Monday Update on Dad

Dad is settled into Norseland Nursing Home in Westby. To his friends, he does enjoy the presence of friends. He doesn't converse much but he enjoy listening to conversations and he does add in a word or two from time to time. In about two weeks we will meet with the team at Norseland and get their assessment of Dad's condition and what would be reasonable to hope for in terms of future progress. I'm going to cease with the daily updates until we meet with the care team unless there is something significant to communicate. Your prayers and support have been greatly appreciated and your continued prayer will be as appreciated.

Sunday Update on Dad

I just got home from the hospital.  Dad had a pretty good day.  Tomorrow should be moving day if nothing changes.  We'll be moving him to Norseland Nursing Home in Westby.  After move in day then I should think that we will be sitting down with his care team to discuss what comes next.  I don't really know what to expect at this point.  Given Dad's condition before the stroke and what we've seen this week I don't know how much one can reasonably expect.  Of course, we always leave room for the unknown and for miracles; but, it almost seems as though that is what it will take for him to make any meaningful progress.  As Mom says, "we'll make the best of whatever happens".

Keith and Kristine Kenyon stopped in tonight for a visit.  Dad's old friend, David Whiteley stopped by on Friday.  Dad likes visitors even though he doesn't really carry on a conversation.  He listens while those around him talk and adds a comment in from time to time. 

Know that your prayers and expressions of support mean a great deal to Mom and to the rest of us.  We know that God is with Dad and with us, and that He continues to show His love and care for us through so many of you.  Thank-you.

February 2

Feast of the Presentation (OF)
Feast of the Purification (EF)
AKA: Candlemas

     Sunday, February 2, while many will have their eyes riveted on the rodent to see if he will see his shadow, and others will already be partaking in the national high holy day - Superbowl Sunday, we happy few will be celebrating an important feast; not so important any more that it would be ranked as a holy day of obligation, but considerable nonetheless.

     This feast is celebrated throughout the Christian world - both east and west, and celebrates both the purification of Mary and the presentation of our Lord, Jesus, events that occurred concurrently in the Temple of Jerusalem.  As we see in the Law of Moses, it was necessary for a Jewish woman to wait 40 days after childbirth for her purification and re-admittance to temple worship; it was also on the 40th day that a first-born son was presented to the God and redeemed with the sacrifice of a lamb or, for the poor, two pigeons.

     Interestingly, our blessed Lady had no need for purification, nor does our Lord need to be redeemed from Himself!  For this reason, in the Joyful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary of which the "Presentation in the Temple" is the fourth, the virtue that accompanies this mystery is obedience.  This is the first of a number of times in which we will see our Lord undertake an act "for the sake of righteousness".

     In this event, found in the second chapter of the Gospel according to St. Luke (2:32), we find Simeon declaring our Lord Jesus to be "a light of revelation to the gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel".  Thus, this feast is also known as "Candlemas".  In many churches candles will be blessed for use in the church and in the home.  If your parish offers these I would encourage you to take advantage.  Blessed candles used in the home are an important reminder of whence comes our true Light.  A favorite psalm of mine is Psalm 119:105 wherein we read: "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."

     As we leave behind Christmas / Epiphany it is important not to leave behind our devotion to the Divine Child.  When the original statue was presented to the Carmelites of The Discalced Carmelite Church of our Lady Victorious in Prague, the Czech Republic, the Princess Polyxena presented it to them saying: "Venerable Fathers, I bring you my dearest possession. Honour this image and you shall never want."  In 1631 the Swedish King Gustavus conquered Prague and the monastery was sacked and the figure thrown aside.  Seven years later the statue, its hand broken off, was rediscovered and brought out for veneration.  As Fr. Cyrillus was praying before the statue he heard a voice say to him: "Have pity on me, and I will have pity on you. Give me my hands, and I will give you peace. The more you honour me, the more I will bless you."  In 1639 the Swedish army again beseiged the city of Prague and the citizens hurried to beg deliverance in the presence of the statue of the Divine Child.  When the army left without taking the city it was attributed to the Divine Child.  A parade and coronation continue to this day in commemoration.

     The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus is the principal feast of the Divine Child.  This feast is celebrated on a number of dates between the General Roman Calendar, the Ordinary and Extraordinary Forms of the Roman Rite, various religious orders and the Eastern Church, but they all generally fall within the month of January.  Thus, January is dedicated as a time of devotion to both the Divine Child and to the Most Holy Name of Jesus.

     As we continue in this time after Epiphany let us take advantage of the graces promised in this beautiful devotion to the Divine Child, the Infant of Prague.  This devotion has been a great source of consolation to so many, including St. Pio de Pietrelcina (Padre Pio) who recited the "Act of Childlike Trust in God" each day.

Update on Dad

I was in Green Bay today for a class but my brother Patrick and his wife Patty and their son Nicholas came up from Terra Haute, IN.  Patrick talked to our brother Tim who updated me and here is what he had to say: "Betsy and Patty got mom to go to lunch and to go home tonight.  I think Pat is staying.  Dad ate well and was moving his left foot this morning.  Pat is doing some things to exercise him a bit."  My brother Patrick is an occupational therapist and his wife is a physical therapist, so I'll be interested to hear what they have to say tomorrow.  Thanks again to everyone for your well-wishes and prayers.  Keep the prayers coming!