My Sister's Dash
On July 14 at approximately 1:30pm my sister Kathryn lost her strong fought battle with MS. For many we were stunned by the fact it was way to soon. But during her short lifetime of only 35 years, she managed to teach people to love, to laugh, how to have strength, and to never give up. Last December when we lost our father my sister took the time to shared this poem from Linda Ellis with me. Today I feel that it is only fitting to share it with you today.
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning to the end.
He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not how much we own; the cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left, that can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough to consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect, and more often wear a smile
Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
by Linda Ellis
God Bless Kathryn. May she rest in peace.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sorry about the lack of postings!
We had good intentions with this summer but due to unfortunate situations we have had to delay some of the events. We will be trying to schedule the Great America trip soon. I would like to do this before the soccer season starts.
First things first...
About two weeks ago I went to the doctor because my knee hurt. Well..... It seem that since I am going to be 40, my body has decided to show signs of getting older. On July 22, I will be having knee surgery to fix my torn minicus. Which was undoubtedly cause by our weekly event, the Grog. While in surgery they are going to see what they can do about the mass of arthritis in every part of my knee.
Then on May 31, I received a call from my sister's husband. My sister had been put into Northwestern hospital because her MS was acting up. As of today, she is at the University hospital intensive care unit. She is not responding and has spiked a fever. The Dr.'s fear that the MS has attacked the part of her brain that control motor functions. But until they can confirm this we will just have to wait. Please pray for her.
But what I have learned through all of this from losing my Dad, my brother having heart and health issues, and now my sister, that God has His plan. Maybe His plan was to bring the family closer together. Maybe my sister has a bigger health issue and these doctors will find it. Maybe it is just a reminder that we are God's people and we do not have control.
One thing is for sure. That I have truly put all my faith in God. I know that each hurtle that I jump over another one will be there. But as long as I look toward God for my answers and live my life for Him I can never go wrong.
God Bless.
We had good intentions with this summer but due to unfortunate situations we have had to delay some of the events. We will be trying to schedule the Great America trip soon. I would like to do this before the soccer season starts.
First things first...
About two weeks ago I went to the doctor because my knee hurt. Well..... It seem that since I am going to be 40, my body has decided to show signs of getting older. On July 22, I will be having knee surgery to fix my torn minicus. Which was undoubtedly cause by our weekly event, the Grog. While in surgery they are going to see what they can do about the mass of arthritis in every part of my knee.
Then on May 31, I received a call from my sister's husband. My sister had been put into Northwestern hospital because her MS was acting up. As of today, she is at the University hospital intensive care unit. She is not responding and has spiked a fever. The Dr.'s fear that the MS has attacked the part of her brain that control motor functions. But until they can confirm this we will just have to wait. Please pray for her.
But what I have learned through all of this from losing my Dad, my brother having heart and health issues, and now my sister, that God has His plan. Maybe His plan was to bring the family closer together. Maybe my sister has a bigger health issue and these doctors will find it. Maybe it is just a reminder that we are God's people and we do not have control.
One thing is for sure. That I have truly put all my faith in God. I know that each hurtle that I jump over another one will be there. But as long as I look toward God for my answers and live my life for Him I can never go wrong.
God Bless.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Summer is almost here!
Progressive Dinner
May 20, 2009 is our first annual progressive dinner. Thanks to Mrs. Nagel and Mrs. Staulbaum for offering to be part of this event. We will be meeting at the church hall by 6:30pm. We will end up at Heather's house for the main course and dessert. Don't be late we will be leaving at 6:45pm sharp!!!
Car Wash
The youth group will be having a fundraiser car wash. However, we need to know if there will be enough members there. This group is for the youth and without support from the youth we will not have this event. It is scheduled for May 23 from 9am - 1pm at the Keener Township Fire Station. If this event does not happen due to lack of participation it will jeopardize the Great American trip. Call Heather to let her know if you can attend.
Great America
This is tentatively scheduled for July 13. We are waiting to see how the fundraiser does to see what the final cost for this trip will be. Check in for more information.
We need a break
Last meeting for the summer is scheduled May 27. We will be meeting during the summer so keep checking the bulletin and web site for details.
Progressive Dinner
May 20, 2009 is our first annual progressive dinner. Thanks to Mrs. Nagel and Mrs. Staulbaum for offering to be part of this event. We will be meeting at the church hall by 6:30pm. We will end up at Heather's house for the main course and dessert. Don't be late we will be leaving at 6:45pm sharp!!!
Car Wash
The youth group will be having a fundraiser car wash. However, we need to know if there will be enough members there. This group is for the youth and without support from the youth we will not have this event. It is scheduled for May 23 from 9am - 1pm at the Keener Township Fire Station. If this event does not happen due to lack of participation it will jeopardize the Great American trip. Call Heather to let her know if you can attend.
Great America
This is tentatively scheduled for July 13. We are waiting to see how the fundraiser does to see what the final cost for this trip will be. Check in for more information.
We need a break
Last meeting for the summer is scheduled May 27. We will be meeting during the summer so keep checking the bulletin and web site for details.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Alleluia! He is Risen! .... He is risen indeed!
During this Easter season we seem to be a little happier. The flowers are blooming, the temperature is rising, and the winter coats are being stored in the back of the closet. Things are especially beautiful in Church. On Easter, everyone is dressed so nicely and we seem to have a glow about us. But you see, it doesn't have to end. Every Sunday is a celebration of Easter. Every Sunday we could dress nicer and gather with family and celebration the things that God has given us. Every Sunday, we could show our gratefulness to our heavenly Father for his forgiveness and the sacrifice of His only Son. It doesn't need to end!
At our last meeting Judy, Andrew and Luz hid Easter eggs from the youth group kids. The eggs were hiden in some very inconspicious places. Great Job! We were able to see the competative side of some of our youth group members. Then we went inside and joined Sister Kathryn in a fun game of Guess Who I Am? This game is where each of us writes something that no one knows about ourselves and then we, the members, have to guess who that person was. You will never guess who knows how to play bass guitar!
Upcoming Events
April 22
The confirmation class is preparing to make their confirmation on April 22 at 7pm. The youth group will be meeting at St. Cecelia Church to show our support for those in our parish making this glorious sacrament. Dress appropriately, the Bishop will be in attendance.
May 15 & 16
As the youth group meets during the month of April we are trying to set dates for our events.
May 15 & 16 our youth group member Jon will be proforming at the Improv at KV High School.
May 23
So far we are having a fundraiser Car Wash at the Keener Township Fire Station on May 23 from 9-1pm. We need all available member of our youth group to participate. This will help us raise money for future events.
Supplies Needed
Our meetings are at 6:30pm at the Sorrowful Mother Church hall. We are currently need supplies for snack. We have plenty of pop and water
During this Easter season we seem to be a little happier. The flowers are blooming, the temperature is rising, and the winter coats are being stored in the back of the closet. Things are especially beautiful in Church. On Easter, everyone is dressed so nicely and we seem to have a glow about us. But you see, it doesn't have to end. Every Sunday is a celebration of Easter. Every Sunday we could dress nicer and gather with family and celebration the things that God has given us. Every Sunday, we could show our gratefulness to our heavenly Father for his forgiveness and the sacrifice of His only Son. It doesn't need to end!
At our last meeting Judy, Andrew and Luz hid Easter eggs from the youth group kids. The eggs were hiden in some very inconspicious places. Great Job! We were able to see the competative side of some of our youth group members. Then we went inside and joined Sister Kathryn in a fun game of Guess Who I Am? This game is where each of us writes something that no one knows about ourselves and then we, the members, have to guess who that person was. You will never guess who knows how to play bass guitar!
Upcoming Events
April 22
The confirmation class is preparing to make their confirmation on April 22 at 7pm. The youth group will be meeting at St. Cecelia Church to show our support for those in our parish making this glorious sacrament. Dress appropriately, the Bishop will be in attendance.
May 15 & 16
As the youth group meets during the month of April we are trying to set dates for our events.
May 15 & 16 our youth group member Jon will be proforming at the Improv at KV High School.
May 23
So far we are having a fundraiser Car Wash at the Keener Township Fire Station on May 23 from 9-1pm. We need all available member of our youth group to participate. This will help us raise money for future events.
Supplies Needed
Our meetings are at 6:30pm at the Sorrowful Mother Church hall. We are currently need supplies for snack. We have plenty of pop and water
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Youth Group Takes a Break
During the Lenten season the Youth Group has been busy. Now it is time to focus on our relationship with God. Because of this the youth group will be taking a two week break. During this time we strongly urge each and every member to attend the penance service of your choice. The church has made this very accommodating by offering services at Sorrowful Mother on March 16 and St. Cecelia's on March 17. Both services start at 7pm.
This youth group was created to give the youth an opportunity to be part of a group that is really part of something much bigger. The youth should represent what the church means. Helping others, listening to God and also living God's Word. So for the last few weeks before Easter we will be focusing on just that.
Our next meeting will be April 1 at 6:30pm. We have plenty of snacks and drinks so just come and share in the experience.
During the Lenten season the Youth Group has been busy. Now it is time to focus on our relationship with God. Because of this the youth group will be taking a two week break. During this time we strongly urge each and every member to attend the penance service of your choice. The church has made this very accommodating by offering services at Sorrowful Mother on March 16 and St. Cecelia's on March 17. Both services start at 7pm.
This youth group was created to give the youth an opportunity to be part of a group that is really part of something much bigger. The youth should represent what the church means. Helping others, listening to God and also living God's Word. So for the last few weeks before Easter we will be focusing on just that.
Our next meeting will be April 1 at 6:30pm. We have plenty of snacks and drinks so just come and share in the experience.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Lent - A time to Prepare
This is a time that we need to really look at ourselves and our relationship with God. Take time to not only work on this but understand that what we have on this earth will not matter unless we are following God's will. Our time here on earth is nothing compared to our eternal reward.
Some suggested Lenten activities: pray the rosary, pray more throughout the day, help others pray, turn off the TV and cell phones and work on relationships.
This is a time that we need to really look at ourselves and our relationship with God. Take time to not only work on this but understand that what we have on this earth will not matter unless we are following God's will. Our time here on earth is nothing compared to our eternal reward.
Some suggested Lenten activities: pray the rosary, pray more throughout the day, help others pray, turn off the TV and cell phones and work on relationships.
I promise! I will be there!
We, as a group, have been focusing on helping our church, going to Mass and looking for ways that we can help others. So this one time we took the opportunity to celebrate "fun" and went bowling. What I noticed was a group of "young adults" that represented our church well. In fact EVERYONE who attends the group meetings was in attendance.
We still have to decided the schedule for the next few meetings so I am looking for ideas. One possibility is to go around town for a food drive to collect canned goods. It will all depend on the weather. Because of these economic times, we need to help those in need. In any case we will meet at church and decide from there.
We will be getting things ready for the Easter Egg Hunt. This will be happening after the 8am mass. At 9:30 on the church grounds. The eggs are already purchased we just need donations of bags of candy to fill the eggs.
God Bless.
We, as a group, have been focusing on helping our church, going to Mass and looking for ways that we can help others. So this one time we took the opportunity to celebrate "fun" and went bowling. What I noticed was a group of "young adults" that represented our church well. In fact EVERYONE who attends the group meetings was in attendance.
We still have to decided the schedule for the next few meetings so I am looking for ideas. One possibility is to go around town for a food drive to collect canned goods. It will all depend on the weather. Because of these economic times, we need to help those in need. In any case we will meet at church and decide from there.
We will be getting things ready for the Easter Egg Hunt. This will be happening after the 8am mass. At 9:30 on the church grounds. The eggs are already purchased we just need donations of bags of candy to fill the eggs.
God Bless.
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