Yes, John has 4 older sisters, and was dad's helper much more than the girls growing up. But now his oldest sister, Ruth and her husband and 6 kids are the farmers... Pat sure appreciates the help now, and I appreciate being put out to pasture for the most part. It is nice that he is willing and able to help Pat out this week. Thanks, John Patrick!
These have been some rough days with my dad. He took a fall yesterday straight back, and it really shook me to my core. Thankfully other than a sore spot in the middle of his back - there seem to be no broken bones or even bruises. I am however on total compulsion of not allowing him to get up without my hand on his back and find that he is weak and slow and also shook up by this step back literally!
Unable to pray at the table after - we moved into his bedroom and he got into his lift chair. Starting to use over the counter pain meds again for his aches and pains after his fall.
https://familysoulstory.blogspot.com/p/the-amazing-story-of-13-becoming.htm
After praying dad mentioned that he is going to be watching "Monk Marathon" on TV today and he is looking forward to it. "Mother and I always enjoyed watching "Monk" together! LOVE that he is looking forward to a quiet passtime remembering some pleasant memories of mom and dad liking the same things.
Dad baptizing John in 1989 at our church here in Marshall! The roots run deep for dad and I!
Today we were laughing together in the bathroom while dad was weak and unsteady and we had to be sure he was sitting when I was not right by him... "Shakey pizza and dark beer." He used to describe how shaky he was... Flooded with the memories of having pizza and dark beer after we would come back from our prayer group at The Cenacle Convent our first years in Minneapolis... that same group of Charismatic nuns that prayed us into The Church! Dad, mom and I would go there to join in prayer and to be led to Jesus, Mary and The Church - with dark beer and pizza at Shakey's on the way home on a regular basis!
When I say that my father is my king of our family of 140 - I speak from his showing me how to walk down the narrow path of loving The Church with no reservations... ALL that the Church asks of me I gladly do... dark beer and pizza helped fuel my journey with fond memories that I can now laugh with my father in the midst of his pain and suffering!
The amazing story of Bobbi waiting 10+ years for John...
After being classmates for all 13 years for them to come together 10 years after graduating is kind of special. She shared to the 300 family and friends gathered at the reception in her sweet humble way about how John Verly popped into her head and heart when they were seniors in HS as her future husband. Time and time again the same answer came to her through prayer and roses from St Therese and opening her eyes to see him right in front of her at WYD in Australia... When we consider what John experienced over those 10 years... brain cancer, seminary, girl friends, ups and downs and how disheartening it probably was and how powerful her prayers were for him!!!! Amazing!!! And how patient and trusting and prayerful and waiting and praying for John, this sweet girl was!
He brought The Community of the Lamb - first the Little Sisters and then The Little Brothers to the heart of our country for their first foundation in the United States! 6 1/2 hours on the road to spend time with my Community of the Lamb. Hallel has been there now for 3 of her 10+ years since she flew to France in 2008 to join them! LOVE!
The Gospel today reminds us that it is not easy and we are asked to take up our Cross or drag it behind Jesus down the narrow path!
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine,
lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.
“Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine,
lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.
“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.
This is the Law and the Prophets.
This is the Law and the Prophets.
“Enter through the narrow gate;
for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction,
and those who enter through it are many.
How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life.
And those who find it are few.”
for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction,
and those who enter through it are many.
How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life.
And those who find it are few.”
Matthew 7
Love to see a table full of cousins sharing their Faith/Family/Farm!
Jesus, it is truly a narrow and hard path we are called upon to travel - yet if we raise up our heads and look to the end we see you there giving us LIFE eternal with your Mother, Mary the Mother of God, the Angels and Saints! WE are so grateful that your Church leads us in the ways of your Truth. May we die to self so that you may live in us. Jesus, we trust in you. Amen and hallelujah
Evangeline in grandpa Pat's shoes when she was here for Uncle John's wedding 2 years ago!
I was told that yesterday they all went to the rain forest on a trip! A trip of a lifetime! Bless-bless, Barbara
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