Dateline Dayton – The health of Pauline’s brother Joe seems to be improving.
Last Sunday, we celebrated Joe’s 50th anniversary of becoming a priest. He told us he has no regrets about the career he chose, and he couldn’t think of having done anything else.
He was hoping to enjoy a big celebration at the church in West Milton, inviting his family, friends and other priests in the area. However, due to his circumstances, he had to settle for a small celebration with 18 family members in the Community Room at Walnut Creek. It would have been larger but our daughter Darlene, husband and son had to leave on Thursday because Ryan had an important wrestling match the next day, which he won.
Our son Chris did an outstanding job of arranging everything. The cake was decorated appropriately for the occasion. Punch and peanuts also were were served. After about an hour and half Joe was getting tired and asked to be returned to his room.
After that celebration, everyone came to our house for the family Christmas celebration. I was hoping that our son Jon’s wife and her sons would join us, but it didn’t happen. I guess we still have not met her standards. We probably never will.
Pauline fixed a great meal with some of the kids pitching in. I helped by picking out a terrific ham on Saturday. After we had finished eating, we went about the business of exchanging gifts. A fun afternoon, and I believe everyone had a good time, possibly except for Jon. The next day, we learned he had been upset because no one asked about his wife Patty. Why ask? She has only attended one family event and that was years ago, before they were married.
On Monday, New Year’s Eve, Pauline and I lived it up. I took off work early so we could get into a restaurant without a long wait. With that accomplished, we were back at the house before 6 o’clock. From there on, it was the same everyday routine, watching television, dozing off, trying to get things organized – after waking back up. I was asleep in front of the television before midnight. I didn’t awaken until 12:08.
On Tuesday, I drove Darlene and her two daughters back to Michigan. Possibly I should say I provided the car. Heather did most of the driving. Upon our arrival, we met Ryan and his girlfriend and went out for supper. Mike was not feeling well, so he stayed home.
Heather has needed to get fingerprinted so she can take the test to get her nursing license. I took her to Kalamazoo on Wednesday morning to get that accomplished. Boy, what a change from when I had it done to obtain my security clearance. Now it is all done electronically.
After the fingerprinting, we celebrated at McDonald’s and then it was a stop at the B & G Discount Store. By 12:30, I was on my way home, arriving at 6:45 because I took the scenic route.
What will this week bring?
Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net