Earlier this month, I celebrated the 10th anniversary of my MLIS graduation from Dominican University.
After the ceremony at UIC concluded, there was a great dinner gathering back at you. It was an immense pleasure that Dan and Ann Ruggaber came for the ceremony, because they basically invited themselves--which I was glad about--and they brought my friend Zach.
We got carry-out dinner from Grape Leaves, with a splendid spread of food. I think it included shawarma, falafel, and salad. I also baked some lime bread. There was talk among those gathered about the speech that my Professor, Karen Snow, gave about cataloging, which helped shed some light on something that was a significant part of my studies.
It was so wonderful to see my family gathered there, Mom, Dad, Uncle Bernie, Uncle Brian, Grandma Dottie, Grandma Vel, Buddy the dog, Eric, and Naomi, who would become my sister-in-law in a few months, along with the Ruggabers and Zach.
Looking ahead, we'll soon be at the Centennial of Andy Griffith's birth. We had various tapes and DVDs of The Andy Griffith Show. Eventually, Mom bought Dad the complete series, in a container that looked like it was a picnic table spread ready for good times.
I take great joy in how these memories persist, just as your presence, 1036 Clarence, persists within me.
And so I declare that you shall not fade into the background, but remain deep in my heart as that dearly beloved place.
We remain ever connected: All my relations.
With gladness and gratitude, I say, Joyful, joyful, I adore You, Lord for the gift of 1036 Clarence.
God's blessings,
Paul
O God, Who are Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in Trinity. You reveal the Mystery of Yourself in Love, which we experience in all our human relationships. I thank you for the love I experienced at 1036 Clarence Avenue in the relationships with family and others who came by to visit. Indeed, I am touched in the heart as I celebrate the years at 1036 Clarence, and it is a revelation of Your heart and how You, as Trinity, Three Persons in One God, have been at work in my life.
Amen.
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