How would you describe a perfect day?  Just looking at these two beauties would be a fabulous start. Some folks were asked what made their ordinary day special.  Responses were as varied as flavors of ice cream.  A few excerpts from my favorites:

• “To me the perfect day would be a moment, I could find joy again.”
• “I’m in a hall filled with writers who had made it to the finals. I shut my eyes for a moment to think of what would happen if I won this contest.  I would sponsor the less privileged but talented writers especially teenage ones who have limited financial access.”
• “Home sweet home, and in the hallway, I see my suitcase with a note that says:  Your bag is packed – we’re leaving tomorrow for two weeks in Bora Bora.”
• “Dresses. The ones at Goodwill, or Salvation Army, that line the shelves like little

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“If wealth was the inevitable result of hard work and enterprise, every woman in Africa would be a millionaire.”
George Monlog 

While women around the world work hard every day, we want to thank and honor all of the women in South Sudan, (now the poorest country in the world), especially the mothers who encourage their children to get an education.  We appreciate the sacrifices they make to feed and nurture their family.  Because of them, there is great hope for future generations to experience the joy of success.

Many young women are waiting for the gift of an education which will only be available through donations to provide a scholarship granted by the Padoc Area Scholars Society

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A tiny boy digs into his tiny pocket. He pulls out a coin which he places in the paper cup of a homeless man. This same tiny boy marches on down the street where he hears a steel drum, made out of tin cans. It sends beautiful music to his tiny ears. Once again, he reaches into his tiny pocket and drops a shiny nickel on the ground next to the street musician.

The tiny boy knows he has only one copper penny left in his pocket. He saves it for tomorrow. His compassion is not tiny.…
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This blessing was originally an Irish prayer. The Irish are said to have a deep appreciation for all things nature and outdoors. The Celts often used wind, sun, and rain as symbols to show how God is connected with His people.

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On Sunday morning, the anniversary of his 57^th year of ordination as a Catholic priest, Father Bob Schwartz entered eternity.  As both pastor and good friend, he taught me much about life.

My husband, Larry, and I greatly enjoyed our monthly dinners out with Father Bob where we would have inspiring conversations.   But most important, he would always say, was the listening.

Before saying the funeral mass for my mother, about a year ago, he encouraged me to keep on praying for her even though I knew she was in heaven.  At our last hospital visit to see Father Bob, about a week ago, he said to ask my Mom to pray for him to have a peaceful death, and I know that she did.

Father Bob also shared his passion for bringing God to the homeless. I believe his legacy will include the many homeless who eventually will …
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