The World of Grandpa Don  

For the Christmas season my computer screen's "wallpaper" was the beautiful St Julie Charismas card created by Jason Deal. When I replaced it I selected a picture taken from our pilgrimage hotel in Assisi. I selected the photo because of its neutral and subdued colors, perfect for an unobtrusive background to my desktop icons. The hotel is situated in the ancient walled town high on the slope of the mountain and overlooks the valley below. The newer parts of the city are located in this valley but in this early morning shot are mostly obscured in fog. The most prominent feature is the dome and tower of the basilica dedicated to Mary, Santa Maria degli Angeli (Church of St. Mary of the Angels)  which is built around and over the  Porziuncola a chapel obtained from the Benedictines and restored by St. Francis himself. In it he founded the order of Friars Minor that would become the Franciscans. It was also here that St. Clare embarked on her monastic life on March 28, 1211  As I looked at my new "wallpaper" with the memories of that 2005 pilgrimage I realized I was looking at a picture of life itself.

In the early part of life, much is often obscured, as it were, by the fog of immaturity, the lack of experience that leads to wisdom. The real world is there but hidden in the mist. We think we know what lies hidden but the fog can be confusing. (By the way, the link to the web site for the basilica gives a clear view of the scene.) But lacking a clear view we can't see the way to the goal. It is barely discernable, in part, in my photo. We see the goal, in this case the dome of the church, but we see none of its surroundings or the roads but we think we know the way. Guided by false or unclear information or just our feelings, mistaken for true instinct, we make choices. The fog usually lifts by mid day but that could be many years in our lives and we find that we are on the wrong road. We commit ourselves to a way of life that we believe at the time will bring us what we desire. Unfortunately, what we desire may not be what we actually need.

The lifting of the fog may mean we must find a new road, a change in direction. For some it may be a minor change of direction and for others, those who have lost sight of the goal, or those who find they had the wrong goal entirely, it may be be a radical reversal and rerouting. There is no point in bemoaning our wanderings for there usually has been much good accomplished on the way. As I have often repeated, all of what has happened to me has brought me to where I am today and some of that has been when I didn't even know where I was headed. And now, ... even at my age, the rest of my life is ahead of me. I think I am much wiser now than when I started on my journey and my goal is much clearer now.

A significant thing about the photo is that the most prominent and recognizable feature is the dome of the basilica. Some have always concentrated on their heavenly goal but most, my self included, didn't take the time to look up through the fog we thought of as the real world to see the glorious dome representing what has been offered to us. It has always been there, all we had to do is look for it. Even St. Francis was a victim of this fog and in is youth sought fame an fortune. Realizing this was not the road he should take, he turned to God but even then he was lost in the mist. He heard God tell him to "Build my Church" and spent his efforts in restoring a building, the Porziuncola. It was only when that was done that he realized that it was the spirit and vitality of the people that were god's church that need building. The fog had finally lifted. But his early life had prepared him for the task ahead and so it is with us. Nothing is wasted. We build on the past ... but we always move on.

We need to recognize that there has been a GPS (Global Positioning System) available for thousands of years. It is God's Pilot System. Put Him at the controls and at every turn ask "is this His way or do I want to let my ego drive?"

Speaking of fog ... Mikey got me up at 6:45 on Thursday. That is a little early for me so when he came back in the house I went back to sleep. It was after 8 when I finally got out of bed and after a leisurely breakfast settled into my sunny living room to share a cup of coffee with God and Anne. I was startled to get a phone call and as soon as I saw the caller ID realized what day it was. Mikey was late for his appointment at Touch of Class! So, off he went, chauffeured by yours truly, to get all spiffed up.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Cory Kisel, a grand-nephew and son of  Kathy (Barilla) and Stephen Kisel. Cory is the grandson of my sister Rita (Copeland) and her husband John Barilla.

Friday morning there was a light snow falling adding an inch or so the the 1-1/2 already on the ground. More snow is expected later in the day and then overnight and into the morning the dreaded "lake effect snow" is predicted for the southeast end of the lake. That could spell trouble for the Nagy family members coming in from Michigan for Bella's baptism. We hope not. Dan sent a link to some spectacular photos of the greatest city in America. They were taken by the crane operator for the construction of the Trump Tower. See Chicago from the Tower. In going through the photos you will find proof that the fog is universal, effecting everyone, even in the most modern of cities.

Anne Marie and Anthony arrived at mid morning reporting slow driving conditions with slick pavements. They brought supplies, soda and wine and set up the tables for the celebration on Saturday. They also brought back my kitchen chair which Joe had repaired, reinforcing the worst joint with a steel plate. Thanks Joe. One or more of the boys will return later or in the morning to clear the snow for our guests.

I had started the week feeling blue but have readjusted my focus to the light. I have a great family ...  not perfect, that is for heaven, but my kids have done well and my grandchildren, the product of their lives, are the greatest ... without exception. And to brighten my outlook there is "bella" Bella, my "great" great-grandchild,  about to be baptized with God's GPS. It will be up to her parents to teach her how to use it and and then for her chose to make use of it when that time comes. No worry, its batteries never wear out, it is eternal. It is a great and glorious life but only a hint of what can be in heaven as soon as the fog lifts completely. Gibran tells us that the veil that covers our eyes will be lifted and when we really see, we will not regret having been blind.

God bless us all.