Miracle Moments

What you say and do as a parent matters. The faith example you set, “practicing what you preach” leaves an imprint. And when you least expect it, under the most unnerving circumstances, at the craziest time, your behavior will come right back at you with exhilarating delight! The other night my strong spirited youngest son and I were standing at opposite ends of a power struggle that I was not about to lose. There are some decisions a parent simply has to stick by no matter how unreasonable “no” may sound to the adolescent brain! No by the way is a sentence. It doesn’t mean maybe, or we’ll talk later, or let me think about it. No means no. Words flew around the room, muddying the already uncomfortable discussion and wounding emotions. Joy had definitely taken a hike that night! The next day I felt the gnawing desire to honor my decision to go to monthly confession. And what do you think happens?! I get a text message from my dear son who is a junior at Jesuit High Sc...

Linda Scott is a stargazer! She looks to the heavens and sees the big picture…through the eyes of an artist …and the soul of a lady who is deeply connected. I came to know Linda several years ago and I felt an instant connection; a synergy that spanned the endless space between her life and mine. Sometimes that happens. Human beings share a knowing. Words are unnecessary. We just are. Even when the bridge of separation winds its way through the years of our lives, carrying us to distant dreams, the imprint remains until time winds its way back to us at just the right moment when inspiration meets acceptance. Linda’s spirit had been hovering in my consciousness for nearly seven years. Hanging on like a recurring daydream…nudging me ever so gently to reconnect. Finally-I did. My long overdue e-mail met with instant gratitude! Joyful reunion! We talked and talked and I felt the providential renewal of our friendship and the unfolding of our future. Linda is an excepti...

A little over a year ago I sat with a half dozen other women waiting for a mammogram. The lady next to me asked, “How long has it been since you had your last one?” Taking a deep breath I replied, “Several years.” “So, you’re that woman?” She asked in disbelief. “Yes-I am,” I answered. I didn’t even try to explain why, because in that moment, the reasons rang hollow. The next day I got a call to return for a follow up mammogram because of suspicious calcification. After the experts read that one, I got another phone call. I would have to go under the knife for a breast biopsy to see if I had cancer. At that point I was really worried. My dear mother had died of breast cancer. So I told the Lord begrudgingly, “Fine, if you want me to have cancer for the conversion of so and so and so and so, then fine…I’ll accept it.” I was convinced it was a done deal. God however, was just beginning-to teach me a very valuable lesson. Back then I was in the middle of praying the se...