2026 – The Journey Continues – God has a Plan and Purpose for Our Lives – Part XXI

My sisters, Barbara and Audrey, visited recently. They took Stephanie and me out to eat and spent quality time with us. That time meant everything to us during this difficult period—one you truly can’t imagine. During their stay, they purchased an iPad for me to help me artificially speak words and phrases. Because of it, I was able to “speak” the words “I love you” to Stephanie.

Ashley’s boyfriend, Jeremy, put up a much-needed ramp and installed new batteries in a scooter. He even followed me on several jaunts around the sidewalks adjacent to the house. During Hurricane Helene, Jeremy brought us a generator. During a recent visit on Ash Wednesday, Bill Harper brought me ashes as well as the Eucharist. Bill asked Jeremy if he would like to receive ashes; Jeremy indicated he hadn’t received them yet, though he knew little about the tradition. Bill filled him in, and Jeremy received his ashes. I remarked via text that “he would make a good Catholic” because of his works of mercy.

Jimmy Rowe is a favorite nephew of mine because of his deep faith in Jesus. A Catholic, he attends Holy Family Church on Lower Roswell Rd. in Marietta, which happens to be the home of my Carmelite community. I encouraged him to join my community; Jimmy has already attended the Day of Reflection at St. Brigid’s Catholic Church, sponsored by the Lay Carmelites, and hopefully, he will attend the next Saturday community meeting! Our former director, Diana Reuter, has been a leader in our community and remains faithful to the Third Order Lay Carmelite calling.

Frank Miles is a childhood best friend who attended St. John’s Minor Seminary with me. He is so faithful to me; he takes me out to lunch on several occasions, and he and his wife, Carolyn, visit and bring us food. He is the kind of friend who goes out of his way to render assistance regardless of the need.

Joey and Shari Herzberg live four doors down from us. They often “catch it” in the middle of the night and are our go-to for many matters. They ask no questions and are quick to fill any need, including Joey helping to bathe me.

More to come. Bill Harper brings me the Eucharist later today!