Rest and Reflection
Happy Monday! I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend.
I must admit that I enjoyed my four day weekend. I got plenty of rest and I also found time for a little reflection. I was sorry to hear about the death of Michael Jackson. I stayed up late Thursday watching many of Michael’s videos and some of the tributes. Isn’t it amazing how a song can take you on a journey back in time? The Off the Wall album reminded me of the first dances I went to when I was a young girl. Thriller reminded me of my younger sister’s dance recital. My sister and her friends did a dance to Smooth Criminal. Like so many of you, I know about all of the accusations against Michael Jackson. Like all of you, I watched as his face and his behavior became more bizarre. Still… I reserve judgment for a Higher Power. The argument can be made that Michael Jackson didn’t have a normal childhood and that had a tremendous influence on his ability to function. Then again, others say he wouldn’t have become the King of Pop if he hadn’t been pushed so hard. I do remember an interview I once heard with Michael’s mom. She once said that she wished she and her family were still living a simple life in Gary. Even with all of her family’s musical success, it seems Mrs. Jackson realized all the money in the world can’t buy peace of mind or happiness.
Someone who has helped me find peace of mind over the years is my beloved priest, Father Paul. This Sunday Father Paul said his last mass at my church. I kept telling myself that I wasn’t going to cry. Then, as Father Paul ended his homily, his voice started to crack. That’s when I lost it. Father Paul is an amazing priest. He’s a leader, a friend and a true man of God. When he learned that Mom had passed away, he checked up on me many times to make sure I was o-k. He “assigned” some very special ladies at the church to check up on me as well, as I made my way through the grieving process. Father Paul also helped Joe and I as we were planning to get married. He gave us some wonderful advice. Father Paul is a dynamic priest who has done so much for our parish. He truly cares about every member of the congregation. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve walked out of one of Father Paul’s masses feeling inspired and challenged. I’ve often walked out of mass with my mental to-do list… whether it be to apologize to someone (even when I felt like I was the more injured party) or reach out to someone in need (even though I had a hectic list of things to do for my little family.)
At any rate, I’m sure my church will get another wonderful priest and I’ll continue my faith journey with my incredible family and friends. After all, faith and family are what make life a thriller of a ride. I know when I spend a nice long weekend with my family… well… let’s just say it’s hard to beat it.
Powered by
I have reasoned that it’s easier for people who grew up in the 80s like me to get past the weirdness of MJ because we can recall the days he prior to the plastic surgery and scandals. We can remember the sheer crazy fanfare of Thriller, going nuts when his songs would come on at the skating ring, and trying to duplicate his fashions. What’s most amazing to me is how my 5 year-old loves to dance to my Thriller CD. Looks like his music will continue to transcend age.
Grace,
Unlike you, I was prepared to be teary-eyed at Fr. Paul’s homily (since Fr. Scott had done it to me last week); and had a purse-ful of tissues. Like you, I was doing OK until Fr. Paul’s voice cracked near the end. Many people around me “lost it” right there with me.
I will miss Fr Paul and Fr Scott; but am excited for both of them as they embark on a new journey with new parishes. And am looking forward to our continued faith journey, both myself and our parish as we start anew with our new priests.
Thanks for sharing your stories with us.
I watched Michael grow up on TV, as so many of us did. But when Off The Wall came out, I was in middle school, that age where kids start to want to claim certain parts of the culture as their own. So that album was huge for all of us at that age in that time. I still have many specific memories triggered by the songs off that album. By the time Thriller came out, I was moving in a different direction, so it doesn’t mean very much to me. But still, it was sad to see how apparently odd his life became, and sadder still to see how ruthlessly it was reported.
Ah, Fr. Paul – now I understand the sign in front of St. Monica’s. (I live near there and drive down Fox Hill every morning on my way to work.) It sounds like you are very fortunate to have been associated with Fr. Paul.