My father was supposed to be a priest.

My father was supposed to be a priest. In early 20^th century in France the 1^st son in a family would become a priest and if there was no son, the 1^st Daughter would become a nun.

So, my father was supposed to become a priest. But his health was not very good, he was considered “too fragile”, so, after his seminary education, he had to return to the secular life.

I was the oldest daughter of my dad. My younger sister and I, both, for the 1^st two years of our lives, were dressed only in blue and white colors in honor of the “Virgin Mary”. 

Sunday was very important, my sister holding my Father’s hand, and me holding my mother’s hand, we would walk to and from church, regardless of the weather. We did not have a car. We would also attend all the other rituals of the Catholic Church and walk to and from each of them, always.

My sister and I, both, enjoy every one of these rituals and were completely united with them.

Today’s morning devotion (March 14th, 2023) made me remember all these things, as Dr. Yong explained how important Sunday service is and our attitude towards it for the health of our spiritual self.

The heart of a widow - A blessed widow -

I am a widow, I am alone, I have no one to talk with, I have no one to share my joy, my sorrows, my hopes, my work, my food, my – everything.

I have no one to kiss good morning or kiss good night. So, I kiss my cat instead!

My husband and I, years prior to his ascension had told me, he did not want me to be alone if I was going to be the one left behind. He even suggested a few names of friends of ours who were singles.

When we found out that he was very sick – he reminded me of that. He was so concerned about me. He loved me, beyond himself. He loves me today, still.

A year after his departure – I considered the possibility of welcoming someone in my life, but the idea did not last more than just a few days. In the past 10 years I have grown a lot, spiritually, Why? Because I am alone. I would not be able to share my life today, intimately with another husband.

I am alone, therefore, I have more time for myself. I found myself, in the prayer room much longer – reading, thinking, singing, praying. I have time. I have no one else to care for or to worry about. I am alone.

As a mother and a wife, I was the last one to go to bed, I could not fall asleep until I knew that “my brood” was safely tuck in bed, and that included my husband.

Today, I am the first, and the last to go to bed. I am alone.

Blessed widows and widowers need give and take, need companionship, need a kiss on the head once in a while. Some of us may be able to function, alone, but many may not. For the sake of spiritual and physical lives blessed widows and widowers need to be allowed to find each other. So, that, together, they can keep growing and become the Godly individuals that Heavenly Parent wants us to become.

Widows and Widowers (cheon-il-guk.org)

PS: 6 months after the departure of my husband, I invited a couple to move in with me, they were there for almost 9 years. We live together as true friends and helped and served each other. I am so grateful for them being with me. Soon, I will be moving with my daughter and son in law. I am soon to be 72 years old.