Time to say, "Good bye!"

Time to say, "Good bye!"

I was taught by Dominican Sisters who staffed SS Cyril and Methodius School on Detroit's east side back when. They eventually settled on property in Oxford, Michigan. In those days at SS Cyril and Methodius, we developed many ties with these sisters and we took many a trip out to Oxford for pilgrimages, festivals and just plain visits.

In my days of full time ministry, I also enjoyed many a weekend directing retreats at Oxford.

The ties were deep.

So when I retired, they asked me to help and minister to them, providing Mass and preaching and sacramental presence. On my journeys there I was provided with a house on the campus in which to stay.

This arrangement continued for over ten years now.

But in recent days I have had to deal with the realities of the limitations placed by the aging process.

It has come to the time to say, "Good bye."

My last couple of trips there have involved packing and sorting and giving away and just plain giving up and tossing away.

My trips to Oxford are coming to an end.

I will continue to hold close to the memories, the experiences, the richness of the Dominican Sisters and their presence in and blessing of my life.

My journeys come to an end. My memories always continue. And my gratitude endures!