Connections

My Buffalo Marathon Experience

Cathy — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:39:23 +0000

       I haven’t written a blog in several months however I feel led to share my recent running experience. I began running in May 2010 (on a whim really) to see if I really could do it and signed up for a few 5K runs last year, a 10K run, and the Turkey Trot. They were good experiences and I found the more I ran, the more I enjoyed running. It was kind of weird because I was always one on those people who would stare at runners as I passed them and think “Why are they running? And why do they think this is enjoyable?” I just didn’t get it and then the bug bit ME and I haven’t stopped since.
       In January, I decided to do something really crazy and signed up to run the Buffalo Half Marathon on May 29, 2011. I trained myself from January until race day. There were days I thought it would be easy, days I doubted my ability, and days I thought I’d never be able to accomplish running 13.1 miles. But I did do it and this is my experience…
       It was a beautiful Sunday morning, temperature about 67 degrees, sunny, and comfortable. I filled my water bottle with a gatorade pre-game fuel mixed with water, and prepped my pockets with the usual routine… chapstick, hanky, ipod & earphones, 3 pieces of gum, and 2 packets of organic energy chews, plus my new addition- my roadgear I.D. bracelet with all personal information (just in case), but I felt I needed something extra. This day was different, and I needed extra strength so I went back upstairs and dug out my crucifix that I received as a teenager and placed in my pocket with all the other necessities. Ahhh, now I was ready.
       Then, our door started opening and as Stephanie put it, it was just some cheerleaders arriving. First, Stephanie’s boyfriend, Jon, then her friend Amanda with a homemade t-shirt which read on the front ” I can’t run a marathon, but my mama can.” and on the back it read, “Team Cathy Mongielo.” Then, off to downtown we went where another friend, Kristen, met up with us. People started coming, stretching, waiting, getting in line for one last trip to the port-a-potty before race time. Nerves and butterflies along with excitement began to overcome me and I just wanted to get started, so about 6:45am I said good-bye to my cheerleaders and joined the ranks of runners in the roped off area. I chose a spot in the middle, and waited, and waited, and waited! Canadian National Anthem first, then the Star Bangled Banner was sung. It was almost time…. then Bang! the gun went off; here we go or not! We just stood there because of course all the people in front of us had to begin running and get past the start line before we could move. Next, a few walking steps, then a walking stride, then a half jog. I see the starting line coming up and just before we get to it, the race begins with the group around me. We all pick up the pace and begin running past the start line. As I began I remember seeing a sea of so many people 4 to 5 deep on the sides just cheering us all on. I was so overwhelmed at this sight that I got choked up and began to cry. I tried to shake it off, but I was so overwhelmed with their support and tears began to flow. I told myself that I had to stop this nonsense or I’d never hold it together for the whole race.
       The race had begun; I was actually running a half marathon. How cool is this! I got into the “zone” quickly and just ran,ran, ran. There were so many great things I saw and felt along the way. Some of them were:

Kids and adults with signs saying “Go Mommy” or “Go Daddy” or Go_________!” You could put any name here.
People on porches cheering.
The sun shining down on me.
A sign that read “If it were easy, I’d be running with you” and another which said “Where are you all going?”
Spring flowery scents, the beauty of the season which surrounded me everywhere.
100′s, maybe 1000′s of spectators who smiled, cheered and encouraged us along the way.
Sprinklers we could run through to get a momentary cool down.
A church we ran past where parishioners stood on the curb cheering, and the priest in his monkish brown robe praying God’s blessings on us as we ran past him.
An older man with a small string of bells ringing them for us, not once, not twice, but at three different locations during the race.
A woman in a wheelchair beaming with the biggest smile as she watched us go by.
A clown who I saw very late in the race jumping up and down in the street and high-fiving us as we went by.
And my all time favorite were my cheerleaders (Stephanie, Jon, Amanda, Kristen, and my son, Matthew who had joined them) on two different corners with 3 bright purple signs (my favorite color) which read “You can do it.” “We’re proud of you, Mom.” and “Hard work, Mom.”

       I thought of my friend, Pam, who is older than me and had run the race last year. She warned me that there would be 4 overpasses and they were going to be tough. What she didn’t mention was that ALL of them were in the second half of the race. I started thinking maybe she was wrong, then I turned a corner somewhere after mile 7 or 8, and there it was. This HUGE mountain as big as Mt. Everest to climb, ok maybe not quite that big and I was still feeling pretty good at this point. So, uphill I went, not so bad, and downhill was even better because a sprinkler waited for me at the bottom. Then, came overpass #2: a little harder, then overpass #3: I really did not welcome that one. After the third one around mile 9-10, I convinced myself that Pam had counted wrong and there were no more. My lungs and heart felt good, but my legs were starting to feel the strain of pounding them on the ground for 10 plus miles and my calves felt like they were tightening up with each stride. But no giving up now. Onward I continued down Seneca Street and turned left onto Michigan and all I could see before me was the meanest, ugliest, monsterlike overpass I had ever seen. Yes, Pam was right; there were 4. I should’ve known- Pam is always right. So I thought about Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
       I dug deep, strained to keep my focus on just running forward one step at a time until I reached the top and never welcomed a downward hill so much ever in my whole life. Well, at least I knew for sure there were no more hills to climb physically, but suddenly between mile 11 and 12, I really needed a mental boost. I remembered the crucifix in my pocket, and the saying I put on my road alert bracelet “The Lord is my strength.” I started talking to God as I continued and thought about how Jesus had the energy to walk all the way to Calvary carrying the cross on his back even after he had been beaten, whipped, mocked, scorn, and crowned with thorns.I thought about how he still continued to the destination of his death on the cross, to the goal that God had placed before him, and all I could think was “If Jesus did that for me, I can run these last 2 miles for him.” I promised that as He ran with me these last two miles as He had run with me all the rest, I would give Him all the honor, glory, and praise.”
      Renewed energy came. The clown jumping up and down came. More people shouting, cheering, rooting me on. My family at the corner one last time as I passed mile 12. All these images fueled me with inner strength I didn’t know was there. I honestly don’t remember much of that last mile after I passed my team of “cheerleaders”. I do remember making one last turn onto Franklin street and seeing the finish line a few blocks away. More people, more signs, more cheering, then I got to about 100 yards from the finish line and all I could think to do was start running as fast as I could to the finish line and I began sprinting past everyone around me and I felt like every cheer I heard filled my heart with joy!
       My family was all there at the finish line: my mom, Mark, my son Steve, my daughter Stephanie, Jon, Amanda, and Kristen all there to congratulate me and celebrate with me. I passed the finish line with an official chip time of 2 hours, 10 minutes, about 20 minutes under the goal I had set for myself. God is so good all the time as my Pastor frequently says. I learned many lessons through this experience, but I think one of the biggest lessons is this:
                     I thought that running was something just to claim for me. I thought it was just me
                     and God as I trained, exercised, prepared, and ran that day. I thought this was
                     something I was doing all by myself. What I discovered was that I could not have
                    been further from the truth with my thinking on this. This race was so much bigger
                    than being about me accomplishing something I never thought possible. It was a
                    lesson on understanding the power of encouragement, of prayer, of faith, and real-
                    izing that just as I received so much strength and encouragement from family, friends,
                    and strangers all around me, I am called to action to do the same in my everyday life
                  whether it be with family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, or strangers on the street.

God’s Word in the book of Matthew sums this experience up perfectly for me with theses two Scriptures “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (vs. 5:16) and “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” (vs.7:12)

Gratefulness

Cathy — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 19:30:19 +0000

There are so many things to be grateful for on a day such as this. My daughter, Stephanie, and her boyfriend, Jon, were involved in a hit and run/ head on collision this morning. This is a list of some of the things I am most grateful for:

First and foremost, my gracious God who encamped His angels around the vehicle to protect them during impact.
“On Star” whose quick responses and interactions with the police led them to find the driver of the vehicle, and brought speedy intervention to my Stephanie and Jon.
The Police who tirelessly and quickly went into action and found the individual responsible within 15 minutes of the accident.
The first responders including strangers who stopped to check on them, firemen, and the EMT’s who cared for them initially.
The hospital staff at Sisters’.
Sue Steege, who sent me encouragement from God’s Word.
My pastor who called just to check on us.
The knowledge that my church family was praying for us all morning.
Family and friends who have been calling all day to show they care.
Jon’s parents who showed just as much concern for Stephanie as they did their own son.
Airbags that help save lives.
No broken bones, lacerations, or internal bleeding.

I am sure I am forgetting about some things right now, but I just know that God’s grace is sufficient for me and my family, and I am so thankful that He sustains me during traumatic times like this. As my dear Christian friend reminded me this morning, “Cast your cares upon the Lord and He will sustain you.” Psalm 55:22

The Papa Prayer- Part 2

Cathy — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 21:33:53 +0000

Since I had been practicing how to present myself to God in prayer for several days and was feeling more comfortable about it, I decided it was time to move on to step 2. The book calls it “Day 2″, but for my intentions I am referring to the process as steps because I am going at a much slower pace.
Step 2 is an exercise in learning to attend to how I am thinking of God. The objective is to attend to God based on what the Bible says versus who I think or view God as or who I want Him to be. The ideas here are not to assume that my view of God is correct, not to project my experiences with authority figures onto God, not to sugarcoat the word God to satisfy my desires for pleasant experiences of Him, and not to believe everything I hear, except from God Himself in the Bible. Next, I read Isaiah 30:9-11 and Isaiah 6:1-4. Afterward, the reflection questions that I’ve been thinking about are:

How am I picturing God right now…

as I’m asking Him to bless me?
as I’m facing this trial?
as I’m sitting in church?
as I’m arguing with a friend?

The book suggests that my picture of God is distorted. It says everyone’s is, but the desire to know God as He really is is how the Holy Spirit is working in me. As I continue this journey with God, my prayer is this:

God, I thought I have really known you since I was a small child. Afterall, I’ve known the basic Bible stories forever… Creation, Adam and Eve, Moses, Samson, Daniel and the Lion’s Den, the birth of Jesus, and the Easter Story, just to name a few. But what I am realizing more and more is that knowing of someone or something is not the same or even close to actually being a part of someone or something. Although, I know you have always loved me, you sent Jesus to die for my sins in order that I may have eternal life, and you will never leave me or forsake me, I also realize that my perception of you has been twisted. My prayers have been filled so long with requests for You to do this or that, heal this one, protect this person, comfort that person, etc, that I have failed to see you as the Holy God who owes me nothing, but desires to give me so much if I just stop and listen. No matter how much it hurts, help my heart continue to grow with You, in You, and through You that I am able to make you my #1 in every part of my life. Amen.

Cathy — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 20:44:18 +0000

On my last post, I mentioned that I was reading The Papa Prayer by Larry Crabb. I finished the book and although I’d like to say that I know exactly how to make the most of my prayer life, that would be an over-exaggeration to the millionth degree. However, I am learning many things, so I have decided to share a little. At the end of the book, it gives you a 4-day plan for implementing the strategies given in the book, so I began on Thursday to put the plan into practice.

Day 1: Learn to Present Myself to God…
Present myself authentically to God whatever I am discovering or feeling about myself, whether good or bad. Suggestions are don’t hold anything back. Don’t pretend that what’s going on inside of me really isn’t happening. ( A biggie for me) Don’t think that what’s happening is unimportant, trivial, or not worth mentioning. Don’t twist something ugly into something pretty. Be completely honest with God.
Then, I read Psalm 73:1-16. Afterward, I began pondering these questions for the rest of the day:

What am I thinking and feeling right now…

as I’m talking with this person?
as I’m walking through this store, or neighborhood, or my church?
as I’m watching t.v.?
as I’m praying or reading the Bible?

I am somewhat of a slow learner, so this 4-day plan is taking me a bit longer than anticipated. Maybe, Larry meant I was supposed to practice each step for 4 days before moving onto the next step. LOL Anyway, what I am learning about myself is that it isn’t so easy to just be transparent with God, but the more I practice open honesty with Him, the more comfortable I get talking with God. Then my prayer time does develop into more of a conversation of value vs a list of requests on my check list for the day. I’m going to keep practicing “presenting myself to God” and maybe soon I’ll be ready to move onto step 2.

Gone Astray, But I’m Baaack…

Cathy — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 01:34:00 +0000

          Wow! Almost shamefully, I see that I have not posted on my blog in nearly 5 months. I guess you could say I fell off the band wagon for a while, but I’ve been yearning a lot lately to get back to journaling my thoughts on my blog. So, I don’t want to make any dramatic promises, however I am hopeful to begin a more regular regiment of blogging starting today.
           I’ve begun reading regularly for the past 4 months (something I’ve not ever enjoyed doing as an adult) and I’ve begun to enjoy the gift of reading and what it can offer. Currently, I am reading a book called The Papa Prayer by Larry Crabb. It was recommended by my dear friend, Sue Steege, and I borrowed it from Kristina who heavily encouraged me to read it. As my dear friend has described it, this book has “opened the eyes of my heart” and I am beginning to see just how short I have fallen in building a relationship with my heavenly Father.
          The really good news is that now that I know what I know, I can begin again. In case you have not read the book, I will briefly describe the 4 points of learning to pray:

          P: Present myself to God- Don’t try to be something I’m not with God. Figure out what My Red
                 Dot is. (You’ll have to read the book to find out what that is.)
          A: Attend to how I’m thinking of God- What kind of visual or mental picture do I get when I think of
                 God? What opinions do I have of Him?
          P: Purge myself of anything that blocks my relationship with God- sometimes I need to realize that I
                am my biggest stumbling block that prevents me from growing in my relationship with God.
          A: Approach God as the “First Thing” in my life- Learn to enjoy God as the center of my world and I
                 will become someone God can really enjoy.

          I have read a little more than half the book and I am learning a lot about myself. Sometimes it’s painful, sometimes it’s frustrating, sometimes it’s joyful, but all of it is good for me. I am learning that I don’t have to be anything specific when I approach God. God wants me just as I am whether I’m feeling wounded, angry, confused, lost, silly, excited, or melancholy. God will not love me any less no matter how I feel… He just wants me to be honest with Him, take off the armor of protection, and fall into His arms trusting Him as my Papa..
          I met with a very dear friend last week to talk about this journey I’m on with all the feelings I am having while reading this book. This wise person recognized my weakness immediately. She said, “It seems to me that you are standing there always keeping God an arm’s length away.” I’ve thought a lot about what she said and I must admit it is true. It is difficult to describe, but I think instead of allowing God to thoroughly come into my heart and be the center that leads me through my days, I have kept Him close enough to reach when I really thought I needed Him, but the rest of the time I kept God on a pedestal as this omnipotent, super majestic being that I didn’t have the right to ask for assistance from. The pride factor is screaming at me right now… I can do it myself. But the reality is I cannot do it alone and I am just beginning to understand this now.
           I will close this blog post with a lyric from a song by Kim Hill. the song is called “Hold Me Jesus”.

Well, sometimes my life
Just don’t make sense at all
When the mountains look so big
And my faith just seems so small

CHORUS:
So hold me Jesus, ’cause I’m shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won’t You be my Prince of Peace

And I wake up in the night and feel the dark
It’s so hot inside my soul
I swear there must be blisters on my heart

CHORUS

Surrender don’t come natural to me
I’d rather fight You for something
I don’t really want
Than to take what You give that I need
And I’ve beat my head against so many walls
Now I’m falling down, I’m falling on my knees

And this Salvation Army band
Is playing this hymn
And Your grace rings out so deep
It makes my resistance seem so thin

CHORUS

You have been King of my glory
Won’t You be my Prince of Peace

The words resonate so true as I travel down this road, searching, yearning, desiring more than anything to be embraced by my dear God, my Papa. Lord, you have always been my King of glory, but now I ask humbly yet boldly won’t you be my Prince of Peace?

Tribute to My Dad

Cathy — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:20:51 +0000

As most of my readers know, my dad, Ralph Joseph Wolf died on November 10, 2009 at the age of 75 after a 15 month battle of stage 4 lung/liver cancer. When my dad was diagnosed in August of 2008 I had made a decision to intentionally invest personal time with my dad. So, I began a custom of visiting him every Tuesday for several hours. Since his wife worked late on Tuesdays, this was frequently a time for just me and dad and we grew very close over this past year. During the last few months of his life, I visited more often, however it became painfully clear in September that the cancer was definitely beginning to win the battle of his health and life. Dementia began to attack his ability to sort reality from delusions, and the downward spiral came to a head on October 30 when the family agreed that admitting him into the Hospice Facility in Cheektowaga was the best option for him and my step-mom, Marie. Those 12 days were long, hard, and painful, and I wish to never repeat that journey again in this lifetime. However, even through the pain of those last days, my love grew stronger, bolder, and I became more and more amazed at my days strength, and his will to survive.
My dad is my hero, I love him so very much, and Tuesdays will never be the same again. I wrote a eulogy for my dad which I was able to share with him a few weeks before he died. I promised him that I would share it at his funeral so all the world could hear just how special he was and how wonderful I think he is. So, now I’d like to share with my readers the eulogy I spoke at my dad’s funeral. Here it is…

TRIBUTE TO MY DAD

Ralph Joseph Wolf… who is this man to you? He was son, brother, husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, friend, or maybe an acquaintance. However you knew him, one thing is for sure. If you have ever met my dad, you know he loved to talk.

As far back as I can remember, my dad always had a great work ethic. In this he was a wonderful role model to all. From the time he was a child collecting old newspapers in his garage and throughout his life working hard and giving it his all is what mattered most. I remember his small grocery store in North Tonawanda…Ralph’s Clover Farm. How he loved that store and took such pride in it. Every year they would have some contest. I really don’t even know what the contest was for, but my dad would decorate that store to the hilt… balloons, ribbons, streamers, signs… whatever it took to show the world that he had the best little corner grocery store around town. Of course extra motivation for him was the fact that winners always won very special prizes.

Later on was the Wilson Farms era. There was the Delavan store, Englewood store, Bailey store- maybe others. One thing is for sure… Anyone who has worked for my dad will tell you he was not a slacker. He was a hard working man always! Some might even say he was a workaholic.

My dad was also known under the disguise of many other names… bargain hunter, garbage picker, barterer, dealer, world traveler, philanthropist, buyer, seller- maybe you can think of a few other names for him yourself. Have you ever heard one of these lines come out of his mouth?

I bought another house last week.
How’s your IRA doing?
Do you need a small frig?
How about an E-Z Up? Or a tent? A gazebo?
Come into my basement and see if there’s anything you need.
Marie, let’s have a garage sale. The garage is getting a little crowded.
I got a good deal on that.
Do you know how many coins I sold last week?
I would have done it this way.
Do I have a house for you!

The list goes on and on, but it’s who my dad was. He was always searching to get a great deal for the lowest price. Then, he would turn around and share those great deals with family, friends, and strangers. I could go on and on talking about that part of my dad’s life, but as fascinating as he was in this area of his life, it’s nothing compared to his heart.

You know, it’s a funny thing about life. When you’re young, you don’t always appreciate people or who they are to you or the lessons they’re trying to teach you. Then, as you get older, wiser, more mature- sometimes your eyes are opened to the real lessons trying to be taught. My dad wasn’t just selling a house or a frig. Or being nosy about your IRA. Or trying to brag about his endeavors. He was saying… Be wise with your hard earned money. Save a little for a rainy day. Be the best you can be. Don’t squander. Make good choices. Now that’s wisdom from experience. His heart emanated a genuine concern for other’s well-being.

Then there is the part of his heart that taught me to share. As he was blessed throughout his life, he shared those blessings with loved ones as well as strangers. From laying carpets to total house renovations, he shared his talents. He also shared withstrangers… donating cases of turkeys every Thanksgiving, hams at Christmas, and thousands of dollars worth of Tops gift cards to the Food Pantry every year. He shared his time, talents, and financial wealth with a grateful heart.

However, the part of my dad’s heart I love the most is his love for the Lord. My dad loved the Catholic Church and stood by that faith. He would frequently go to church throughout the week, being the collections assistant, talk about conversations with priests, and tell about how the priest could get a service done in just 35 minutes with communion and a homily. I would’ve never believed it except I joined him for a mid-week mass two summers ago and witnessed it myself. Sharing that church service with my dad is one of my most treasured memories of him. As we began the Lord’s Prayer, we all held hands, bowed our heads, and began to pray. I’m sure it was just their tradition to hold hands for this part, but for me the gesture was much more than that.

For me, it meant we’re united in Christ’s love. It was a message offorgiveness… despite our mistakes and differences. My dad was saying, “I am here for you… I am part of you… I forgive any past wrongs… I love you and I’m proud of the woman you are.

Do me a favor. Please don’t let Ralph’s legacy end with his death. When someone you know is in need of a helping hand, assist them with your talents. Ralph did. During the holidays, maybe share a little more with your church, a non-profit group, or someone less fortunate. Ralph did. Reach out to the needy. Give to a total stranger. Share with those you love and those who love you. Ralph did. Take time to enjoy life and all its blessings. Why do all these things? Do them in the name of love because that’s what Ralph did. Let his memory live on through your good deeds.

Perfect, no, my dad was not perfect, but I don’t know anyone sitting or standing here today who can describe themselves as perfect either. I know I’m not. We all have made our mistakes just like my dad has, but as for me I choose to remember of my dad, the generosity he shared, his strength until his last breath, and the special unique love we shared in his late years. For me, I choose to let my dad’s legacy live on through good deeds in his name.

How will you choose to remember Ralph Joseph Wolf?

The Sting of Life’s Trials

Cathy — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:59:45 +0000

My dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer a year ago last August. It’s been a long, bittersweet road, this path we have been traveling together since he first told me the news, and the journey is not over yet. I made a commitment to spend time with him every week, and we have enjoyed this gift of time, laughter, and the continued building and mending of our relationship.

In October dad began a more rapid deterioration with the cancer wearing him down physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Last Friday when the delirium escalated to extreme levels, we had to make the hardest decision and that was to admit him into the Hospice Care Unit in Cheektowaga. It was a very difficult day as we settled him down to his new surroundings. On Saturday we saw dad again take the next step on his journey as they had a pick line in his arm for meds, and the delirium increased. Sunday was by far the most painful of all our days as when I arrived, he was catharized, incontinent, and off the wall with anxiousness and delirium. The anxiety never subsided and we all left Sunday feeling broken, exhausted, and helpless.

This final journey with my dad has got me thinking a lot this week about God, Jesus, and the journey Jesus took as he suffered and died so tragically on the cross. I keep thinking about how painful it is to watch my dad suffer through his illness, and sometimes feel that it seems so unjust, so unfair to steal the dignity and sanctity of life. Then, I am reminded of how God’s heart must have ached seeing and allowing his Son to experience the pain, despair, and abandonment of the human race. I am reminded that just like God gave the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus for me, I must also accept the pain and suffering I am experiencing in this life through this journey with my dad.

My comfort and joy at this point in the journey is the perfect sweet knowledge that I know exactly where my dad is going when he takes that final breath. My dad does know Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior. Jesus is waiting for my dad with wide stretched open arms, just waiting til my dad says he is ready. And when dad is able to let go of this earthly shell that has stolen his ability to enjoy this earthly life, dad will grasp onto his Lord and Savior and hear these words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant, Ralph.”

Communities Matter at Kingdom Quest

Cathy — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 01:32:50 +0000

Kingdom Quest is always a very exciting place to be… I love sharing God’s love with the kids on Sunday mornings, but today there was an extra special buzz in the air. As part of the series “All People Matter” the Kingdom Quest kids made wreaths which will be donated to Habitat for Humanity. They in turn will present the wreaths to families in the Buffalo region at their house dedication ceremonies throughout the next year.
Each flock decorated their own themed wreaths which I must admit turned out even more creative and beautiful than I had expected. The 1st graders decorated fall wreaths, 2nd grade- a Valentine’s Day wreath, 3rd grade-Christmas wreaths, 4th & 5th grades- Easter wreaths, and JUST US decorated a Patriotic wreath.
The Shepherds were awesome in how they engaged the children in the activity, really stressing the point that we were doing this for “others” and we should make it our best effort. No need to worry about effort because the children were so absorbed with their creativity. As I walked around during Kingdom Quest I was truly amazed at how each child was so detailed in their decorating and taking such pride in their work. I know the families will feel the love of Jesus as they are presented with these wreaths and as they read the Scriptures on them each time they walk through the door of their home. They will also be receiving a refrigerator magnet which says
“You matter to us because you matter to God.” On the back of the magnet lists our Church name with the grade level that decorated their wreath.
Check out the photos below of the beautiful wreaths!!

New Header Photo

Cathy — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:23:18 +0000

The photo at the top of my blog was taken by the best photographer around… none other than my ever so talented husband, Mark. What do you think of my new blog layout? I decided that I’ve had a blog for almost a year now and it was time for a change. Mark and his best friend Tim went out a couple weeks ago and played around taking photos downtown. I thought this particular picture was extra special, however I really like this other one he took of the Peace Bridge.

The Sweetness of a Father’s Love

Cathy — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:07:19 +0000

     As some of my readers may know or not know, my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 lung and liver cancer last August. Projections were that he was basically untreatable and had 9-18 months to live. He has gone from being an overachieving work-a-holic to someone who sleeps between 16-18 hours a day and spends most of his waking hours sitting a chair because he has no strength to do anymore than that.
     Anyway, I went over to visit him this week and Dad hands me an envelope. On the front is says “To Cathy. With all my love, Dad”. On the back of the envelope is says “S.W.A.K.” If you don’t know what this means it stands for “Sealed with a kiss”. Now my dad has never addressed an envelope in this manner ever in my whole life. This was a very special token of his love to me. So I open the envelope and there’s a card. (This part gets kind of funny.) The card is a sympathy which is telling me the typical things a sympathy card would say and I’m thinking “What in the world is he trying to say?” I personally think it was just the only card he could find at home so he used it. When I opened the card, there was a check inside written out to me. I asked what this was for and Dad said, “It’s a thank you for all the time you give me.”
     Now, you don’t know my dad, but money is his life and I mean that in the most loving way. He has always been focused on investing money, saving it, making wise choices about finances, buying things to make more money, etc… However, I don’t want you to get the wrong impression of my dad because he has also been very generous giving to food pantries, supporting his church, giving to worthy causes, and much more.
     So anyway, back to my story. At first when I got the check I was a little “bent out of shape” you might say. I thought my dad does not need to pay me for the time I spend with him. I spend time with him because I love him and want to do it. I spend time with him because it has strengthened and enriched our relationship. Then, I started thinking deeper about the check he gave me and realized it really wasn’t about the money or paying me for spending time with him. For my dad giving me that check was sincerely a “token of his love”. For him, it was truly an expression of his love in the only way he knows how to express himself.
     Only God knows the plan for my dad and how much longer he’ll be around, but I treasure that little envelope sealed with a kiss and I love the fact that Dad and I have a special “love bond” that has been able to grow and blossom into something beautiful in his late years!