February 10, 2010

Two sunny days in a row. How the sun lifts people’s spirits. And I’m glad I don’t live in Michigan or on the east coast where they are getting another dumping of snow! I pray for the safety of all drivers and walkers.

The new whirlpool in Clare Residence is wonderful. I had opportunity to try it out yesterday. I was amazed at how fast it fills once the door is closed…and again how fast it drains. It sure makes it a lot easier for the care-giver with the door at the end and you can just slide the chair into the tub. No more lifting and turning. Thanks to all who donated $ for this great item.

We have some lovely amaryllis flowers in various places around here. Sister Moe’s plant is in front of the altar in chapel. It is 30 inches tall! I’ve never seen such a tall amaryllis. I always enjoy watching these bulbs grow and produce flowers.

February is “I Love to Read Month.” Usually I’d go to read to the First Graders, but will have to put that on hold for a few more weeks. Then I will get back to it. Yesterday Pat caught me reading while I was waiting for an elevator. These days we have a “Book Exchange” going on in the library office. You can look the selection over and take for free what you want. For fun reading, I am reading “How to Talk Minnesotan” and “A Light in the Attic.”

Tomorrow evening we are having our Employee Appreciation Evening. We will have a social, dinner, program and awards for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30-year employees. God bless each of you who have ministered with us for these many years. You are the greatest!

Thursday is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes…a day when we remember the sick and their care-givers. We will be having two special prayer services for the wonderful care-givers we have in Clare Residence. They minister to our sick and elderly Sisters in such loving and gentle ways. Having just been the beneficiary of their care, I speak from experience. We are blest in the care we have available to us. Thank you.

Happy Valentines Day to each of you. It is great to celebrate love on one special day of the year, but also good to know that we celebrate the love of one another all the year long, too. Let’s not limit it to just one day. Father Dalseth had a good column in last week’s St. Cloud Visitor about practicing the gift of loving in all our living.

Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Have you given any thought to your Lenten resolutions? I am thinking more along the lines of “giving” than of “giving up.”

Let us continue to pray for the people of Haiti and all those who are in any way aiding them.
Pax et Bonum.


Sister Mary Lou