Reflection from one year ago:

Yesterday while driving to an appointment, I was on a road that I have traveled for 50 yrs.  The early years were mainly with my Catholic, Italian, great grandmother. Her name was Philomena, Minnie to her friends, and Noni to us.  She used to work for a family in a nearby town and she would often take me with her.  One day while waiting at a stop sign, she pointed out a large rock on the side of the road that is shaped like a cradle.  For years, every time afterward that we drove by it, she would say “Do you see the cradle?” She died in 1992 at the age of 91.

I drive on that road often.  Sometimes, I remember to look for the rock. Often times, I don’t.  I’ve showed the rock cradle to my own kids but to them it’s just a neat novelty of nature. To me, it’s a rock solid connection with a woman who often took care of me and my brothers the best she could, as often as she could with whatever she had.  Yesterday, I came to that stop where the rock cradle is still nestled in the woods lightly covered with snow. I looked over at it and recalled those drives with Noni, her voice, and the moments she would always point out the rock.  I thought about all the years that have passed since I’ve seen her.  My heart panged, tears filled my eyes and the light turned green.  At that moment, she was placed heavily on my heart. When that happens, I say a prayer to God to thank Him for these moments. I prayed for her and asked Jesus to send a hello to her.

I then thought of how wonderful it is to be Catholic and to have access to the innumerable angels and saints who intercede for us, true Heavenly treasures.  Noni was my treasure for the day.

Kryie Eleison,

Paula