.  I like this Feast because it reinvokes a sense of Christmas Day, 40 days later, and in the past, marked the conclusion of the Christmas Season.  It was great that it fell on a Sunday in 2020, which gave us the opportunity to celebrate it with greater emphasis when gathered at Sunday Mass.  I incorporated the celebration into my RE classes by purchasing small tea candles and having Father Hurlbert bless them, and then I gave them to my students as a small gift.

Grape #2- State Fair at Julian Middle School: I was so delighted that one of my favorite musicals of all time was staged at Julian, a story that resonates with me so deeply in a place that is so special in my life.  It was notable to see it on stage after having watched the movie so many times, and I enjoyed the experience, which I shared with my family for a Sunday outing, back on February 23.  I also knew some of the students in the cast, including one of the students I had in class for the 2019-2020 RE year, which added a notable touch to my attendance of the play.  (Again, this outing was another example of something memorable that happened before the pandemic.)

Grape # 3- trip to Madison, WI: I was eager to get back to visit my friends in Madison, as it had been 5 years since my last visit there, since other summer trips precluded me from going there in the years since.  I was glad to make one last visit there before my friend Tyler moved.  It was also great seeing Arthur, and seeing my friend Matthew's house for the first time since he moved there.  And even just going out for a weekend road trip into another state in mid-July was a nice opportunity after all the limitations imposed since March.

Grape #4- trip into southern Illinois and environs: I was glad to channel my yearning for a summer trip by exploring more of Ilinois, having been inspired by my travels for the recent Illinois Bicentennial celebration.  Driving Route 66 was a marvelous way to reconnect with a delightful part US cultural history.  And there was great nature to see in the Shawnee National Forest area.  Upon returning home, I completed my longest road trip yet in Avila, over 1300 miles.

Grape #5- trip to Southern California and then some: I was so glad to go on this trip after waiting out two previous attempts that didn't materialize.  It was amazing to visit Arizona for the first time, and to see the Grand Canyon.  And spending time with Roy, along with Tyler and their significant others, in SoCal was fantastic.

Grape #6- the wedding of Rogenique and Roy on November 7: I am so delighted that Roy is happily married to a wonderful person, and that they have set themselves up for a life together of love for each other in the name of God and for the blessing of others. I am glad I was able to squeeze attendance at their wedding into a break at work that day.  It was great getting to know Rogenique while I attended the virtual Bible study group Roy hosted, and then to meet Rogenique when I visited Roy about a month before their wedding.

Grape #7- Cale Clarke's programming on Relevant Radio: Cale started two new programs on Relevant Radio back in July, The Cale Clarke Show and The Faith Explained.  He brings a very thoughtful and insightful approach to discussing matters of faith on both programs, especially talking about saints of the day on The Cale Clarke Show.  His approach has a good deal of depth because after having grown up Roman Catholic and then drifting away to become a Protestant minister, he returned to practice as a Roman Catholic.  His experiences greatly inform his ability to go in-depth with Roman Catholic beliefs.  (These programs are two of many Relevant Radio offerings I have enjoyed.  I was wistful about the end of St. Joseph's Workshop and A Closer Look, as well as Go Ask Your Father, but still grateful for the content they offered while on air.  Trending with Timmerie also expanded its air time this year, and that program is excellent.)

Grape #8- serving as an election judge: I hadn't necessarily planned to be an election judge for the November 2020 election, but as the year progressed, I felt like the time was right to offer this important service to my community and country.  It was once again another meaningful day of service.

Grape #9- beatification of Father McGivney: As a Knight of Columbus, it was very special to see the founder of the Knights recognized in such a significant way, and I was glad to watch the Beatification Mass live on October 31. The story of the miracle leading to his beatification is a great one, and speaks so powerfully in many ways to what the Knights are about.  This Mass was a fitting prelude to All Saints' Day, and all that it means for us as people of faith.

Grape #10- summer fun in Chicagoland: I am pleased that the summer brought so many ways to get out.  It was nice to shop at the Oak Park Farmers' Market from the summer into the autumn.  I went on a great outing to the Chicago Botanic Gardens on August 22.  We had a fine block party on August 8, which included a fun carnival with games. I enjoyed going to Hole in the Wall on a few occasions, including on opening weekend on May 2, and then on its closing weekend on October 9.  And I really enjoyed going to Gina's, especially to have one of their new flavors for the 2020 season: guava.

Grape #11- family celebrations: It was wonderful to celebrate special birthdays for both my parents. I was also very glad for my cousin Sam Hines in Texas upon the occasion of his ordination as a permanent deacon.  Abuela had told me a long time ago he had started the process of studying to be a deacon, but I had lost track of his progress, so I was delighted when Abuela received word that his ordination was set for August 15.  It was marvelous to tune in to the livestream of the Mass that day.

Grape #12- vocational experiences: I enjoyed getting to know Kevin Ripley while he spent time as a seminarian assisting at Ascension, which included his assistance at Masses as a transitional deacon.  I was so heartened when he was ordained a priest on July 10, and it was a blessing to see him a few weeks when he came to Ascension to celebrate Mass and to receive his blessing.  I was also glad to have him join my RE class a few weeks after that in October: He did a great job sharing about his path to the priesthood and vignettes from his ordination Mass.

His appearance in class was one of many wonderful experiences in RE class for the 8th graders for the 2020-2021 year. After the in-person classes were suspended back in March, I was so glad to get back to teaching in October with a new group, although I was glad I got to do some virtual classes to finish the 2019-2020 RE year, and then have a wonderful prayer service for the 8th grade class of 2020.

As I planned what we would do in virtual classes for the 2020-2021 year, I figured I could seamlessly bring in guest speakers to share their experiences and perspectives on faith, and they have all done a great job.  I have brought in people I have know from different times in my life.  I sense that the students have enjoyed the guest speakers.  But I have been greatly heartened to invite them, because it reminds me of how blessed I have been to know so many devout people in my life, which has been part of fostering an environment in which I have embraced faith more deeply.

In that spirit, I celebrated two 15-year anniversaries in 2020, my 8th grade graduation on June 8, and my Confirmation on October 15.  Both occasions speak to how I have come to understand my calling to live a life with purpose in faith.  It was special to start a new RE year 9 days before celebrating my Confirmation anniversary.  That celebration carried over into the following weekend when the readings at Mass cycled back to the same set of readings from my Confirmation Mass.  It was also a weekend when the Knights held a coat collection, and I was joyful to see so many of the 8th grade students helping out, and to spend some time with them as I volunteered.

I also marked 11 years since first attending Mass at St. Teresa's, which was an important part of my faith journey that led to my decision to teach RE.  I am grateful for attending Mass at St. Teresa's on the actual anniversary, Sunday, August 23, and then to return a week later for Mass with Bishop McClory.  I also had a fabulous time back at St. Teresa's in February assisting with the post-Mass dinner for the students.

Reflecting on 2020 as a whole, there is no denying that it was a year marked by heartache, especially because of the pandemic.  I say this as a person whose life was affected because of limitations, but not necessarily impacted at the same level as those who were ill or died because of the virus, or who experienced other hardships because of it like job loss, or heartache over missed celebrations like the graduates of the class of 2020 at all levels of school.  It has hurt to see suffering in all forms around me due to the pandemic, especially as I think about students who missed out on meaningful school activities, especially graduates, like those I know.  I also feel palpably the emotions of those who pray to God that He will never again permit His people to be without Masses for weeks on end.  And as if the pandemic wasn't enough, there was the flare-up of renewed tensions triggered by the lingering devastation of racism.

At the same time, I feel that this year is not defined by these heartaches.  Ultimately, I am convinced it's defined by what's most important in life, which we can sense deep inside of us, which we discovered in new ways this year, even in painful experiences, which even lead rise to examples of goodness.

On that note, I think of Mat and his teenage daughter Savanna Shaw in suburban Salt Lake City, UT.  When the pandemic suspended her choir's meetings, she decided to record a song, "The Prayer" for the group, and requested her dad join.  Upon posting it to social media, it went viral, and soon they started a YouTube channel, posting recordings of various songs, which have all gone viral.

For their first album--they currently have released two--they performed a song they wrote themselves, "Picture This", which I sense is autobiographical in nature, describing how they became a famous YouTube duo.  One line in the song says, "What if all we wanted is there all along", and I feel that line speaks to how 2020 has put us through experiences that cause us to look at what we already have and who we are, to value and appreciate it as the fulfillment of our deepest longings.  Furthermore, they sing, "I'm taking myself the freedom to hear out/The voice that's inside of me".  Those lyrics speak to the idea of vocational discernment, understanding what's deep inside of us, and how that is what matters most in life.  (Please feel free to view the song video by clicking on the link for the title.)

Mat and Savanna Shaw are just one wonderful example of the good that has come out of the pandemic-riddled year of 2020.  And I imagine that more blessings will arise from this year that have yet to become apparent.

Again, there are blessings that we can be aware of now as we look at what's right before us, which I acknowledged upon the conclusion of the 2019-2020 RE year, as I went to the homes of the 8th graders to deliver them gifts.  In some cases, I was fortunate to actually see some of my students when I came to their homes, and in some instances, I conversed with them for a few minutes.

It was in such a conversation when I told one particular student, as a way to affirm her, that who she is cannot be taken away by the virus, words that speak to the powerful reality of who God has made us to be by faith.  Shortly thereafter, when her mom asked about how I was doing, I started my answer in a general way, and then drew upon what I noticed imprinted on her daughter's shirt, the verse of Hebrews 6:19, about hope as an anchor for the soul.

We indeed have great hope in the blessing of the Great I AM, our God Who entered into our world in the Incarnation of Christ to face the same evils we do, and effected a glorious redemption, which reminds me of another song.

This past Christmas Day, I took time to really listen to the Casting Crowns performance of the Christmas Carol "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day", which is slightly different from other performance versions.

Here's a live version:

Here's a version with lyrics.

I then read the story about the circumstances in which the song was written.  To summarize, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote in the 1860's, when the United States was engulfed in a terrible war, and in the wake of personal hardship in his family, which is summarized in the line "hate is strong and mocks the song".  We could easily apply that line to the troubles of 2020, with the pandemic, riots, and a polarized sociopolitical environment, not to mention whenever has been happening in our personal lives and families.  It all mocks the idea of "peace on Earth, good will to men".

But the next stanza speaks of the great revelation Mr. Longfellow had when he heard the bells on Christmas Day, and the epiphany I had when I heard this song.  The bells, a symbol of the Good News we celebrate on Christmas Day, declare that "God is not dead; nor doth He sleep/The wrong shall fail, the right prevail/With peace on Earth, good will to men".  In the Casting Crowns performance, one can hear the choristers repeating "peace on Earth", in an almost mystical way, symbolizing how that Truth persists in our world.

By faith, we declare that no matter what difficulties we face that try to mock our God, He is stronger and more powerful, and thus He deals a mighty blow to those difficulties.  Ultimately, Christmas is a glorious celebration because by the birth of Christ, God demonstrates His ability to defeat all that is wrong, and to truly bring "peace on Earth, good will to men", something worth celebrating all throughout the year.

Drawing toward the conclusion of a year marked by, but not defined by, discouragement, I was immensely encouraged by this song, because it speaks to the reality I believe about God, which nothing, not even a raging virus, can remove from us.  So long as we grow in and walk by faith, we have the blessed assurance of this unchanging reality, which is the same through all years, and in all circumstances.

Through it all, we remember our connections that demonstrate what matters most: 

All my relations.

Thanks be to God.

2020 News and Events in Review

There were two big events to anticipate in the United States as we entered 2020: the once-a-decade census and the every-four-year presidential election.

Like much of life this year, those two events were greatly affected by the pandemic.  Though as essential government functions, they still managed to go on, and some of the proceedings of both were able to get started before the pandemic had a major effect on life in the USA and throughout the world.

And somehow, even when much was shut down and so many were staying in place at home, a certain vibrancy emerged with altered social activities through virtual events.  When certain functions started again, it's interesting to note how much people could still get out for even leisure and recreation.

Disney planned to release a live-action version of Mulan in late March, but ended up releasing it through its Disney+ platform months later.  A movie version of the Hamilton musical also debuted on that platform.

In some ways, the year 2020 started off with the waters being stirred with Congress going through impeachment proceedings for President Trump, which resulted in his acquittal.  Then, in February, President Trump commuted the prison sentence of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who had been removed from office through the impeachment process.  He then started a podcast, The Lightning Rod.

As if the chaos of the pandemic wasn't enough, turmoil erupted anew in the late spring/early summer when George Floyd's death prompted a wave of intense race riots in cities throughout the United States.  I had a brush with it on June 1: After being dismissed early from work because of concerns about a demonstration nearby, I encountered police activity in response to looting in Cicero that spilled over into Berwyn.

George Floyd's death prompted renewed scrutiny on the effects of racism in the US at present and in history, which soon affected other historical figures like Christopher Columbus and St. Junipero Serra and their alleged mistreatment of indigenous Americans.

There was even the launch of the 1619 Project.  President Trump sought to counter the aims of that effort by launching a 1776 commission to promote patriotic education, which he discussed in a speech at the National Archives on September 17, US Constitution Signing Day.

He also extolled American values at a speech at Mount Rushmore right before Declaration of Independence Day on July 4.

On January 24, he became the first sitting US president to personally speak at the March for Life in Washington, D.C. I was personally pleased to see yet another example of his strong commitment to upholding the preborn.

That commitment also factored into his nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett as an Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court after the passing of the legendary Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.  Judge Barrett stood her ground well during the confirmation hearings in the barrage of questions from Democratic senators about how she would rule in cases pertaining to issues of abortion, healthcare, and various rights like guns and voting, though the opposition never quite rose to the ferocity that happened in Justice Kavanaugh's confirmation process.  She was confirmed along party lines about a month after the announcement of her nomination.

The event at which her nomination was announced had been pegged as where President Trump contracted the c-virus.  After a stay at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, he recovered.  (As an aside, with all the heart-wrenching news about new cases and deaths, perhaps it would have been worthwhile to report the number of those who recovered all along.)

There were so many departures this year due to the pandemic, and others from different causes.  They include Alex Trebek, former Illinois Governor James Thompson, John Lewis, and Kobe Bryant.

Multiple Chicago priests were tapped as bishops for various dioceses. Three new bishops were appointed for Chicago.  Robert McClory, rector of the National Shrine of the Little Flower in Michigan, was installed as Bishop of Gary on February 11.

Pope Francis also appointed several new cardinals, including Wilton Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, D.C., the first African-American cardinal.

Among the significant natural events in 2020, the year started with wildfires in Australia that had started back in December 2019. A significant derecho event swept through the central United States on August 10. There were numerous notable tropical systems in the Atlantic Basin, which set a record of 30 named storms. There were earthquakes in the Caribbean in January. On a gentler note, there was a blue moon on October 31.  The closest conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in nearly 800 years peaked on December 21.

Notable anniversaries in 2020 include Maine's Bicentennial on March 15.  It was also the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II.  The bicentennial of Florence Nightingale's birth was on May 12, and was marked by buildings lit up with her image.  May 18 was the centennial of Karol Wojtyla's birth, who became Pope St. John Paul II.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception also marked its centennial: In May was the centennial of the blessing of the land, and September 23 was the centennial of the placing of the foundation stone.  The Shrine held a special centennial Mass on Sunday, September 20, to start a year of commemoration.

This year also marked 150 years for the 15th Amendment for voting rights for African-Americans, and the centennial of the 19th Amendment for women's suffrage.  Buildings were lit up in purple, white, and gold to celebrate the 19th Amendment.

During a focus group I attended with election judges to debrief on the November 3 Election Day, Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough noted in spite of the troubles marking 2020, this year was notable for the milestones of these amendments, and she mentioned how they marked important steps to build upon the heritage of freedom, and they gave added historic significance to the 2020 election.  While there remains much work to be done, we can be encouraged to continue as we behold the progress we have already achieved as a society, with hope in what we can do to accomplish more.  And we have a system that works pretty well in spite of its flaws, and facilitates the capacity to realize more fully the ideals of freedom that were part of our founding.  So we go forth from 2020 into 2021 to draw upon the good that is already present and work to enhance our world.

Houses of God

A major theme weaving through Advent and Christmas Seasons is how God has come to dwell among us through Christ and how we, like Mary, bear God's presence into the world.  Even as we await the celebration of Christ's Birth at Christmas, we rejoice at how God comes to be present with us each day.

We, as the Church, join together in community to make God known in the world, and church buildings have a special role to play in building that sense of community.

One church building that resonates with me deeply is the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.  It is in the midst of its yearlong centennial celebration, celebrating the events in 1920 when physical work starting, first with the blessing of the land in May, and then the placing of the foundation stone.

I first visited the Shrine on October 16, 2013, during an hours-long layover between trains while traveling back to Chicagoland from South Carolina.  I was talking with a professor in college who told me about this Shrine.  At the time of my first visit, the federal government was in shutdown mode, and that was part of the motivation to visit, since it was open.  My visit was also born of a desire to see the Shrine.

I actually saw the Shrine from the train tracks on my way to South Carolina as the train neared Union Station, but only a brief glimpse.  My first substantial gaze came on that October 16, as I beheld the colossal size, I was truly in awe, a sensation I continued to feel as I toured the inside and gazed at the vast upper sanctuary.

Yet even in such a huge space, I was able to find humble, quiet ways to connect with God.  Strung all along the sides of both levels of the Shrine are smaller chapels, each for a devotion of the Blessed Mother from different parts of the world.  I was particularly drawn to the CHapel for La Virgen de Guadalupe, and when the tour guide asked me if I wanted to see any particular space, I requested to go there.  I lingered there later on after attending Mass and before departing.  There are other statues there of saints that resonate with me and the American experience, like St. Kateri Tekakwitha and St. Mother Katharine Drexel.

I also learned that Mary of the Immaculate Conception is the Patroness Saint of the United States, and so it's fitting a Shrine would be built in her honor in the national capital city.  I was invigorated with deeper appreciation for the Immaculate Conception, and every year since 2013, I have eagerly gone to Mass on this Feast, not only for what the occasion means for our faith, but also what it means for me as a Roman Catholic in the United States.

And almost every time I have gone to Washington, D.C., since, I make a point to visit the Shrine, to reconnect with the special experience I had there the first time, and also for rekindling how it continues to facilitate a connection to God.

This month of December 2020 marks a special anniversary for St. Teresa of Avila (Roman) Catholic Student Center in Valparaiso:  It was 10 years ago, on Gaudete Sunday, December 12, 2010, that the new Ministry Life Center was blessed, as part of the special Advent Student Mass and Dinner, an annual custom on the Sunday before semester test week.

I remember earlier that year in February--I believe it was on Ash Wednesday--I gathered with other students and Father Kevin as he showed us plans for a new addition that would join together the two main buildings at St. Teresa's.

Ground was broken in May after summer break started.  When I returned for my second year, much progress had been made.  I remember being led through the partially-finished site, imaging what it would become.

Work was completed a few months later, and the blessing was set for December 12.  That was a very snowy day, but Bishop Dale Melczek was still present to celebrate the Mass, along with a large group of students.  Even newly-ordained Father Ted was there.  That Advent Student Mass and Dinner is one of my fondest memories of my college years, and that year was extra special because of the blessing.

We put it to good use right away by gathering in the large space on the main level for the meal, much larger than the space that was used before for meals, and even for Mass way back in the earlier years of St. Teresa's.

A few months later came an even bigger snowstorm in early February 2011, and students were in the student lounge on the upper level long into the night having fun as the snow unleashed its fury.  I heard later Father Kevin expressed how pleased he was to see the student lounge being used as such.

Indeed, as I witnessed as a student and as I sense as an alumnus, the spaces at St. Teresa's have been used so well for the important purpose of building community by which the individuals join together and encounter God.

That is what makes any church space so special, the way the gathered community recognizes God's presence and then is sent forth from that encounter to make God known.

Glory to God in the Highest and on Earth peace to people of goodwill.

Dad's Favorite Things

Following after my Mom's milestone birthday back in May, it's time to party again with my Dad's milestone birthday.

As I think about Dad, I recall his favorite things.

He thoroughly enjoys dogs.  After having grown up with the presence of one dog or another, the nature of a dog lover has definitely gotten into him.  Even though he hasn't had a dog at home with him for years, he delights in other people's dogs, like the ones his parents have had since he married Mom.  He has enjoyed playing around with their dogs, taking them for walks, and giving them treats and other expressions of affection.  The goes for Weasley, the dog of my brother and sister-in-law.  Dad even enjoys greeting the dogs in the neighborhood as he goes out for exercise.  I often hear him talk, with great enthusiasm, about how such and such dog he knows is a "nice dog".

I also think it's pretty notable that Dad has biked regularly to work over the course of his decades of time in the working world, usually at least 10 miles one way and then back home.  I pretty much consider him a bike expert, and his expertise has proved helpful over the years, especially as I grew to like biking myself, particularly for pleasure rides.

When it comes to his favorite television shows, there are two that come to my mind: Watching M*A*S*H brings back fond memories to him and Mom of their early years, when it was still airing in its original run.  Another show he enjoys is The Andy Griffith Show, which is something I've grown to enjoy with its down-to-earth feel and fine humorous touches.

And when it comes to radio, he is a big fan of Relevant Radio.  For years, I've seen him reach for radio dial in the car, in the kitchen, and in other rooms of the house to tune in for great Roman Catholic content.  I would absorb much of it through osmosis.

In the past few years, I started listening to it regularly on my own.  I've enjoyed great shows like St. Joseph's Workshop and A Closer Look in the past, and current shows like Trending with Timmerie and the two shows that debuted this year, The Faith Explained and The Cale Clarke Show.

Relevant Radio actually started 20 years ago this month on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  Over these two decades, it has engaged in the work of evangelization so magnificently by teaching and discussing the faith with such great depth.

In all the programming, those who participate, the hosts and their guests, offer such thoughtful and insightful perspectives that help audiences understand faith more deeply.  Indeed, the programming on and resources of Relevant Radio faithfully upholds the teachings of the Church and helps the faithful who listen to know how to uphold it in their own lives.  One great example is the book Father Rocky recently offered on well-formed consciences, very timely in preparation for the recent elections, but a good tool for any time as well.

Relevant Radio has played a faithful role in the work of evangelization, helping promote and explain the faith to radio audiences.  Time and again, stories are shared on-air about the profound impact the station has had on people.  The impact continues as it expands its network throughout the United States, and even now with tools like online livestreaming and the Relevant Radio app.  We as the faithful are truly meant to continue learning all throughout our lives, since there is so much to discover about God, and Relevant Radio has done such a great job to facilitate lifelong learning.

I can sense why Relevant Radio resonates so much with Dad, as a person of deep faith.  So with this recent milestone for Relevant Radio, I have even greater reason to celebrate Dad's birthday as I think about how Relevant Radio represents how Dad has handed on the great gift of faith to me.

In gratitude to you, Dad, for enjoying these and more things in life, and for what you've handed on to me, I say, "Happy Birthday!"

We are ever connected as family and in faith: All my relations.

Thanks be to God.

The Years of Ludwig van Beethoven

With joy, I mark 250 years since the birth and baptism of composer Ludwig van Beethoven on December 16/17, 1770.

My fascination with L. Beethoven started back when I began learning to play the piano in early elementary school.  I had a book that provided age-appropriate pieces to play, and one of them was a child version of "Ode to Joy" from his Symphony 9, which I played at a piano recital.  From that point on, I enjoyed listening to his music on a double-CD album I acquired, and even spent more time learning about his life.

It's amazing to think of how he displayed great genius even in the hardships of his life.  I especially think of how he was deaf toward the end of his life, but that was when he wrote great music, like his Symphony 9.  My sense of the story of how that was written is influenced by the story Beethoven Lives Upstairs: The story resonated with me because of how I can view this great composer through the eyes of the boy whose mother rented the space above them to Beethoven, and after initially struggling to appreciate the composer's presence, was invited to the premiere performance of Symphony 9.

I've also enjoyed Symphonies 3 and 5, whose beginnings are well-known melodies.  A biography video I read mentioned how L. Beethoven originally wrote Symphony 3 as a tribute to Napoleon.  But when Beethoven became disillusioned with Napoleon, he scratched out Napoleon's name and simply wrote, "Eroica", a term that means heroic, which is a fitting title word for the epic feel of the beginning part of the piece.

I also learned how to play Fur Elise, which is a rich piece.  The 2-CD album I got of his music includes a performance of Fur Elise on the harpischord, and I definitely like listening to it.

And I thoroughly enjoy the Moonlight Sonata.  When we get to that point in the month of the full moon, I enjoy playing it, and gazing at the light of the full moon.

My time studying piano helped me appreciate the great classic composers, and L. Beethoven was the first one, so that I've enjoyed his music for the longest time of all composers.

So Happy 250-Year Birthday Ludwig van Beethoven!

Thank you for some remarkable contributions to music in this world.

Experiencing Vocation at Father Ted's Ordination

On a snowy Saturday morning, December 4, 2010, 10 years ago today, I went with Dan and Ann Ruggaber to the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary for an experience like none I had ever had before in my life: I attended an ordination Mass for Ted Mauch, who became a priest that day.

Ted was assigned as a deacon to St. Teresa's, where I attended Church, for the last few months before his ordination.  I had the chance to meet then-Deacon Ted when I returned to ValpU for my 2nd year, and I had the chance to get to know him over the course of the succeeding months.

It was in the beginning part of the 2010-11 school year when St. Teresa's announced December 4 as the date for his ordination.  I was pleased when arrangements fell into place to attend.

Notably, it was the first time I can recall attending Mass at a diocesan cathedral outside Chicago.  The Mass booklet was filled with details about the design of the Cathedral.

The ordination Mass was so grand, with great music, carrying that theme of God's spirit and our calling as His servants.  After some pre-Mass songs, there was a lengthy procession, which included servers, the Knights of Colmbus in full 4th-degree attire, and about 50-60 priests.  I had never seen so many priests in one place before in my life.  As they processed while we all sang the opening hymn, I heard one voice louder than the others, which was Father Kevin, then pastor at St. Terersa's.

Bishop Dale Melczek was the principal celebrant for the Mass--he was then the Bishop of Gary, now Bishop Emeritus.  I have memories of him as an insightful homilist.  He spoke well to the occasion of the history of the preisthood, stretching back to Melchizedek, and how the power of God was coming upon Ted at this Mass so that he could take his part in the priesthood.

I had seen clips of priest ordinations before in film and photos, so I had some sense of what would happen.  

It was a stirring moment when Ted stood before Bishop Melczek, who asked him, "Do you pledge obedience to me and my successors?" to which Ted responded, "I do."  I truly wonder what was going through Ted's mind in that exchange, and to make such a strong statement of commitment.

I didn't get a good view of Ted when he prostrated himself on the floor, at which time the congregation knelt and chanted the Litany of Saints.  It was an eloquent scene to call upon the holy men and women of the years gone by as Ted took this significant step.

Then there were the gestures when all the priests took their turns to lay their hands on Ted, as part of an ancient gesture of calling upon the Holy Spirit, who empowers priests and all of us faithful in our work to which He calls us.

I happened to be sitting right by the ambry when one of the servers came to it and took out the sacred chrism for Ted's anointing.

Subsequently, it was time for the "Kiss of Peace", which was basically when all the priests gave now freshly-ordained Father Ted a hug.  Father Kevin looked so excited when it came time for that part of the ordination rite, and was practically ready to barge right up to Father Ted.

The Mass was close to 2 hours long, but it was so action-packed, it really didn't feel long.  The elements of the splendid liturgy captivated me.

Following the Mass, Dan, Ann, and I went to the reception.  We got in a long line to greet Father Ted, and then he offered to give us a blessing, my first time receiving a blessing from a newly-ordained priest.

In the gathered assembly were Father Ted's family, and others who had been part of his path toward the priesthood.  While I had come in toward the end of his journey, I was so blessed that I could say I was a part of it, and took my place at the ordination Mass as a way to support him.

And it was something amazing to just attend an ordination Mass, as I'm uncertain how many Roman Catholics actually get to have that experience in their lives.  It's interesting to think that I've never been to a Roman Catholic wedding Mass, but I have attended multiple ordinations, this one, and another 6 months later.

The Roman Catholic Church opened up in a whole new way for me that day.  I gained new insight into what the priesthood is all about by watching the ordination rite.  I see that the Roman Catholic Church offers so many pathways to live out the call to holiness, as the saints God has called and equipped us to be.

My years at ValpU were so significant in that I shifted my attitude to approach life more thoughtfully.  Rather than just go through the motions, the environment in college really helped me think more deeply about how to live life with purpose, to discern my calling.  It was special to see Father Ted take that important step in living out God's calling to his vocation, which impacted how I come to understand what my vocation is and how to fulfill it.

Congratulations, Father Ted, on your 10th anniversary.  May God continue to equip and empower you today as He did 10 years ago to fulfill the vocation to which He calls you, so that all the faithful can answer God's call to each of us and collectively as His Church.

Another 21 for Illinois at 202

It's time to party like it's 1818 again as we celebrate the Statehood Day of Illinois, now at 202 years. For the occasion of the Illinois bicentennial, which was two years ago, I created 2 lists of 200 things about Illinois that I included in various blog posts.  You can access links to them in this post from 1 year ago.  It was a great way to consider all the amazing things about Illinois, and has inspired me to keep musing about this state.

In honor of Illinois's birthday today, here's a list of 21 more things about the 21st state, especially as I remember my recent travels in Illinois as a starting point.

While St. Louis is a major city in Missouri, it has multiple suburbs on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River, referred to as the Metro East area.

I stayed at a hotel in Granite City (#1) this past summer after driving Historic US Route 66 through Illinois.  Just west of there is Choteau Island (#2), which was formed by the creation of Chain of Rocks Canal (#3), which helped boats navigate a treacherous area of the Mississippi River that is littered with rocks from thousands of years ago.

Just to the north of Granite City in Hartford is the Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower (#4).

It is close to the Lewis and Clark State Memorial Park (#5), preserving the site where the Lewis and Clark Expedition started and finished.

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (#6) has a lovely garden area (#7).

While driving there from Hartford, I impulsively stopped at a farm stand, where I bought some Calhoun peaches (#8), a type of peach grown particularly in southern Illinois.  That shopping stop there was my first time ever encountering this type of peach.

Collinsville (#9) is known for its giant Brooks Catsup (Ketchup) Bottle water tower (#10).

In the northern reaches of the Metro East Area is Alton, which, among other claims to fame, was the home of abolitionist Elijah Lovejoy (#11), where he moved after pro-slavery mobs destroyed his printing press in Missouri.  In Alton, he published the abolitionist newspaper The Alton Observer (#12).  The Elijah Lovejoy Monument (#13) in Alton continues to testify to his courage in standing for the dignity of all people.

Further north is Pere Marquette State Park (#14), at the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers.

Over on the eastern outskirts of the Metro East area near Shiloh (#15) is Scott Air Force Base (#16), a major military installation.

Belleville has the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows (#17), where I had a very quiet, prayerful visit this past summer.

St. Clair County (#18) is one of the counties in the Metro East Area, and is the oldest county in Illinois.  It was named for Arthur St. Clair (#19), the first governor of the vast Northwest Territory.

Cahokia (#20) was started in 1697 as a French settlement.

In the midst of continuing to celebrate the spirit of the bicentennial and learn more about Illinois, I encountered a series of podcasts from Illinois Humanities (#21) that were recorded for that occasion.

They are archived at this link, and well worth the time to listen to them, as a way of learning more about the great state of Illinois, my home sweet home.

At One Decade: Open House Chicago

If there was one Chicagoland event I would recommend to people, it would definitely be Open House Chicago, hosted by the Chicago Architecture Center. For 10 years, Open House Chicago (OHC) has provided an abundance of opportunities for people to explore in-depth what is in Chicago and, in more recent years, surrounding suburbs, too.

That was still the case for this year's event, marking 10 years, even though the event was reimagined to fit within current guidelines in place.  The focus shifted to virtual events and self-guided tours of building site exteriors.

Always interested in exploring Chicago, I was eager to participate.

So on a rainy Sunday, October 18, I drove into the southern parts of Chicago.

While not officially part of OHC, I first visited Five Holy Martyrs Parish. On October 5, 1979, Pope St. John Paul II celebrated an outdoor Mass in this church's parking lot during his visit to the United States.  The altar is still in place, as you can see in the photo below.

Then I drove north from there into the North Lawndale neighborhood to view the following sites. 

Farm on Ogden--the photos directly above and below

The Firehouse Community Arts Center of Chicago, in the three photos below:

The Central Park Theater

I later watched a fascinating program that shared in-depth about its architectural details, the history of the building as a theater, and its present-day functions as a church and community organization.

Before heading home, I stopped for photos at the original Sears Tower on Homan Avenue.

I had seen it on the list of sites in previous years' OHC events, and I look forward to the year when we can go back to visiting inside buildings and I can go inside.

A couple of weeks later, I went just across the border from Oak Park into the Austin neighborhood to view houses designed by Frederick R. Schock.  He designed numerous buildings in Austin, which contributed significantly to the neighborhood's development in the 1880's-1890's.

Informational sign at Race and Menard

The Beeson House, with Coach House appearing to the left in this photo

I saw a couple touring the homes, and one of them kindly granted my request to get a photo of me posing by the Schlect House. This photo is the only one in this post taken by someone other than me.

F.R. Schock House, the architect's house

The Marie Schock House was built for someone in the architect's family. A sign out front states it reportedly influenced Frank Lloyd Wright's Home and Studio design.

I was impressed that there are such architectural gems not that far from me.  While I had seen glimpses of elegant homes in Austin, this outing was the first time I stopped to look at them and learn more.

Everything I saw during my OHC 2020 outings continued to underscore how wonderful this event is in helping people encounter the amazing sites in Chicago and to appreciate more deeply their significance and their contributions to Chicagoland.  

I'm furthermore delighted that Oak Park was one of multiple suburbs included once again in OHC 2020 so that its noted examples of architecture can be showcased as well.

Indeed, there's so much to look at more closely in Chicago, I'm glad that I was still able to go out for some great exploring in Chicago with the neighborhood opening up once again for OHC.

What This Place Means to Me

It was 28 years ago today, on November 28, 1992, when I, as a toddler, became a resident of Oak Park when my family moved here. Those 28 years are a substantial quantity of time that speaks to a substantial quality of time I've had here, and definitely establishes that Oak Park has made its mark upon me.  That has become even more apparent in recent years, as evidenced by how I talked so much about this village when I was at ValpU, particularly during my first year there, that my friend Roy mentions Oak Park when he does impersonations of me.  I also think about special my homecoming was 10 years ago this month for Thanksgiving Break in 2010, when my longtime roommate Zach came with me and got to see this place so dear to me, which may very well have been the first visit, or among the first, a ValpU friend paid to my home.

I experienced the love of family here in this home for all these years, which I remember fondly on my birthday 4 years ago when we got dinner from the hot food selection at Pete's, and I felt a wonderful sensation as our foursome dined together.  One of my other favorite memories was how I got to travel the USA and the world at the computer playing the games Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego? Amtrak Edition and Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? 

From this home I have gone forth to be part of what this community has offered me. I think especially of the distinct culture in southern Oak Park, and most certainly south of the I-290/Eisenhower Freeway, with the presence of Barrie and Rehm Parks, Irving and Lincoln Schools, the Southeast Oak Park Organization (SEOPCO), and businesses like Fair Share, Harrison Jewelers, Pete's Red Hots, the Oak Park Bakery, and Hole-in-the-Wall.  In the years after I left Irving and went to schools further north in Oak Park, it became more apartment to me how the mark of the southern part of town was upon me.

And among other wonderful places in Oak Park I enjoy, Jerusalem Cafe and Grape Leaves both offer wonderful selections of Mediterranean food.  Aripo's was fabulous because it added something so distinct to the downtown Oak Park scene with the Venezuelan arepa sandwiches.

A great outing during the summers is shopping at the Farmers' Market, with excellent offerings of produce from around the Great Lakes region.  In fact, to celebrate 28 years here, I had the last of the apples I bought 4 weeks ago from the Walter Skibbe stand at the Farmers' Market 2020, which is in this photo below.

Thinking about Oak Park, I keep coming back to the sense of closeness in this community, even with over 50000 residents.  We embrace our institutions and organizations for the way they bring us together.

And while we live in the shadow of Chicago, we still distinguish ourselves, having much to offer to the surrounding area with Chicago and other suburbs.

I've valued the opportunities I've had during my time in Oak Park to be part of shaping this community, which is a large part of the reason why my time at Julian was so significant.  Even volunteering and then working at the Oak Park Public Library was a way to do something for the broader community as the library seeks to engage.  Additionally, I have given back to the community in an extraordinary way by serving as an election judge.

And I continue to think much of the ways I've been involved at Ascension Church, especially as a Religious Education teacher/catechist, giving back to the community by serving the youths in my class, which has continued, even as I now teach from home on Tuesday evenings.

With Thanksgiving Day still fresh on my mind, as I celebrate this occasion of moving here, I know have much to give thanks for because of the meaning of my home here in Oak Park, and how that meaning continues to have an impact.

Thank you, Oak Park.

Thanks be to God.

God bless my home.

God bless Oak Park.

Thanksgiving Thoughts 2020

Thanksgiving Day is a great holiday that I enjoy celebrating each year because there are so many aspects about this holiday that are special to me:  It's always meaningful each year to attend Mass on Thanksgiving Day morning as a way to present myself before God in thanksgiving at the Eucharist, and then to enjoy good foods later on, especially my favorite, turkey.  This holiday also combines patriotism and faith in a single occasion, two principles that are important in my life, because this holiday touches upon important aspects of the Christian life and has origins in our national experience of the United States.

Thanksgiving Day was November 26, 1789, by proclamation of President George Washington on October 3, 1789.  Then, 74 years later, President Abraham Lincoln, on October 3, 1863, proclaimed Thanksgiving Day as an annual holiday.

Looking at both proclamations, I notice similar themes, demonstrating that it is an occasion that raises the mind and spirits to consider lofty ideas.  Both recognize the many blessings the US people have experienced, and that's especially telling in 1863 as a terrible war raged, as well as in 1789, after years of conflict with Britain and then arduous efforts to stabilize the US government.  Our history has much to offer us for consideration in facing the challenges of our present day.

Both proclamations acknowledge God as the source of these blessings and exhort the American people on Thanksgiving Day to turn unto God to thank Him for His blessings that He bestowed on us in His mercy despite our wrongdoings, to seek His pardon for transgressions, and to continue calling upon His favor, especially for those who serve in government, and those afflicted by conflict.

My life's experience has demonstrated to me over and over that in any circumstances, there is always something to be thankful for, because God, ever merciful, continues to manifest His blessings to us, even the blessing of His very presence and the life He gives each of us.

The reality of God's presence and His continued, sustained goodness toward us demonstrate that we can always give thanks for those things that are most important in life, especially because they persist in challenging times, and in times of prosperity.

Since they persist, we have reason to continue the spirit of gratitude each day, which has a significant impact in our lives, in our country, and in our world, as we open our eyes to the goodness and blessings of God all around us that is there all the time.  So we go forth to live with purpose, as we make much of what we have, because we are grateful for it all.

Thanks be to God!

Vacation Vibes that were SoCal and Stirring

The state of California has always had a special glow in the American imagination, embodied so well in the song, "California, Here I Come!"

I had my chance to experience those words with true meaning a few weeks ago when I traveled west, eager to visit my good college friend Roy once again.  Last time, I visited him in Oregon, and this time, I journeyed to southern California.  Certainly, my trip to visit him was so wonderful, and there was so much more I gained from my vacation.

After pandemic limitations precluded two previous attempts at a trip to see him during 2020, I was glad that my third attempt finally materialized.

So with a measure of excitement, I got in my parents' family vehicle and Dad took me to Chicago Union Station on the afternoon of Sunday, September 27, 2020.

This trip would give me the chance to reconnect with a family vacation we had 16 years ago, in summer 2004, which was between my 7th and 8th grade school years.  We rode Amtrak's Southwest Chief route to Lamy, NM, and from there made our way to Santa Fe and then Pagosa Springs, CO.  This time, I would ride the Southwest Chief further west to visit Roy in southern California, with a stop in Flagstaff to visit the Grand Canyon.

The above photo shows a bench with train artwork at the Amtrak station in Raton, NM, along the Southwest Chief route.  Please note, all photos in this blog post are mine, except where noted.

After waiting at Union Station for about half an hour, I heard the boarding call for Amtrak train #3, the westbound Southwest Chief at 2:35 PM.  I walked to gate 14 and boarded the train.  Right on time at 2:50 PM CDT, I felt the lurch that signaled the train was on its way west.  I felt like belting out the lyrics of that song, "California, here I come!"

(Please note that all times stated in this post are local to their particular time zone.  I try to denote time zones when I transitioned between different zones.)

We made pretty good time traveling through the suburbs of Chicago, which is route that provides great sights to see, and then northern Illinois farm country.  We had a slight delay crossing the Mississippi River into Iowa.  Right after the crossing, the train stopped at Fort Madison, which was a fresh air stop for passengers continuing onward.  I got off and walked around a bit before we continued.  Further fresh air stops came at Kansas City between 10-11 PM, where we had a longer layover, and then, after midnight, in Topeka.

Following our stop at Garden City, as we headed through western Kansas, I beheld the sunrise, which you can see in the photo below.  

I went to the lounge car to photograph it, and enjoyed the company of some fellow passengers there as we crossed into Colorado, when I excitedly messaged one of my Denver area cousins.

It was amazing to soak in the scenery of southeastern Colorado, and then northern New Mexico, including the tunnel at Raton Pass followed by the flat drylands of northern New Mexico along I-25, and then red rocks of the mountainous highlands leading to Lamy.  During this time, I started listening to an audiobook version of the complete text of the Lincoln-Douglas debate speeches.

After reconnecting with that family trip 16 years ago as I looked out at the Lamy station, new scenes opened up to me as we continued toward Albuquerque.  We were a bit delayed, arriving into Albuquerque at 6 PM MDT.  It was there that we had a lengthier layover while the train received servicing.  I walked around the station area, and even browsed the offerings of the artist vendors.

Because of a freight train wreck on the tracks ahead of us, we didn't leave until 8 PM MDT, with the passengers passing the time with grocery shopping nearby and even listening to music out on the platform with a very pleasant evening.  It was a relief to finally get moving, even though I knew I would arrive at my destination for the night much later than scheduled.

And then, at 11:10 PM MDT, I entered the state of Arizona for the first time in my life, along the I-40 corridor near Lupton, AZ.  Finally, I reached my destination for the night, Flagstaff, AZ.  At about 12:30 AM MST, I stepped off the train and placed my foot on the platform at the station, my first step in Arizona, which is in the photo below.  

After waiting for the train to depart, I crossed the railroad crossing and went to my AirBnb lodgings for the night.

I awoke shortly after 7 AM MST.  Just after 8 AM, I was on my way back to the Amtrak station.  Around 8:20, a tour van from Sedona-based Great Ventures arrived, and I hopped onboard for my day tour of the Grand Canyon.

I was in a group with four others, led by our wonderful guide, Sheldon, who offered great commentary about everything we saw, even as we drove through Flagstaff.  After driving through Flagstaff, we got on US 180, and drove in a northwesterly direction.  We passed through ponderosa pine forests and then into more open spaces with shrub plants, as we changed elevation.  At one point, we stopped to view the San Francisco Peaks, and nestled among them is Humphrey's Peak, the highest point of elevation in the state of Arizona.

Above, Sheldon photographed me with the San Francisco Peaks behind me.  The tallest peak in the center is Humphrey's Peak.

Shortly after 10 AM, We made a brief stop in Tusayan at the IMAX Theater and Visitors' Center for souvenirs and use of the washrooms.  Then, we officially entered Grand Canyon National Park.

Sheldon took us to a total of 8 different spots where we could view the canyon.  The first stop was Mather Point.  

Sheldon took this photo of me posing at the sign by the parking lot at Mather Point, right before we went to view the Grand Canyon itself.

The pandemic has limited the huge throngs of visitors that normally go there, but the upside is that it was so uncrowded we could enjoy the view.

And what a sight it was when I took my first gaze out at the Grand Canyon.  My Mom told me before departing for this trip that photos can't do it justice.  As I looked out, I felt like words couldn't fully convey the scene before me, immense in size and in wonder.

We stopped at Yavapai Point for more views, and then went to lunch at the Maswik Lodge, around 11:30 AM.  The food offerings were somewhat limited, but there were still some good options available.  I got lasagna, and then ended up with items from others' lunches that were more than they could consume.

Next, we went to the Grand Canyon Village.  Sheldon gave us 40 minutes to roam the area freely.  He suggested visiting some of the historic structures there, including the El Tovar Hotel, the Verskamp Visitors' Center, and the Hopi House, now a store of Native American artwork.  And there were plenty more great views there.

Then we headed toward the East Rim, which is on the south side of the rim, but along the road leading to the East Entrance, where we stopped at several more spots, all the while on the lookout for wildlife, like deer.  We went as far east as Navajo Point.  We got great views of the Colorado River, and at one spot, we could see the rapids, although I could see the rapids' movement better when I used my binoculars.  Sheldon gave us plenty of commentary on the nature, the history of those entrepreneurs who got in the tourist industry there, and the different options for exploring the Grand Canyon.

In the center of the photo above is the Colorado River, the bluish ribbon.  Below is another view of the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.

The final stop was at Duck Point, in the photo directly below, for a formation that can look like a duck, Darth Vader, or maybe something else, depending on how one looks at it.

From what I remember, the above photo show the view of Navajo Point from Duck Point.

As I looked out at Duck Point, I noticed, near the top of the other side of the rim, a cross, which appears in the center of the above photo.

Around 4 PM, we stopped at the Grand Hotel in Tusayan for a washroom break.  Sheldon then read a reflective piece about the Grand Canyon that helped us as a group take stock of the experience we had just had.  As he read, one woman in the group teared up from the emotional power of the Grand Canyon.

There was definitely something soul-stirring about visiting the Grand Canyon and marveling at an extraordinary scene of nature.  My visit there made me think back to a Wilderness REtreat I went on in college to Shades State Park in Indiana.  Our retreat leader, at the start of our time together, mentioned that the Hebrew word for wilderness, midebar, translates into English as "place without words".  That idea came to mind as I beheld the wonder of the Grand Canyon.  It's difficult to an extent to describe the Grand Canyon--it just exists in its majestic glory.  Perhaps it some ways it speaks to how God just is, indescribable beyond our ability to use words, yet we can still behold the reality of Who He is stirring in our hearts.

The Grand Canyon is one of the true national treasures of the United States, and I hope all Americans see it at some point in their lives.

We headed south on AZ Route 64. Sheldon decided we would head straight south on AZ 64 to get views from a different route.  We followed it straight south to Williams, and there, got on I-40, bound east for Flagstaff.

It was just after 6 PM when Sheldon dropped me off at the Flagstaff Amtrak station.  I called my Mom to thank her for the message she sent me for National Sons' Day.  When I hung up, a woman nearby, whose name I later learned was Carla, called out to me, and having heard my conversation, in which I mentioned heading to California, she asked me how much the ticket would cost, since she was there to book passage for that evening's train west.  Gratefully receiving my response, she then offered to watch my luggage while I went to find dinner.

The above photo shows the view looking east on Historic US Route 66 in downtown Flagstaff, with the moon rising in the early evening sky.

I went to MartAnne's, a Mexican place about a block away, along Flagstaff's stretch of Route 66, where I got posole.  It was a bit spicier than what I'm used to from my Grandma's posole, and had a greenish color, but it was tasty, with lots of nice hominy and chunks of pork.  It came with some salad garnish, rice, beans, and torillas. I brought it back to the station and enjoyed it.

As I waited for the train, I watched the last half of the presidential debate, and then admired the moon and the stars in the dark sky above, while also chatting with other passengers awaiting the train.

Around 8:45 PM MST, the train arrived.  I got onboard, and got settled, carrying profound memories of my first visit to Arizona.

After winding myself down, I slept for a little bit, but then got myself up a few minutes after the stop in Kingman.  Then, around 12:30 AM PDT, on Wednesday, September 30, 2020, I passed through that "Golden Gate" in the form of a railroad bridge over the Colorado River, and, for the first time in 13 years, entered the state of California, my first time in southern California.  A few minutes later, the train arrived in Needles.  As we continued onward, I gazed out at the dark night, and could see shrubs abounding in the desert.

Around 3 AM, the train stopped in Barstow, a fresh air stop.  I stepped off onto California ground, and walked around, looking at the historic Casa del Desierto, a Harvey House location, which is in the photo below, and the railroad cars on display nearby. It was quite mild at Barstow.

About 2 1/2 hours later, the train reached San Bernardino around 5:30 AM PDT.  I detrained, and walked toward the elevated pedestrian walkway over the train tracks to access the front of the station, chatting with Carla on the way. I decided to take the elevator up with her, on account of my luggage, and I watched the train depart, bound for Los Angeles.  When the doors opened at the upper level, Roy was there waiting for me--what a good friend to wake up so early to pick me up.

The three of us chatted as we made our way to the other elevator, and then down to the front of the station.  I knew I was in vacation country when I saw the stands of palm trees, even in the predawn darkness.

We got in Roy's car and headed for Redlands.  He took me to Prospect Park, which has been a place where he's gone to reflect often, like when he was first in the process of moving there.  We made our way up a hilly walk, and found a spot to watch the emerging light of day, and take in the views, as seen in the two photos below.  There were many people out and about exercising in the early dawn hours, taking advantage of the time before the heat of the day.

Then we went to Gerrard's, a grocery store to buy some items for breakfast, which included banana-flavored milk and chicken-waffle sandwiches.  We brought all that back to his apartment, and enjoyed breakfast together on his patio.

After I rested, and then some, we left for our day outing to Pasadena. By this point, the sun was at full blast, and the temperature was well on its way to topping 100 degrees.

We stopped at a shopping center where Roy bought a cooler at Target, and then we looked around in a specialty items store with items from around the world.

Then we headed west to Pasadena, and it sure was an interesting experience riding on Southern California freeways, even in the High-Occupancy Vehicle lanes.  Our first stop in Pasadena there was the original Trader Joe's store--in the two photos directly below--which the company opened on August 25, 1967.  I enjoyed buying some of my usual favorites in a significant place.  Both of us also bought lunch.

Then we drove to see Pasadena City Hall, a very elegant building, which is in the photo below.  We found a shady spot to enjoy our Trader Joe's lunch.

Then we walked around Pasadena for a while, looking at shops, and then getting some Chinese-style tea.

Roy took the above picture of my pose by my own last name.

Roy took the above photo of me posing by a Historic US Route 66 sign along Colorado Boulevard in downtown Pasadena.

On our way back to Roy's apartment, we stopped at a Filippino store in Rancho Cucamonga.  Upon arriving back in Redlands, we found a spot near the Santa Ana River to view the sunset, and we walked west along the dry riverbed to watch it.  When we turned back around to return to his car, we saw the moon rise over the mountains in the distance.

Above is the sunset colors looking west along Riverview Drive by the Santa Ana River and below is the moonrise looking east along the same corridor.

We arrived back at his apartment around 7 PM.  While Roy got rice prepared, I went into the apartment complex's pool.

The next morning, Thursday, October 1, after breakfast and some relaxation time at Roy's apartment, we left for Moreno Valley to pick up his then-fiance (now-wife), Rogenique.  While I had interacted with her numerous times via Zoom gatherings, it was special to meet Rogenique in person.  Her family was delighted to meet me, too, as I've become "famous" in their eyes since Roy impersonates me to them.

From there, we drove to Huntington Beach, to meet up with our mutual college friend Tyler, who moved there back in July.  His apartment complex is across the street from the Pacific Ocean beach.  His dating friend Leslie was there.  After having just seen them both back in July during a visit to the Madison, WI, area, where they just moved from, it was great to visit with them again.

Our fivesome walked to lunch at nearby Chronic Tacos. As I viewed the menu, one item caught my eye as something totally SoCal: a Surf and Turf burrito with steak and shrimp.  It was pretty tasty.

We returned to Tyler's apartment and hung out for a while.  Around 5 PM, I got suited up, and then we all went to the beach.  I waded into the cool waters of the Pacific as waves of varying size lapped over and around me.

Above and below are photos of me in the Pacific Ocean. I don't remember who in our friends group took these.

Valparaiso University (VU) lives on in our friendship, as you might notice on my hand signals.  Either Leslie or Rogenique took the above photograph, with Tyler to the left of me and Roy to the right.  Below is a selfie I took of our group: from left to right is Leslie, Tyler, me, Rogenique, and Roy.

By 6 PM, we were on our way to dinner, at a place called Pacific Hideaway.  It was nestled in a hotel, and after dinner, we lingered for a few minutes around one of the multiple fire pits there.  Then we went to get specialty tea drinks at a place on Walnut Street, and then lingered out in the evening for a while along Main Street, before going back to hang out at Tyler's apartment, which included a geography guessing game.

Above is the scene of the sunset along Pacific Coast Highway as we walked to dinner. Below is a view of 5th Street from the balcony of the Pacific Hideaway Restaurant.  As an aside, one of the odd things about Huntington Beach was seeing Halloween decorations on houses with palm trees in front of them.

The next day, Friday, October 2, Roy and I left around 10 AM or so for San Diego.  Our first stop was lunch at Aladdin, a Middle Eastern restaurant, with lots of good food. I particularly liked having some dishes with lamb meat.

Next, we visited the Mount Soledad Veterans' Memorial.  It was perched on a height of land, with spectacular views of the San Diego area in all directions.  The memorial is a fitting monument in coastal California, with cities whose origins go back to missions founded by St. Junipero Serra as a way to magnify God.

Looking inland from Mount Soledad

Looking north along the Pacific coast

Looking west out into the Pacific Ocean

Looking inland toward the urban area of San Diego

Subsequently, we visited La Jolla.  We went to the La Jolla Cove Beach, which has a sea cave.  After venturing through the cove, we got a spot where we could view sea lions, and watch the crashing waves.  We continued walking along the beach, and saw many more sea lions sunning themselves.

The Beach at La Jolla Cave

Here's the view on the other end of the cove.

This photo zooms in on the rock in the photo above it that shows some sea lions at rest.

Another view from the other end of the cove, looking out toward the shoreline.

The entrance to the cove

Sea lions lounging on the rocks at Point La Jolla, a short walk from the cove

The view of the Pacific shoreline walking further along in a southerly direction from Point La Jolla

Roy then took me to Windansea Beach, which has great personal significance:  Back in February, he brought Rogenique there, along with her family and other friends, and proposed to her.  It was wonderful sitting there for a few minutes admiring the ocean and the waves.

Roy proposed to Rogenique in the shelter that appears near the center of this photo, at Windansea Beach.

Then it was time to head to San Diego Bay for our boat cruise onboard the Spirit of San Diego, with a scheduled departure time at 4:30.

Here I am posing by the boat, in this photo that Roy took. (Roy took all photos onboard in which I appear.)

The cruise first went into the south part of the bay.  The guide told us about Coronado Island, the military ships, and the other commercial ships docked in the bay.

Above is one of the many military ships docked in the San Diego Bay.

Above is a view of the bridge headed to Coronado Island.

Above is a stack of Dole containers, which the tour guide said was a shipment of fruit most likely from South America.

Way off in the distance, past the south end of the bay were some low mountains, which you can see in the photo below behind me, and as I looked at them, for the first time in my life, I looked at Mexico.

The boat returned to the dock and then we set out toward the north, and rounded the north end of Coronado Island toward the outlet into the Pacific Ocean, with more narration of the places along the bay.

Above is the view of the San Diego Skyline as the Spirit of San Diego pulls out of its dock into San Diego Bay.

Here are some sea lions resting on some type of flat surface boards in the water of North San Diego Bay looking toward the land of Point Loma.

Above, the Pacific Ocean appears behind me to the left, and the end of Point Loma, where Cabrillo National Monument is located.

Above are some military ships docked near the north end of Coronado Island.

As we headed back toward dock, we had amazing views of the sunset over San Diego Bay, like in this photo.

Once we got back to the dock, we walked over to Seaport Village to find dinner, and ended up at a Mexican place, one of the few restaurants still open.  Then we browsed some shops, and walked further south along the shoreline of the bay.

By 8:30 or so, we were on our way back to Redlands.

The next day, Saturday, October 3, I spent some time lounging around at Roy's apartment, and wrote a bunch of postcards.  Roy left to pick up Rogenique, and then Tyler arrived.  Around 11 AM or so, we left to visit downtown Redlands.  We went inside an art gallery, and then walked through Umbrella Alley.

Above and below are scenes in downtown Redlands along State Street.

The orange figures prominently into the logo of Redlands, as shown in these photos above and below.

Directly above is the Umbrella Alley.

Next, we went to the Richards house in Moreno Valley to pick up Rogenique's sister Faith.  On the way there, we stopped at a produce stand where I bought a 5-pound bag of organic California oranges to take home.  After our stop, we went to Riverside.

We spent a good chunk of time meandering around the Mission Inn, a historic, elegant hotel, where Roy and Rogenique made plans for a post-wedding dinner and then their honeymoon.  

Above is the outside of the Mission Inn. Below is a view of the interior, by the Presidential Lounge.

Above is a view of a courtyard area of the Mission Inn.

Around 3 PM, we got lunch at the Food Lab, which is basically a food court, as shown in the photo below.

On our way back to Moreno Valley, we stopped at a commercial area called University Village to get boba tea at the Boba Cafe.

After dropping off Rogenique and Faith, Roy, Tyler, and I returned to Roy's apartment.  After a few minutes there, we went to St. Anthony Parish in San Bernardino for 6 PM Spanish Mass.  In accordance with California regulations, Mass was held outside in the parish courtyard under a tent, which seemed fitting with the Jewish celebration of Sukkot at hand.  Since we were near the start of October, there was a Respect Life focus at Mass, including a prepared homily from the Diocese of San Bernardino.  And it was such a fine, warm evening to be outside for Mass.

Above is the outdoor tent area where Mass was held. Below is the St. Anthony Church building.

Mass finished shortly before 7 PM.  We three chatted in Spanish as we got back into Roy's car and headed toward the train station. We stopped at Superior Grocers first so I could get something to take with me to eat on the train.

Then we headed to the station.  After going inside the building, we went to the pedestrian overpass over to the Amtrak platform.  I called home, and Dad picked up, and we three chatted with him.

Above is teh view of the San Bernadino Amtrak/Metrolink train station from the pedestrian overpass. Below is a photo of me posing ready ot board the train--either Tyler or Roy took it.

Around 7:50 or so, Amtrak train #4, the eastbound Southwest Chief, arrived.  I bid farewell to Tyler and Roy, before boarding, with tons of great memories of a wonderful visit to southern California, and excitement for what I would see and experience on the way home.

Once I got settled, I dug into my dinner, the turkey carnitas meat I got at Superior Grocers, and put it in a bread roll.  When the train reached Barstow around 9 PM, I stepped off for fresh air, for one last time to walk around on California ground, while also admiring the moon.

Above is a view of the almost-full moon from the observation/lounge care, most likely somewhere east of Barstow, as the train headed toward Needles.

Between 12 and 1 AM PDT, on Sunday, October 4, after the stop in Needles, the train crossed the Colorado River and I bade farewell to California as we headed into Arizona.

I awoke at the stops in Kingman, Flagstaff, and Winslow.  After Winslow, I noticed the faintest glimmers of daylight emerge, and I decided to stay awake and watch the sunrise over the eastern Arizona desert, which included passage through Petrified Forest National Park.  The three photos below show sunrise scenes from eastern Arizona, in between the stops in Winslow and Gallup.

Around 8 AM MDT, we crossed into New Mexico, and shortly thereafter, we reached Gallup, whose Amtrak station is in the photo below, where I got off for fresh air.  

After a few minutes, the conductor let out a long, shrill, "All aboard" call, as he then explained it, to be heard at the other end of the platform.  I remarked that I wished I had recorded it.

After about 2 1/2 hours of traveling through the western New Mexico desert along the I-40/Historic US 66 corridor, which is in the four photos above, we reached Albuquerque at 10:50 AM MDT.  We had an hourlong layover.  I got off the train and walked around a little in downtown Albuquerque, especially to get photos at Central Avenue, the alignment of Historic US 66 in downtown Albuquerque, which is in the two photos below.  

Above is looking east, and below is looking west from the intersection of Central Avenue and 1st Street.

I also went to photograph the train from the Lead Avenue overpass, as shown below.

The station appears to the left.

Then I went shopping at the Silver Street Market for my lunch and dinner.  As I browsed the hot food/deli area, a woman there asked if she could assist me, and then she recommended a hot meal option, which I chose: meatloaf with fried zucchini.  I also got some fried chicken.  I was very pleased with the presence of that store close to the train station and what it offered.

Around 11:50, the train departed Albuquerque.  The next stop was Lamy.  Because we were making good time, the train crew decided to give passengers the opportunity to have a fresh air stop there.  As we pulled in, people waved to us who were eating their meals in the outdoor seating area adjacent to the restaurant at the station.  Stepping off was another chance to reconnect with the trip that took me there 16 years ago.

Above are photos in a family photo album that were taken at the Amtrak station in Lamy, NM, on July 29, 2004, probably taken by Mom or Dad.  I am posing on the outside of the train in the top one.  The bottom one shows the train stopped and pointed toward Albuquerque.

A fellow passenger took the above photo of me at the Lamy Amtrak Station on October 4, 2020.

From there, it was up into the red-rocked mountainous areas before coming back down to flat, dry plains in northern New Mexico along I-25.

Above and below are the mountainous areas between Lamy and Las Vegas, NM.

Above is a view of the engine of the westbound Southwest Chief train, which we passed between Lamy and Las Vegas. Below is a view of the landscape between Las Vegas and Raton along I-25.

I joined with my friends' Bible study group as we reached Raton, where I got off for fresh air, and then my phone signal dropped as we headed toward the Raton Pass tunnel.

Above is the sign just outside the north entrance of the Raton Pass Tunnel.

I got some great views of the sunset past Trinidad, which is in the photo below, at which point I opened up my fried chicken from Albuquerque for dinner.

It was pretty much night by the time we reached La Junta, around 7 PM MDT or so, where we had a layover of about 20 minutes, during which time I walked around in town to get photos, called to check in with Mom, and then, because I was inspired, played "America, the Beautiful" out on the platform.

Above is a mural in La Junta for the Southwest Chief train route. Below is a display on the local Elks building showing Amtrak mileage.

Above is a view of the engines during the stop at La Junta, and below is an electronic sign on the platform at La Junta.

Within 2-3 hours, we left Colorado and entered Kansas, and then past Hamilton County, we entered the Central Time Zone, around 10:30 PM CDT, and then I went to sleep shortly thereafter.

It was still pretty dark when we reached Kansas City the next morning, on Monday, October 5.  While we had an extended layover there, I stepped off the platform for fresh air and spent a while out there as the sun rose.  Being there caused me to think of the song "Kansas City" in Oklahoma!  I played the song, singing and dancing along on the platform.

Above is the view looking west on the platform at Kansas City Union Station, with the gibbous moon high above. Below is a  view looking north at downtown Kansas City from the platform, with the Main Street bridge appearing to the right.

We had great views of the morning sun as we head east and north out of Kansas City, soon following and then crossing the Missouri River, as the urban area gave way to the farm fields on northern Missouri.

Above is a view traveling parallel to the south bank along the Missouri River, and below is the view when the train crossed the Missouri River on the Sibley Railroad Bridge, looking in an easterly direction.

Then came great views of the Des Moines River as we entered Iowa, which is in the photo below.  

We had a quick stop at Fort Madison, abbreviated because, after the stop in La Plata, we had gotten significantly delayed behind a freight train that was instructed to move slowly.  As we pulled out of the Fort Madison station, we passed by Fort Madison and had great views of the Mississippi River as we crossed into Illinois.

Fort Madison, with the Mississippi River appearing behind it

That sunshine sure looks marvelous gleaming on the waters of the Mississippi.

The bridge over the Mississippi River

Looking north as the train crosses the Mississippi River from Iowa into Illinois

Once crossed over, I went to the cafe car to buy lunch: a vegan bean-corn burger patty with grape juice.  I listened to more of the Lincoln-Douglas debates as we rolled along through the northern Illinois farm fields.

Above is the view out the window of the door at the back of the train, looking in a westerly direction as we travel through northern Illinois.

This set of grain elevators with a corn cob on one of them is in Mendota, home of the Annual Sweet Corn Festival.

At about 3:30 PM CDT, we reached the Amtrak/Metra Station in Naperville, IL, where I detrained.  Within one minute of walking out onto the platform, Mom and I met. Then we walked across a roadway to where she had parked the family vehicle, and we both got in and headed back to Oak Park.

Considering how many limitations have been posed throughout the course of this year, I'm glad that I was able to have such a wonderful trip.  And there was so much I was able to still see and do, like the Grand Canyon, shopping at the original Trader Joe's store in Pasadena, a tour boat cruise in San Diego Bay, and frolicking in the Pacific Ocean.

I recognize there were multiple aspects of this trip that touched me deep within.  Certainly, my friendship with Roy and Tyler is so strong, spanning the years, and continuing to give me the motivation to travel even more than 2000 miles to be physically present in a good, quality visit.  Roy is certainly a kindred spirit friend, the type of person I can open up with on a deep level, and that makes any visit with him a special time.  It was just like when I traveled to the Pacific Northwest 3 years ago to see Roy when he lived in Albany, OR.  I am grateful for his hospitality in hosting me so eagerly, even taking time off from work so he could take me around and we could be together.

Roy truly embeds himself in any place where he has lived, and so visiting him in California gave me the chance to see places that are dear and near to his heart, like the park in Redlands where he often went while pondering the process of his move there.  And, of course, I really got to the heart of his life meeting Rogenique and visiting with her.  It was special to visit them about a month before their wedding.

I also think about how I got to reconnect with the trip I took on the Southwest Chief over 16 years ago, much like riding the Empire Builder to visit Roy 3 years ago reconnected me with the great train trip in summer 1997.  I even reonnected with some places where I traveled during the May 2011 storm chase trip I took, much of which was in Kansas.

And this trip gave me the chance to build upon what I've already experienced.  I returned to California for the first time in 13 years, and spent time in a different part of the state.  I was able to connect in a small way with the land of my ancestors, Mexico, from the glimpse I got while riding the boat in San Diego Bay.

I was able to really enhance my trip by making the journey there as much a part of the experience as the destination.  Indeed, I was delighted to finally have the opportunity to visit the state of Arizona.  And certainly it was great during my first time in Arizona to visit the Grand Canyon.  I am grateful to Sheldon for the fine job he did in helping me and the others in my group get so much out of our visit to the Grand Canyon, especially in the sheer sense of its wonder.  And it was a pleasure to share such an experience with those in the group.

All throughout this trip, there was so much to behold in all the land of the places I passed through or stopped in.  Riding the train helped me soak it all in, as we passed from farmlands in Illinois and Missouri into the vast plains of Kansas into Colorado, and then the varied mountainous terrain from Colorado onward.  There was even something wondrous about the deserts, enhanced by the rising and setting sun, and even the southern California desert with its abundance of shrubbery in the dark night under a moonlit sky.  A large portion of this trip also followed Historic US Route 66, which stirred something in me about a bygone era that speaks to a way of life focused on really appreciating and embracing what is in the land, much like train travel does.  The "Get Your Kicks on Route 66" song came alive as I passed through Gallup, Winona, Flagstaff, Kingman, Barstow, and San Bernadino.  The vast majority of the route was on the BNSF railarod tracks, which hearkens back to the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad, vestiges of which are still present along the Southwest Chief route, like in the Harvey House buildings at Barstow and Needles.

BNSF engines at Raton, NM

Furthermore, I think about the fine people I met along the way, especially riding the rails, and how I could get to interact with them while passing the time, not to mention the fine grocery store, the Silver Street Market in Albuquerque.  I left a positive review for it on Yelp, and the proprietor responded soon after with appreciation for my review.  And then there was the produce vendor who sold me a 5-pound bag of oranges, in the photo below, who spoke about how he picked them himself.  I was delighted to bring them back to Chicagoland, and I got many compliments about how delicious they were.

I set out on this journey knowing I was going to have enjoyable experiences, but that sensation I felt upon arriving in southern California took it up to a more intensely enjoyable level, truly feeling myself in vacation mood.  First, it was induced in the predawn darkness with the sight of the palm trees.    Then the intense heat put me in a mood evocative of summer, just like going to the Pacific Ocean did, and made this trip really feel like a vacation.  Even the abbreviation "SoCal" really evokes that vacation mood.  It was something to feel the sensation of "SoCal" in everything from riding on the freeways to the surf and turf burrito.

This mood stirred something in me while on my way back to Chicagoland:  When we stopped in Albuquerque, a man boarded with his daughter, who appeared to be around the age of 8-10.  She was wearing a shirt that, to the best of my memory, had a palm tree on it, and words like "Vacay Vibes".  That shirt definitely speaks to what I felt on this trip, especially once I detained in San Bernadino, CA.  I really got great vacation vibes.

I was glad to get those vibes in company with great friends.

And I was glad for how during trip, I got to appreciate more deeply, in new ways, this land I love, America, the Beautiful.  On this trip, I truly got to discover more so how beautiful it is.

Chicago Union Station, whose great hall is in the photo above, was once again the starting point of another experience for me in America, the Beauitful.

Below is the departure info board at Chicago Union Station right before I boarded the train.  You can see the Southwest Chief, train #3, listed at the top.

I got great vibes in SoCal, and those palm trees had much to do with it, like these ones in teh photo above lining New York Street in Redlands, where I stayed at Roy's apartment.

Above is a decorated bench at the Amtrak station in Raton, NM. America the Beautiful was on full display throughout my journey, manifest in the Western Spirit that rides high in the wide open spaces under a big sky full of sunshine.