Sinking In

In two weeks, I will be on my way to Milwaukee, WI, daughter and her stuff in tow as I bring her to Marquette University.

Winter of 1995-96, Saylorsburg, PA. Elissa, Chip, Megan and Kelliann

Daddy’s little girl is going to college almost half way across the country. As I contemplate the ramifications of that, I also start realizing that Elissa will graduate from USC in December and it is likely that whatever job she is offered will be far enough away from Aiken that she will be moving away. Kelliann is still home, but she is working hard, accumulating some savings and will probably be finding a place of her own soon.

We are getting ready, as millions have before us, to deal with Empty Nest Syndrome.

While at church this morning, prior to Mass, I was thinking about the girls and the fact that soon they will be gone and we will get to watch them from afar as they begin the next chapter of their lives…without us by their sides, (we have been trying to prepare them for this moment for years). I found a prayer card, published by the Knights of Columbus, in my Missal with this prayer….fits the mood.

Megan’s HS Graduation, 2013, Aiken, SC Kelliann, Megan and Elissa…all grown up (Chip is in an urn on my desk)

A Family Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of our family.
Enlighten our hearts and minds that we may live more fully the vocation to love.

In our daily life and work, may we reflect the self-giving love which you, O Father, eternally show with your Son and the Holy Spirit.

Let your love be evident in the peace that reigns in our home and in the faith we profess and live. May our family always be a place of generosity, understanding, forgiveness and joy.

Kindly give us the wisdom and courage to be witnesses to your eternal design for the family; and grant that the Holy Family of Nazareth may always guide our path to holiness as a family.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Composed by Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, MD, Supreme Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus.

Wicki file here