Appointment at Ground Zero

         Late in 2001 our friends, Hylan and his wife Rita visited friends in Pennsylvania, then drove to Manhattan to see Ground Zero. He relates they were moved to tears at the staggering size of the destruction. As he was parking the car he asked a stranger if he knew of a good observation spot. He said there really wasn’t any good place, but his apartment would afford a view from the 32nd floor. “We checked each other out,” Hylan says, then took him up on the offer.
        They entered his apartment and walked over to the window overlooking the Hudson River to the left and Ground Zero to the right. It was a commanding view. Then Hylan noticed on the windowsill a “house blessing” in Hebrew. He asked the man if he was Jewish, and he was.
        “Our conversation became rather personal and intimate,” Hylan says. The man told of his life in 2001. His six year-old daughter died of an unknown illness. His wife left him one day before their tenth anniversary. He had cancer with accompanying radiation and chemotherapy.
        Then came 9-11. The man showed them his home video of the second plane hitting the World Trade Center. He hadn’t shown it to anyone.

The Answer

        We all are aware of terrible problems affecting our nation, our world, our cities and towns.  It is not "politically correct" to speak out the answer.  But how can we be silent when evil advances?

Oh, Well

        You’ve heard it, and you’ve said it, “Oh, well.”
        Was it a teasing, “Oh, well!”
        Or perhaps a pensive reply, “Oh . . . Well . . .”
        Could it have been a strong declarative, “Oh! Well!”
        Or, were you questioning, “Oh? Well?”
        These two words can be used in a different tone of voice. You said it to yourself, and you meant, “Is this something I should have anticipated?”
        Or you exclaimed in quiet disgust, “I give up.” Was it more like a realistic resignation, “So be it; I’m not going to let it ruin my day!”
        Can you recall the time you said it in a conversation with your friend, your husband, your wife, your child? Did you amplify your words with explanation?

Recipe for Reflections

A Gourmet Masterpiece for Discerning Women

[Note: This recipe calls for one mother and one daughter, but you'll soon see how you can substitute grandmothers and aunts if you can work around possible shortages of time and length of distance.]

Take one curious daughter and one caring mother.
Add equal parts of questions and recollections.
Combine these, being careful not to add too many expectations all at once.

It Helps To . . .

It helps to look back and remember: to gain that fuller perspective,
What went well and how you did it, Have any complications? and how did it go?

It helps to look around and consider: What’s going on in your part of the world?
What circumstances surround you? What’s still a problem, and what’s new?

It helps to look ahead and ponder: What might happen . . . Who might . . .
And what might they do . . . How will my planning and preparation help?

Are You Building YOUR Ark?

        Most of us know the Bible story of Noah; how God told him to prepare for coming disaster and how he obeyed. How many people today are “building their ark” for their families?
        Steve jumped into the discussion at Friendship Circle last week. At first, the others frowned, but before he wound up his warnings heads were nodding in agreement.
        “No,” he began. “I’m not just suggesting some symbolism for the sake of hearing my own voice.

What's the Bible For?

Perhaps you have a Bible;  is it a good luck charm for you?
Is it symbolic or antique?  Or mere suggestions of what to do?