Home Mass at the Clayton's in Dolton

The stars aligned perfectly...a few phone calls cemented the plan...Fr. Dan's brother and sister-in-law opened their home to all of us.

Dan Clayton was coming back in early July with his brother Jack to Chicago's south side to stay with their brother and sister-in-law Pat and Roseanne Clayton at their home in Dolton, Illinois.  Dan knew that Chris and I were flying back to Chicago from Las Vegas with our granddaughter Jocelyn on Wednesday, July 6th.  Of course, also living in the greater Chicago area, were the Driscoll's and the Wampach's.  Dan offered to preside at a home Mass with all of us at Pat and Roseanne's house on Saturday afternoon, July 9th.  We all accepted the invitation.

On that late Saturday afternoon, as the bright sun was settling over the luscious, shaded backyard of Pat and Roseanne's home, Fr. Dan welcomed us all to Liturgy "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."  We praised God in song and prayer.  We heard God's Word proclaimed from Scripture by Don Wampach.  After we offered our simple gifts, we received back the Body and Blood of Christ from the Lord's Table.  Participating in this Liturgy with my wife Chris, our granddaughter Jocelyn, my Joss classmates, and new friends, I enjoyed a deeply spiritual experience in this welcoming place.

Fr. Dan at Communion Rite

After Liturgy was completed, we enjoyed a delicious potluck dinner together.  Warm and friendly conversation flowed easily and freely.  It was a pleasure to get to know members of Dan's immediate family.  Later, as we departed, spoken thank-you's seemed insufficient for this precious time together.  Yet they were expressed bountifully with hugs and hand-shakes.

L to R: John & Kathy, Tom & Chris, Don & Betty, and Fr. Dan

On Sunday morning Chris and I began our drive, with our granddaughter, from Chicago back to our home here in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Noteworthy in Toledo

Chris and I set out for Toledo, Ohio, on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, to visit relatives and friends.  However, this was not an ordinary trip.  This trip was special.  You ask, "What's special in Toledo other than the Mudhens?"  Ron Langhals and Jack Park!!!  I had arranged in advance to meet up with Ron and Sandy and with Jack and Harry for dinner at an area restaurant on Thursday evening.  Ron and Sandy offered Chris and me their comfortable guest bedroom for 3 nights.  Jack and Harry joined us for cocktails at Ron's house on Thursday late afternoon and from there we all went to Bravo Ristorante for delicious Italian fare.  The cuisine was delectable, the atmosphere was friendly, and we shared many laughs.

This was the first time that I had met up with Jack since we each left the Josephinum during our Theology studies.  As we shared our life journeys, I discovered that both Jack and I had been doing social work in Toledo during a similar period of time early in our careers; yet, we never located each other.  When Jack and Harry walked onto the enclosed porch of Ron's house, Jack gave me one of his big "bear" hugs and I reciprocated.  What a joy it was to be with Jack and to meet his partner Harry Tennery.  What a pleasure it was to get acquainted with Harry.  There is no question that we all soon felt like "family," that we all felt like "brothers and sisters."

In confirmation of our renewed friendships, Ron and Sandy invited Jack and Harry back to their house for dinner on Friday evening.  I was thrilled to learn this.  Courtesy of Ron's grilling, we enjoyed sumptuous ribs, with multiple sides, around Ron and Sandy's dining room table.  Another memorable evening together with Ron, Sandy, Jack, and Harry.

Chris and I shout out again our gratitude for these treasured moments.