Fr. Don's Daily Reflection
In reading these reflections you have probably noticed my veneration of parents for the patience they show in rearing their children. Seeing a mother or father continue shopping and keeping a smile on their faces as their little one emits screams heard all over the supermarket leaves me awestruck. They are learning or have learned enough patience to qualify for sainthood. Joan Pierce, a reader of these reflections, suggests another angle to this. Though her qualifications may be a bit exceptional - she is the mother of eight - and now old enough to see her husband showing symptoms of Alzheimer's, she gives us much to think about. With her permission and a little editing, I quote some remarks of hers on the subject.
"I was a mother of eight children and you'd think I would have learned patience. But instead I learned how to fit a lot of needs and wants into a busy schedule while urging us all to 'hurry up'.... Ten years ago, my husband began to show symptoms of Alzheimer's. I didn't worry about patience then, but watched and tried to cope. Now I have ALS and I find time to be patient. Patient with all the slow old people who react almost as slowly as I do. Patient with all the fast paced younger ones who want to help. Patient with myself.”
Editor’s Note: A suggestion for a unique Christmas gift: Fr. Don Talafous’s new book, a collection of his reflections. They offer hope and encouragement. While they come from the mind, heart, and PC of a Catholic Benedictine, these reflections appeal to church-goers, skeptics, and even those of little if any relation to organized religion. Order here: Musings: A Benedictine on Christian Life