This year we gathered for baby James’s baptism and Sean’s first communion. The baby is fast asleep and Sean is proud showing off his creative side. Children when asked if they are telling the truth, the response is normally a resounding YES. Of course. they are telling the truth. Look at these innocent faces. They are such angels in the making.
There are also confirmation, weddings, renewal of vows and funeral gatherings. The centre of all of this is our Catholic faith.
What makes these events memorable is the sharing of stories, the one-up-man-ship and the race who can tell the best story. We love stories. One time, I managed to beat my brother-in-law in telling a story. When it was his turn, his opening remark was “You stole my thunder.”
Back to tell me the truth, the event was at Mother’s funeral mass in April 2010. When one is grieving, it’s so easy to be distracted. I remember losing my keys in the church. How or where I misplaced it was beyond me. Going from pew to pew, retracing my steps, who I saw, asking the family and children if they have seen or found my keys.
The children said ” I dunno.” Really, I thought. I was a child before and something tells me that this is untrue. No point on upsetting people in an upsetting gathering.
Eventually, it was found. How it was found, I cannot remember. One thing though the act, the thief and the liar is all recorded and I have proof. The guilty person cannot argue with this picture as he was reaching for the keys behind me with his mischievous smile.
And I cannot help but smile, the children grow up and they love listening to this story.
“A family that prays together, stays together.”
“Create in me a pure heart, oh God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” ~ Psalm 51:10
“And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil” ~ Matthew 6:13
Photographs and Memories 