Thank you all again. I got to spend yesterday with Frank & his spirits were good. I was spending time with family (children, grandchildren) & listening to Christmas carols & I guess my imagination ran away with me. Because I got so upset that he couldn’t take part in the holidays with us, I thought that he was upset too.
Imagine my surprise when I saw what was happening at the VA. hospital yesterday. When I pulled up to my usual parking lot, all I saw was vans of all makes & colors. As I walked down the long hallway on his floor, the community room, 2 large offices & the physical therapy room were FILLED with toys of all kinds, bathrobes, slippers, rolls & rolls of wrapping paper, celophane for gift baskets, etc. & PEOPLE everywhere wrapping presents. Frank met me at the nursing station (I always call from my cell phone when we are about 15 mins. away) & said, “I have all of my Christmas presents bought”. Veterans from all over the state had picked up those who are ambulatory & took them shopping. They also had had those who could not leave the hospital make lists of those they had to buy for & their sex & ages & purchased their gifts.
In all my 69 years, Christmas has been so special. However, I don’t know if I’ve EVER seen the true spirit of the season shown in such a way. I’ll never forget it.
Lord Jesus, I realize now that there are saints among us & half the time we don’t see them. They are here on CAF., they were at the hospital yesterday, buying & wrapping gifts to celebrate Your Birthday & to be a blessing to those who need them. Thank You so much for these “earthly saints” & help me to be more like them.
St. Jude, relative of Jesus and Mary, glorious apostle and martyr, renowned for your virtues and miracles, faithful and prompt intercessor for all who honor you and trust in you! Powerful patron and helper in grievous affliction, come to Frank’s aid & help all people who are sick in mind & body during this Holy season. Send special blessings to those who care for them & pray for them. You have received from God the privilege of assisting with manifest help those who almost despair. Look down upon CBCrawford & those who pray so faithfully for my Brother & myself; Bless the soldiers whose lives are full of crosses, and paths are strewn with thorns. My soul has been filled with discouragement lately, please help me realize that there is good in every situation. I will thank God for the graces bestowed upon you, and will propagate your honor in whatever way I can. Amen.