We are not years old, rather, years young!

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.  We’ve had many blessings the past week.

One blessing that came as a shock to all of us was the sudden and unexpected death of Sr. Ruth Nistler, age 81. Friday afternoon she left Little Falls for Rice Lake for a mini-vacation/family reunion.  She was so excited about this trip.  Saturday afternoon she was sitting and watching the families playing water golf.  She stood up and collapsed.  EMT and fire department people were present.  They did CPR, called 911 and took her by ambulance to the Grand Rapids, MN hospital.  The first report was that her heart was very weak … and at about 4 p.m. she died.  Eternal rest give to her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.  May she rest in peace.  Sister Ruth’s funeral is at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24.

Friday evening was the 20^th Morrison County Relay for Life at the High School track.  The evening was beautiful, except for a brief shower (with lots of lightening) that sent everyone inside for about an hour.  The inspiring speaker at the Opening Ceremony was Bunny Tabatt—someone who knows a lot about cancer.  As a young woman, she lost her eyesight because of cancer, her fiancée died of cancer, as did 4 of her leader dogs. Yet Bunny is always optimistic and smiles easily.  The Relay took in about $107,000!  That’s a lot of money!!!   There were 216 walkers on 19 teams.  My hero is 93-year-young, Keith Manbeck, who had knee surgery two months ago and walked the Survivor’s Lap!  God bless all those who raise money for cancer research and help those who have cancer.

Friday morning I attended the Chamber of Commerce Friday Morning Coffee event at Paradox Chiropractic.  It was a most interesting program.  Doctor D is licensed to do chiropractic work on people and on animals. The “on animals” part was  totally new to me.  She goes to the patient.  She told stories of how horses and dogs, etc. have been helped and relieved of their  pain.  It was a most interesting program.

Yesterday noon was the potluck family picnic at St. Camillus Place.  Three of us Sisters are on the Advisory Board.   St. Camillus Place is a 14-bed home for physically and mentally challenged adults.   It was a beautiful day for a picnic.  LOTS of family members were in attendance.  All the residents had visitors for the get-together.

Besides the funeral on Wednesday, the other big event of the week is the Breckenridge Nurses Reunion.  About 60 nurses will be here for Mass, lunch and lots of visiting.  It is always a fun time when  they are around.

Next Sunday, July 28 we will celebrate the 50^th Jubilee of Sisters Grace, Shirley and Pat.  Thank you, Sisters, for all the service you have done for so many.  All three of them served in the Foreign Missions at some time.

Another big puzzle was finished last week. The over 1,000 piece puzzle of Mother Polar Bear and her two cubs has pictures of 32 arctic animals in it.  

A trivia note:  Bugs Bunny’s is 73 years young on Saturday, July 27.

May God bless and continue to care for you this week.

Peace and blessings,                                                                                                 

Sister Mary Lou