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Connections Forum Pro
Joined: June 24 2008
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Posted: Dec 18 2008 at 3:42pm | IP Logged
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I know I can share this here.
This is my family's first Christmas as Catholics. My husband and I were both cradle Catholics who left the Church in our early twenties. After searching and reading and hoping, I was called back to the Church this summer. My husband joined me and our two sons were Baptized this October.
I have felt such gratitude for God's love, patience and direction back to Him.
This Advent our priest challenged us to do something for our families we have never done. One of the readings reminded us to visit the lonely. This lead me to take my two sons to visit my grandmother who we had not seen for a long time. She lived about an hour away in a senior center and was, no doubt, lonely without my grandfather who died in February 2007. We visited less than 10 days ago. She told me wonderful stories of when she was a girl. She shared how she misses my grandfather and how hard the holidays are.
Today, she died.
I cannot tell you how overcome I am with gratitude to God for leading me to spend a few precious hours with her.
I am so overcome with love for a God who would take her to be with Him and with my grandfather this year for Christmas.
Admittedly, I am sad, too. Sad I did not visit earlier. Sad I do not have more visits to look forward to. But mostly, I am grateful.
_____________
Blessings,
Tracey
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MaryM Board Moderator
Joined: Feb 11 2005 Location: Colorado
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Posted: Dec 18 2008 at 3:50pm | IP Logged
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Wow, Tracey, that is quite a story of listening to God. I'm glad for you that you had this time and am praying for the repose of the soul of your grandmother.
__________________ Mary M. in Denver
Our Domestic Church
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Booksnbabes Forum All-Star
Joined: July 20 2008 Location: N/A
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Posted: Dec 18 2008 at 3:57pm | IP Logged
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What a beautiful story! Praise God's goodness!!! We will pray for the repose of your grandmother's soul. May you be able to focus on the joy of the visit you did have and not so much on what might have been.
__________________ Wife to wonderful DH, mom to SIX beautiful gifts from God!
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Mary G Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 07 2005 Location: Virginia
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Posted: Dec 18 2008 at 4:37pm | IP Logged
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Tracey -- thanks for sharing this story .... what a beautiful Christmas present God gave your grandma! Hugs and prayers for all those left here missing her.
__________________ MaryG
3 boys (22, 12, 8)2 girls (20, 11)
my website that combines my schooling, hand-knits work, writing and everything else in one spot!
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Lisbet Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 07 2006 Location: Michigan
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Posted: Dec 18 2008 at 4:57pm | IP Logged
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A very beautiful story. Inspires me to follow through with those Holy Inspirations.
__________________ Lisa, wife to Tony,
Mama to:
Nick, 17
Abby, 15
Gabe, 13
Isaac, 11
Mary, 10
Sam, 9
Henry, 7
Molly, 6
Mark, 5
Greta, 3
Cecilia born 10.29.10
Josephine born 6.11.12
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chrisv664 Forum Pro
Joined: Feb 22 2005 Location: New York
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Posted: Dec 18 2008 at 6:28pm | IP Logged
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Thank you for sharing this beautiful story, Tracey. I noticed you signed your name "Blessings, Tracey" and you definitely blessed us with your sharing. Oh, and welcome back home to the church! God is good, isn't He?
I will pray for your Grandmother's soul.
__________________ Chris
Loving Wife of Dan and Mom to Kate, Jessica, Ben,
Rebecca, Thomas and Hannah
Burning The Candle At Both Ends
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crusermom Forum All-Star
Joined: Aug 09 2007 Location: New Jersey
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Posted: Dec 18 2008 at 8:13pm | IP Logged
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How beautiful. God is good.
Mary
__________________ Mary
Army wife and Crusermom to 8 wonderful children!
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teachingmom Forum All-Star
Virginia Bluebells
Joined: Feb 16 2005 Location: Virginia
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Posted: Dec 19 2008 at 12:16am | IP Logged
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Thank you for sharing this encouraging and beautiful story!
__________________ ~Irene (Mom to 6 girls, ages 7-19)
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hylabrook1 Forum Moderator
Joined: July 09 2006
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Posted: Dec 19 2008 at 8:42am | IP Logged
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What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it. Praying for the repose of your grandmother's soul and for comfort for all who will miss her.
Peace,
Nancy
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KC in TX Forum All-Star
Joined: Aug 05 2005 Location: Texas
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Posted: Dec 19 2008 at 4:26pm | IP Logged
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Oh, hello, tissue alert!! What a lovely, lovely story.
__________________ KC,
wife to Ben (10/94),
Mama to LB ('98)
Michaela ('01)
Emma ('03)
Jordan ('05)
And, my 2 angels, Rose ('08) and Mark ('09)
The Cabbage Patch
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