Raising Children

Last night, I went to a "cocktail" party at one of my friend’s house. I have known this young woman since we were in grammar school at St. Philip Neri in the Bronx. There were ten of us in attendance.

All but one woman and I are married and raising children under the age of 8. It was so interesting to listen to them talk about their wishes, dreams and hopes for their daughters and sons. All want to instill some values and teach their children about faith, morals and good decision making. They discussed the fact that at this point in their lives; the children are early risers so the moms are suffering from lack of sleep and also their children need constant activity, so all present are constantly on the go.

I think back to my mom and all she did to make my childhood such a happy one. She suffered from diabetes since she was 16 and then went blind and on kidney dialysis during my early teen years. However, while her sickness was a big part of our lives, she also taught me about love and living the best life you can with what you're dealt. Thank you Mom!!

I pray for my friends and all parents who are trying to raise their children to be good moral citizens. I believe that since my friends are questioning themselves and seeking the advice of others shows that they are doing the best job they can as parents. Know I believe you can do it!!Prayers and blessings!!

Sr. Jeannie

Retreat, Renewal, Refreshment

I just returned home from my annual retreat in Enders Island near Mystic, Connecticut.  Having spent a week by the water I have returned feeling refreshed and renewed.  The retreat I was on was a Guided Retreat and the theme was the women at the Resurrection.  It was a wonderful topic and I have to admit I really enjoyed praying with those women who accompanied Jesus.  The two talks each day were very helpful for focusing me on my journey with the Lord.  One talk was in the morning and the other in the late afternoon so I had plenty of time to sit by the water and pray with these wonderful women who stayed with Jesus and cared for him.  Gratefully most days there was a breeze so it was not at hot as most places were experiencing.  It was a silent retreat with a group of thirty women and one man.  Most of us were sisters but the rest of the group gave a wonderful dimension.  The group really bonded despite the silence and for those whose first experience this was of a retreat it was a great group to be with.  On Friday night we had a social gathering which gave everyone the chance to get to know one another better and share on our experience.

Reentry after a retreat always leaves me with the challenge of how to keep the good experiences I had alive and not to forget all that happened.  All one can do is do what they have the power to do and try to be their best self.  Perhaps this is the call for each of us during these hot days -- to reach out to someone and be present to them.  You never know when you just might be entertaining an angel sent from God.

Peace,
Sr. Pat

Memories

Summer just recently officially started in the Northern Hemisphere of our world and being that I live in the United States, my summer has just begun.  Thank God!!   When I think of summer, I think of 4 Rs-rest, relax, re-energize and recreation.  The beautiful weather that we in New York State experience at this time of year allows me to experience those 4 Rs.   

Many of my greatest childhood memories have to do with some summer vacation activities my family participated in.   Growing up in New York City, my parents always made sure I enjoyed certain city events in the summer-Yankee Games, Mets Games, Statue of Liberty, Bronx Zoo, New York Botanical Gardens, Coney Island, Long Beach, Rockaway, the Circle Line etc..  But we also always went to the Catskill Mountains where I got to swim, camp, fish, hike, go horseback riding, collect bugs and toast marshmallows over a great big bonfire.  Mom and Dad made sure I enjoyed my surroundings no matter where I was at the time.  It definitely was a wonderful childhood.

As I reflected on these memories, I thought too of our sisters and brothers in the Northern Hemisphere who are experiencing winter at this time.  I have great memories of winter fun too-skiing, sledding, making snowmen, snowball fights, hot cocoa and fireplaces.  You make the best with what you can.  That is how I define character.

I’m realizing that memory making is what assists me in enjoying life!!  However, the events don’t just stand out on their own- I also remember my friends and family members who participated in these great fun-filled activities with me.  The laughter, the jokes, the thrills are what make each one so meaningful for me.

What memories do you have of summer and winter fun?  Is there a way you can recreate some of that feeling you experienced participating in that event?

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Getting Brakes Fixed/Taking a Break

On Friday, I zoomed into the garage where I take my car to have its oil changed and any other maintenance work completed.  The men there are always so great.  They pretty much take my car when I arrive even if I don't have an appointment and usually it's ready within the hour. 

The garage is right near some mini shopping centers so I run into the drugstores, supermarket etc when I'm there and take care of my errands.  Well on Friday, they were done in about 30 minutes and the man called to say that my car needs new brakes-not immediately, but soon. So I ask if I can bring the car in on Monday morning and he readily agrees saying they will have it down my noontime. What immediately goes through my head is while how I will occupy my time for 4 hours.  The garage is a good walk from house but a real short walk from our provincialate office building.    I think while what work can I bring to the provincialate so I won't be wasting time.

I'm  been up for about an hour this morning and have been praying and thinking.  What kept coming to my mind was the the following thought-The car needs brakes and it is okay for me to take a short break too.  Perhaps I don't need to plan so much work for those four hours.  Brake and break-homophones-using my skills as an English Language Arts Teacher always.

God's words came to me through the car mechanic.  You never know where you will hear God speaking-so make sure to listen and reflect.

Jeannie Humphries, osu

The Finding of Jesus in the Temple

Today's Gospel is Luke 2:41-51 which tells the story of Jesus and his parents going to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover when he was twelve and him staying behind in the Temple even after his parents left.  Jesus was there for three days teaching and talking with teachers. His parents were so worried and when Mary expressed her concern, Jesus said, "Didn't you know I was doing the work of my Father?. 

This story always stands out for me because as an elementary school teacher, I always think how horrible his parents must have felt.  I have always been a big field trip proponent and talk my students all over the Bronx and Manhattan and even to Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island because they can learn so much outside of the classroom walls.  But I would be heartbroken if I ever lost one and I am vigilant about keeping on top of their movements on trips especially when on the subway.

I pray today for all Missing Children and their parents.  Jesus, please watch over them and return them to those who love them and please provide their parents with some peace and comfort.

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Reunion

My alma mater, the College of New Rochelle, held a reunion on Saturday, June 9th for all classes ending in '2 and '7.  It was not my reunion year since I graduated in 1993.  However, I met up late Friday night for drink and conversation with 5 members of the class of 1992.  I knew many of them since they were just a year ahead of me. It was great chatting with them and hearing about their lives.  All are in significant relationships and 4 have children.  They discussed child-rearing and the challenges and joys it brings.

Part of the conversation also focused on the teachers/staff members of CNR who made a difference in their lives.  One spoke about how a certain professor's readings of poetry was so powerful for her.  Another spoke about how one professor's belief in her made all the difference in how she was willing to put forth extra effort on assignments.  Also one of the women spoke too about how the campus minister came to her wedding and was so helpful in the planning of it.

I'm a teacher and starting in September, I won't be teaching elementary-aged children anymore.  Instead I will be teaching undergraduates and graduates in college.  I must remember that what I say and do will be remembered by my students years later.  So I better come prepared for class and treat all with respect and dignity.

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Living A New Life

Wow!  It's been a month since I last blogged. I apologize. 

Life has just been really busy.  I finished the data collection of my dissertation-now have to transcribe it and analyze it. No little task!!  I also moved into my own apartment which I have to admit I am enjoying. It's been fun decorating it and getting it organized.  I realize though how much stuff I have accumulated over the years and that I must start discarding things especially papers. That will be a task I will work on this summer.  My school is consolidating its three sites into one so it's been a busy time planning for the upcoming school year in a new building with a new way of grouping our students. 

I realize this is all just part of life. What I do have to remember is that it is important that I approach it with a positive attitude, treat others with compassion and mercy and live the best I can and know how.

Today I am going with my students, faculty and staff to a Fun Run sponsored by Mighty Milers- an exercise program where our students long their miles. It encourages physical activity in a fun wholesome way.  It should be a nice day.

Then tonight I'm off to the last board meeting of this school year for the Academy of Mt. St. Ursula.  I am looking forward to hearing how the school year is winding down for them and what plans are in place for next year.  My four years at AMSU were great ones-I made many lifelong friends-in fact I will be seeing many of them on Saturday at a friend's house.

God is good. All the time.  I must remember this.

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu