last night i had to make a tough decision.

charles was out at maryknoll, at the walk to emmaus.

i had made plans to go to ursula's, to eat a fantastic curry dinner and watch FAME (the original one, not the cheesy remake, thank you very much, ursula is a woman of taste, tyvm) with some fun folk. it was shaping up to be a divine evening. 80's music, 80's clothes, 80's hair, fab women and curry….doesn't this seem divine to you??

around 2pm i realised that charles really wanted me there for the saturday night mass, and for a blessing from father tom.

fame or religion?

religion or fame?

religion and the desire to obey my husband, or at least to be there on an important night for him, won out.

the need to be with the community. to come again to the chapel, for reconciliation, communion, passing of the peace, reaffirmation.

i called ursula and explained. apologised profusely.

went to maryknoll.

the service was amazing. we had a beautiful prayer time. there are so many people in the community who have suffered loss recently, or who are coming up to an anniversary of a loss. we prayed for the farrells. today marks one year since megan farrell died. we prayed for those among us and for friends, too many, who have recently been diagnosed with cancer. for healing, for peace, for wisdom and compassion for the physicians. i have been so physically busy these days, i have not spent enough time talking with God, praising Him for His goodness, storming the gates of heaven with requests. and there are so many praises and requests, even within my family and close friends!

and then communion itself. 

"i have prepared a feast for you!"

i received the blessing first, and then communion. and as i dipped my communion wafer into the wine, where the priest said, "Christ's blood, shed for you," and then looked up, saw my face and said, "for Tess!" in a joyful voice. 

for tess.

for me.

it's not just for the people suffering from poverty, those suffering under the black oily weight of depression or addiction, it's for the everyday people too.

i was sorry to miss fame, but you know what?

i'm going to live forever!