Refreshment

I'm taking a break from the trip. Today is the second anniversary of losing our last child. It was quite a spiritual journey so if you don't know the story or want a refresher, check HERE.

A friend asked after Mass how today was for me...emotional, happy, sorrowful? I'm not sure. It's almost lacking most emotion. I know that our baby is in heaven and I do feel her prayers on many occasions. I know the Holy Spirit provides many opportunities to remember and give thanks for that last miracle.

 - This morning before Mass we picked (finally...better late than never) the "Saint of the Month" for August. Blondie chose it and I smiled when I read that it was Bernadette of Lourdes.

 - I have a friend who is faith-filled and wonderful. We've only met once but she is someone to whom I feel so deeply tied. (there was a great daily quote about that...I'll put it up if I can find it). She is also a busy homeschooling mother of eight. Today was the day, after months of silence, she chose to reach out to catch up. I know she's unaware of the significance of today or why it would be so good for me to hear from a friend now. The Holy Spirit whispers and I am grateful that people respond.
     
 I found it!

"The accidents of life separate us from our dearest friends, but let us not despair. God is like a looking glass in which souls see each other. The more we are united to Him by love, the nearer we are to those who belong to Him."
— St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

  - I was putting up new flowers for the Blessed Mother who was without during our travels. While moving things on the mantle, the bell we brought from Slovakia, Bernadette's bell (we ring it when we think of her), fell off. I said "please, don't break" and it fell on a booster seat that happened to be sitting below the mantle. Gianni picked it up said, "Hello, Bernadette" rang it and we put it back.

 - I was just "out in the world" for a bit taking #1 to the orthodontist. They recently moved into a dental "spa" that I worried would be troublesome. My fears were not nearly dire enough. I will say it was a good teaching opportunity of which I took full advantage on the way home...#1 was very interested in discussing the fine points of worldly things failing to bring true happiness (I know it's kind of vague...I guess "spa" is code word for all types of cosmetic improvements because they had a LOT to offer). I digress.

Feeling kind of crummy after the hour of seeing what is valued out there, I come home to this.

My dear friend, who has babies and issues enough of her own to worry about took the time to send beautiful, meaningful white lilies on our day of remembrance. To what do I owe the gift of this amazing woman? I am so grateful to God for the blessing of her and her family's friendship.

I'm writing all of this because lately I've been reading about our ability to provide refreshment to the Holy Souls in Purgatory simply through our prayer. I'm obligated to pray for them as a condition of wearing my blue scapular but I've been trying to think about them and remember more intentionally each day. These little nudges of the Holy Spirit in my life, especially on a day like today, feels a bit like that. Some extra refreshment to ease my journey.

 Even on days of trial, we are so very blessed.