New Visitors

Some of you know that I was prompted by an article in Forward Day by Day to think about the person that was central to me becoming a Christian. The great preacher and theologian Phillips Brook had been asked why he was a Christian and after some thought he said, "I think it was my aunt in Teaneck New Jersey." When I thought about that for my own life the answer was three people, Marsha, a priest friend Paul Schwenzfeier, and Bob O'Grady from my original Cursillo. Paul and his wife Rita became very close friends for Marsha and I at an important time in our lives and our children also became friends. It was Paul & Rita that brought us to Camp Dennen, which became such an important part of our spiritual journey. This week last year Paul & Rita came to Myrtle Beach because Marsha was ill. I had been in almost constant conversation with Paul during these weeks and he was such an important support for me, but for the two of them to come all the way to MB was such a gift to Marsha & I. They booked hotel space so as not to interfere in our life, but we would have opened our home any time. They came to visit and then let Marsha get rest and that probably was wise if Marsha was going to get better, but that was not really going to happen. The conversation was rich with God's presence and rich with memories and stories of some early years. We were so glad they came and so glad that Marsha had that chance to say goodbye. I felt such tremendous support from so many people. God blessed Marsha and I with so many friends who care for us. It was always clear to us how blessed we were, but never more than during these couple of months.