Summer Memories

It's fall, y'all. But I have wonderful summer memories--our 28th wedding anniversary falling exactly on Sunday (you might remember my marriage and math post) so it was lovely to celebrate with Mass on this feast of St. Maximilian Kolbe. Dinner at Spice Palette, a new Indian restaurant followed by a harbor cruise.                                                                                             

Ravenel bridge, Morris Island (a bird sanctuary), Yorktown, gorgeous sunsets.

Walks on the beach, collecting shells, seeing marine life, celebrating birthdays, meeting family and friends for supper. 

We've been foraging--so lovely to have chanterelles on our walks. Garden has been bountiful--greens, okra, eggplant, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. Lots of poblanos. Michael has been fermenting them and they make excellent sauces.

I love seeing the progress on St. Clare of Assisi right here on Daniel Island. Once it's finished, I imagine walking over for daily Mass and Adoration. Beautiful High Mass! I love how our little Latin choir is growing! So thankful to God for all His blessings! 

An Excerpt of BOUND in Sword & Spade

It is always gratifying when someone you admire appreciates your work. So when Jason Craig, editor of Sword & Spade and author of Leaving Boyhood Behind: Reclaiming Catholic Brotherhood asked if he could publish an excerpt from BOUND, I was delighted to say yes. S&S is focused on issues that men and families face with ideas and solutions from a Catholic perspective. This issue of S&S was devoted to the historic decision of the US Supreme Court to reverse Roe v Wade--to give thanks to God and to remember that we still have to fight at the state level for the most vulnerable in our society. The date of this reversal was profound for Catholics because it was the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Font of Love) and the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, who leaped with joy in his mother's womb at the sound of Mary's greeting. Such a beautiful sign from God to bring us hope. Life is winning!

But the story that touched my heart the most was from Jason himself, "Thank you for not killing me," words spoken by his 13-year-old niece at her mother's (his sister's) wedding. Not every child is born in ideal circumstances, but they treasure their life. I've seen my share of bedraggled children in India and not one of them wanted to die. Ever. They begged for food or money. They wanted to live. Yet we would think them better off dead. Jason's essay recounts his shock at learning that his pro-life mother made an appointment at a Planned Parenthood clinic to discuss what their "choices" might be.  

The excerpt he chose to publish was the chapter when Rebecca takes Joy to an abortion clinic. If you read closely, you will see how language is used to hide the truth of what is actually happening. I am so proud to be in the pages of Sword & Spade.