Dateline Dayton — The past week brought two wonderful first-time experiences.

Thursday evening Pauline and I enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Dayton's famous steakhouse, The Pine Club.  A good friend provided us with a gift certificate, and this was the perfect occasion.

After dinner, we were on to the Loft Theater, for a play I thought sounded interesting.  The Loft is small, and we saw “Miracle on South Division Street.” My first time at the Loft, my first experience with local professional actors.  I was impressed with both the theater and the professionalism of the actors.

In the play, about a Catholic family in Buffalo, the grandfather, erects a 20-foot shrine to the Blessed Virgin Mary next to his barbershop.  Legend had it the Blessed Mother herself appeared to the grandfather and gave him a message concerning world peace.

There is no proof this miracle ever took place. The church told everyone not to waste prayers or coins on such a hokey miracle.  Even though the area was urban blight, the Blessed Mother somehow was spared from the wrecking ball.

Now there is mom, the daughter of the barber, and her three children. One daughter decided to undertake research. She found that the statue was actually of grandpa's mistress, back in the old country.  This, of course, shocked the whole family, especially the granddaughter. She was dating a former seminarian.

The statue was of the grandfather’s mistress wasn't the only surprise. Mom learned that she was the offspring of that relationship.  This should have been enough surprises. One more lurked. Grandpa’s mistress was Jewish.

It was a fun play and even though I've shared with you the story, you should see the Miracle on South Division Street.

For my second new experience, you could label me a hypocrite after last week’s essay because I attended a professional football game on Sunday. 

Just as we were getting ready to leave for church, our son Bill called. Was I interested in attending the Cincinnati Bengals game.  He didn't need to entice me with good seats. Immediately I said yes.  After changing clothes, I was on my way. A Bengals game was on my bucket list as are Hawaii, cruising the Panama Canal and much more.

We arrived just as the game was to begin.  Years ago I attended a preseason game and our seats, which were free, were in the high red seats, at the stadium the Bengals and the Reds shared.

Because of the tremendous noise, I didn't think I would be able to hear after the game. There is something to be said for attending a game, getting caught up in the hoopla. For  actually seeing it, though, the television in my living room is much better,  and cooler or warmer, depending on the weather.  It was a great game. The Bengals won 33 to 7.

I really appreciated my son asking me to attend, and I returned to Dayton in time to attend church Sunday evening.

A Gutty Woman

Congratulations to the lady in Texas who broke out the windshield of a car, to rescue a baby left inside.  She did it in spite of being told by a security guard and other bystanders that she would be arrested. If anyone were going to be arrested, it should have been the security guard and bystanders.

The inaction of the security guard and bystanders just goes to show how little we value human life, especially that of a small child.  This mentality is due in part, probably, to our acceptance of abortion.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net