Here comes that rainbow

Here comes that rainbow

As I was walking to the church this morning for Mass – alas, close enough to the last minute, my breath was taken away by a wonderful rainbow that seemed to come from the church but formed a perfect bow.  They never fail to amaze me and thankfully I was able to take a few photos.  Yes, I was a minute or two late for Mass but people didn’t mind and I’d like to think God was happy that I took the time to notice.

I’m going to include a song here!!  It features elsewhere in posts but I think it deserves an airing today as well.  Johnny Cash once described this as being his “favourite song” –  it’s one of Kris Kristofferson’s – “Here comes that rainbow again”.  It’s class!

Hope you enjoy.

Sunrise to Sunset

Sunrise to Sunset

This morning, when I opened the blinds I was pleased to see the sun rising through the bared branches of Winter trees.  It was not the first time I had seen this but it never fails to take me by surprise for there is something very reassuring about the sun and its ability to bring warmth to the day.  So often we waken to grey and dull skies so I am more than happy to welcome the sun when it makes such a glorious appearance.

From the rising of the sun

I had Masses in Kilmovee and Kilkelly and was mindful of the starkness of today’s Gospel that speaks to the final day.  It is a day that cannot be avoided and one that calls us to be prepared.

I decided to share a story that I heard during the week.  I got it one of those WhatsApp messages that sometimes you delete but sometimes too find thought-provoking!  This one fell into that category.

THE STORY

A small boy named Roger lived in the local village. None of his classmates liked him because of his stupidity, especially his teacher, who was always yelling at him “You are driving me crazy Roger!”

One day Roger’s mother came into school to check on how he was doing. The teacher told his mother honestly, that her son is simply a disaster, getting very low marks and even she had never seen such a difficult boy to teach in her entire teaching career.

The mother was shocked at the feedback and withdrew her son from the school and even moved to another town.

Twenty-five years later, the teacher was diagnosed with an incurable cardio disease! All the doctors strongly advised her to have open heart surgery, which only one surgeon could perform.  Left with no other options, the teacher decided to have the operation, which was successful.

When she opened her eyes after the surgery she saw a handsome doctor smiling down at her.  She wanted to thank him, but could not talk. Her face started to turn blue, she raised her hand, trying to tell him something but eventually died!

The doctor was shocked and was trying to work out what went wrong, when he turned around he saw Roger, working as a cleaner in the clinic, who had unplugged the oxygen equipment to connect his Hoover!

Don’t tell me you thought that Roger became a  doctor!

Part of me realises that this story is, in so many ways, politically incorrect but the part of me that switches that button marked “laughter” kicked in and I laughed.  The story stayed with me and I shared it at the Masses this weekend.  Thankfully my switch was not on its own and people laughed.  I so love the sound of laughter because it is the anti-dote to so much negativity and pain.

I told them that I was happy they laughed because I believe in laughter and, that as we hear the bleakness of the Gospel message that so desperately needs to call us to attentiveness, that if we could leave this world feeling we had helped people laugh and find a tune to hum or a song to sing, we would leave it in a good place and could happily face that call “home”.  On the other hand, should it be the case that we have made life difficult for people and, in any way added to their pain or made life difficult for them we may well need to reassess our attitudes and approach to life.

I know it’s not as simple as telling a joke but life need not be overly complicated either.  There is a balance there that can be found and utilised.

Later in the day I prayed the Rosary with people in two of our Parish Cemeteries and, in between that was present for the turning of the sod at the local GAA pitch for the building of a new stand.  I was struck by the need to break ground to build and make something new and felt the link there with the graves around which we prayed today.  Earth had to be broken there too, that something new might be built for those in whose memory we gathered.

I watched a few episodes of a show on Netflix and later this evening saw the sun on the other side of my house as it prepared to say goodbye to our day.  I remembered some of the people I had met and spoken with during the day, recalled the new Altar Servers at Mass in Kilkelly and was glad they chose to be there.  I met good people and realised that sunshine is a wonderful backdrop to the day – even if we only remember it!

Do you know something?  I felt happy that it had been a good day – between sunrise and sunset.

To its setting

Graced

Graced

During the week my nephew and his wife welcomed their first child into the world!  For months, like all parents, they had looked forward to this moment and it arrived in the early hours of September 12th.  My brother sent me a text just after 3am and though I enjoy my sleep, I was happy to be awoken by the little beeping notification sound.

I was in Gurteen yesterday for a  Wedding Ceremony and afterwards went to Cloonloo Church and Templeronan Cemetery for a quick visit.  I got word that my nephew, his wife and their daughter were on their way home from the hospital so I waited for them to arrive.

It was a quiet homecoming, though my sister-in-law had brought some balloons and decorations to the house to mark the occasion and welcome the little one to her new home.

“Would you like to hold her?” I was asked and the answer was yes.  I held her for a little while and hoped that, in time, she’d come to know me as someone who will love her and care for her as best I can.  She won’t, thank God, be short of love.

As I was leaving, I looked at her in the little buggy and looked at her hands as they rested on the blanket.  So small but so, so perfect.  I took her hand in mine and then decided to take a photo.

Tabhair dom do lámh (Give me your hand)

I liked the photo when I saw it and felt it had a corner here.  Maybe someday she might see it and know that I took her hand in mine the day she came home and, in the taking, commit with all my family to minding her and leading her, as best we can, along the road and future that awaits her.

Earlier I had placed my hand on the top of a young couple’s joined hands during the Wedding Mass in Gurteen.  Their joined hands and the future they hoped for were blessed too.

There’s something about openness to give and take the hand and something about blessing.

God Bless you Grace!
Wrong road with amazing twist

Wrong road with amazing twist

I was on my way to a Funeral Mass in Bofeenaun, Co. Mayo.  Though I heard many times of Bofeenaun I had never driven there before and, apart from knowing it was near Ballina, had no idea how to go.  Enter Google Maps!  “Navigate to Bofeenaun Parish Church” and I was on my way!  I was a bit surprised in Foxford when the voice told me to take a left turn onto, what I knew to be the Pontoon Road, since I had assumed I’d head for Ballina and turn off somewhere.  I figured Google knew what it was at and thought who am I to fight with you so left turn it was.

Passed out by Pontoon and a few miles past there, turned right.  I had plenty time and the KMs were decreasing so I knew I was headed in the right direction but still doubted that Google had picked out an obscure enough route for me.  I went with it nonetheless.

I came around a corner and my breath was taken away by the view in front of me.  It was like a living postcard. Having time, I stopped and took two photos (different locations).  There was no other response really.


The photos capture something of the scene but there was more to it.  It doesn’t do justice to the fog descending on the mountain or the quietness of the moment. I’m still glad I took it.

Shortly afterwards I was in Bofeenaun and I showed the picture to one of the priests in the sacristy.  He said “when you live around here you don’t notice” and I know what he meant.  It’s a pity not to notice though.  So many would love to have this as a backdrop.

The thought I had afterwards was along the lines of even had I been on the wrong road (and I’m assured I wasn’t), it was worth it.  So maybe the odd spell of time on a wrong road might help attune our eyes to something that needs to be seen, is worth seeing and leaves a memory.

Last lap …

Last lap …

Was in New York for a few hours earlier today.  I met some friends for lunch and had a good chat and a good bit to eat as well!!  I went for a walk in Central Park.  I didn’t go too  far into the park but it was amazing to see all the activity going on.  Certainly a happening place.  I remember being there before and finding John Lennon’s “Strawberry Fields” but I didn’t get that far today.

I spotted a little bird battling with a piece of bread too big for it and thought of a man outside Penn Station many years ago and of him breaking up a piece of bread into small pieces and, when I praised him for what he had done, he told me “If I didn’t do that only the greedy ones would get it” and felt today was my chance live the lesson I had learnt and to help the little bird.  I broke the piece of bread and, as I walked away, was happy to see the bird return and settle between the broken pieces and eat “birdfully”!!

I spotted people feeding a squirrel, many people cycling, some being taken around in horse drawn carriages and tricycle drawn carriages!  Others walking, running and all in between.  People lay out on rocks to enjoy the evening and others watched their children enjoy the carousel.  A lot going on!

Anyway, I will let the pictures tell their story!

Paying the ferryman!

Paying the ferryman!

To take me to the other side!

Crossed the water last night from NY to NJ to visit Joe and Elizabeth Walsh and their son.  Always a lovely home to visit, the welcome was solid and the fun guaranteed.  Lovely view of New York as the ferry made the short crossing so took a photo or six:)

Grand Central Terminal

Spent the night in New Jersey and today made the return journey and caught a bus that took me to within walking distance of Grand Central Station.  From there I got a train to Crestwood to visit again my neighbour from home – Noelle and her family.  I met Noelle and her son since Noelle’s husband and daughter were at work.  We had a good chat and I was happy to see them.  Visited Ellie too (Noelle’s mother-in-law) and was good to see her in such good form – enjoying her new car.  Happy motoring!

Noelle left me to New Rochelle where I caught another train for Greenwich to meet an old Maynooth friend, Denis Matthews, who lives there.  We went to his home, chatted a while and then he offered to drive me back to Rockville Centre.  Quite a journey but I was happy to accept as I had my share of trains and public transport for one day!  We caught up on the journey and had some food here when we got back.

As I look back over the past day or two, I realise yet again, that it is the people I know here and from home that make this such a welcome part of my life.  Yes, it’s lovely to take a few pictures of buildings and landmarks but they are no substitute for the flesh and blood of contact and friendship.

I’m lucky!

 

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