Dear 1036 Clarence: The Delights of Where I Began

Dearly Beloved 1036 Clarence,

I am overjoyed to once again celebrate the anniversary of the day my family came to you.

I still consider you the place where I came into existence.

It has been a joy to bring others to experience you.

When it was time for Thanksgiving Break week 15 years ago, I came home with my longtime roommate Zach, who spent the night.  For sure, I was overjoyed to be coming back home to you.  With each step of the journey, starting with the South Shore Line ride to the Blue Line ride to the walk from the Oak Park Avenue Station, it was special to feel the anticipation build because it would be a whole new type of homecoming as Zach accompanied me.  Once home, we had a nice meal, and we were able to really relax after a week with a large workload.

My other friends followed in making their visits, Richard, Tyler, Roy, and Matthew.  It was also memorable when Roy came to stay with Rogenique during the New Year's Holiday 2022 after we three attended Heather and Zach's wedding.

Over the course of the years, as the seasons passed and I was in different stages of life, I rejoiced in how you held such special meaning.

I'm glad to say that my special experiences have continued.  As is my custom, when I go to Ascension Church, I park right by you and walk there.  As I left RE class one evening earlier this month, I reached Avila where I parked her.  I saw Jim, one of the neighbors, emerge and say he was looking for the aurora borealis. I looked toward the west, and I was amazed to see a red glow in the night sky.

The color red reminds me of the vibrant red color of the tree out in front every autumn.  First, the leaves would change and then a red carpet would appear on the ground around it.  When I marked the 15th anniversary of my Confirmation in 2020, the red color suited my mood in celebrating the marvelous work of the Holy Spirit in my life, and the joy of God's presence.

I felt God's presence manifest in so many special ways inside of you.

That's why I continue to be convinced that I'm not just lucky, I'm blessed!

Truly you shall not fade into the background but remain deep in my heart as that dearly beloved place.

We remain connected:

All my relations.

God's blessings,

Paul

Lord God, I come before you with a heart filled with joyful Thanksgiving for the gift of 1036 Clarence Avenue.  The joy transcends those years and continues to stir my heart. It continues to be a gift that keeps on giving, an impact that outlasts Mom and Dad's decision for our family to live in you 33 years ago.  I am grateful for their decision.  And I bless, praise, and magnify You, O God, the Source of all Goodness. Amen.

Joyful, Joyful, we adore You, Lord.