an honor

The other day I received a call from Colleen Perfect, informing me that I am to receive the annual Arthur A. Herkenhoff Award from Catholic Parents Online. It was an honor to hear this news and also disconcerting...

I'm not doing what I'm doing for recognition. When I think about it on a very basic level, I'm doing what I do so I can get to heaven. I long to be with God for all eternity and, with His grace, I try very, very hard to go where He wants me to go. Also, when things like this happen to me, my mind goes right to prideful thinking. My son teased me that soon he'll have to make a trophy room (for all TWO of my awards!) for me. I said, yeah, and the first thing that should go up on the wall is my big head!

I figured out that I must be gracious and accept awards when they come my way, not because I'm so great, but because of what they represent and can teach others. This particular award is in memory of a man who followed God's Will with great joy. He had a final awesome gift from God when he died right at the Consecration at Mass. You can read more about him at: www.catholicparents.org

Colleen asked if I would say a FEW words when I accept the award. I told her she doesn't know what she asks--people who know that I'm going to be speaking bring hooks so they can haul me off stage when I go on and on! Loquacity, after all, is my middle name! She laughed.

Anyway, it's another opportunity to grow in humility. Besides, it will be free advertising for LifeCare Center East and St. Columba...not to mention for grandparents everywhere!

God certainly does bless us during our lives in very beautiful ways!