Monster combine/Healing!/the dance of life... one step forward two steps back

An oldie from the farm around 1971 when we were newly Catholics!  We have since lost one sibling, Mary, so there are now 10 of us all grown up and much older as have my parents.

Mom will be 90 in a year and dad is 93 1/2 and is told repeatedly that he doesn't look it... hence it is hard to slow down and allow others to help him and mom more now.  He made that comment today to the Occupational Therapist..."I look so good! How can I ask for a wheelchair volunteer to push me around Vets Clinic?"  Because you need it dad!

Praying with my parents this morning is a cherished delight for me!  Nothing better!  We are all lifted up by them in prayer and it shows in so many ways on our journeys!
http://familysoulstory.blogspot.com/p/the-amazing-story-of-13-becoming.html

Sitting with the Occupational Therapist and her marveling at how dad is able to tend to most of his daily cares and even added his getting back into the kitchen last night to do the dishes after mom has prepared their meal... back to the new normal... She seemed disappointed that she will not be needed here, and I agree that time with my parents is a gift to most all those that spend time with them.

We had a young mother with her 2 year old pop in yesterday, and she shared that her mother-in-law is facing the end of her days due to cancer.  They sent with her the relic of Blessed Solanus Casey and she seemed most appreciative and touched by their concern and promised prayers.

New tires to get through the muddy fields in this wet fall!!!  4 year old Luke says we now have a monster combine!

Off to the doctors with mom and dad, and we are asking for the healing promised in the Gospel today!
And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal. 3And he said to them, "Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. 4And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them." 6And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.

I am thinking prayerfully about our time in France just a month ago!  Little Brother Clement is a dear friend.  We lift him up in prayer as he takes some time away.

Hallel's lamb which signifies her final vows - "I promise unto death!"  LOVE the Lamb which leads us to total sacrifice - giving without counting the cost!

Therese and David.. the two 10 year old cousins at Lourdes in the rain!  With this fast internet I am having fun with Ruth's big pictures and the memories are flowing and making me very nostalgic after our wonderful family time - the mountain of 21 going to France for Hallel's vows!

the proof in picture of the mountain!!!

Hallel with the Crosses... my family name... Dan Cross, Angela Cross and Al Cross!  So grateful for their coming to share in our JOY!

Mary with one of the huge pots needed for large occasions in the Holy Family green space!

The feast after her vows in the Holy Family area.  The little sister across the way had over 100 come under the tent, and we all totaled about 900 for the 12 taking their final vows!  I would say that big pot was needed and used!

Loved seeing my 5 together which happens only when Hallel comes home for her home visit every 4 years!

The day Susan left for France to join her Community of the Lamb - 9/11/08... 10 years later her final vows!  All are now married and 3 new little ones due in March 2019 including John's first!  LIFE is a gift!