He suggested I dance. After meeting with my new spiritual director, he said I mentioned the word “struggle” thirteen times in my conversation with him. So instead of struggling to follow the Lord’s will for me, he suggested that I dance. I have to admit, the vision was lovely. I pictured graceful dancers, beautifully attired, […]
Dancing With My Father Read More »
When Allison was a toddler, we used to hold her up to the wall where all our family photos were displayed and play “Who’s that?” You have probably played this with your own kids. “Who’s that?” we would ask. “Grampa Briese,” Allison would reply. This was a way for Allison to know her great extended family,
Toilet Paper, Stickers, and The Great Helper Read More »
As an extremely goal oriented person, New Year’s is a great time for me. I love the idea that the New Year is a blank page and I can write whatever I want on my page. So for years, I would take the entire month to come up with my goals. At one point I
In 2008 I was so blessed to be able to go to the Holy Land. I wrote the following during Christmas that year, as a letter to Father Lopez. I now share it with you. It was Christmas Day, and we planned to attend the 10:30 Mass. At 9:45 we were in our bedroom
Unexpected Christmas Gifts Read More »
It was a Monday morning like every other, and I was very focused on getting everything “ready” for the busy week ahead. Get Alli’s breakfast ready, get ready for work, prep food for dinner, make sure the house is picked up before I leave. “Alli, are you ready to go?” I called. “Grandma.” “Yes, Alli,”
Father, Will You Hold Me? Read More »
It was a hot summer day at the end of a stressful month. Already June, we had missed our May trip north to park our camping trailer for the summer months. Usually a trip we anticipate with the excitement of an eight-year old waiting for Christmas morn, today it felt like a chore. I was
