Soul and Inspiration-Literally

I cook for two priests, both with extreme physical problems, a huge duck pond on Main Street, with assorted types of ducks, and one huge part dalmation dog named K.C. The senior priest is no longer pastor, he just the Patriarch, and the other Father Jim, is a young fifty-ish type, He fell in the snow several years ago, in the night, the victim of a stroke,and laid paralyzed for over fifteen hours and lived. He is stubborn, strong and resolute. He will once again stand straight up, no cane, and no affected side. He is determined to heal himself while saving the souls of his parish. He has his speech and can eat, only has a problem with choking once and awhile, and as far as he is concerned life, is grand on all levels, he was saved, and he has a job to do! And  he is trying to do it with earnest conviction.

Our Patriarch is eighty six, crochety, grumpy, short, and the "Keeper of all things around the Church, for the Faithful." He and K.C. walk the same route almost every day, and the dog has his own seat in the car, and goes with my Padre everywhere. He is fiercly protective of him, and vice versa. K.C. is a big dog, I would not cross him. Padre is totally disagreeable on Monday's, he writes and prints the bulletin, and expects his simple lunch exactly on time that day.  This is difficult at times, as the two of them eat completely opposite. It is the Ying and Yang of culinary expertise, they are "The True Odd Couple". They give of themselves everyday, they give money every day to the poor, and they visit the sick, call the lonely, carry communion to homes despite the weather, and host many benefits for those in need, and it does not matter if they are Catholic or not, we all belong there. Despite their conflicts, which the entire parish smiles and sometimes worries about , they will inspire you with their patience, their commitment, and their love of all people and things created by God. They never give up, and work as hard as many a young person. I would like to elaborate on the episodes I have witnessed, but I cannot. Right now it is time for Saturday evening Mass, and I can see that Grandfatherly figure, still standing at the doors to the church, dressed in his Khakis and plaid shirt, glasses askew, K.C. by his side, as he waits for his family, and he does expect to see you each week, and Father Jim inside, preparing the sermon, and willing his body to function for his people who need him. They truly represent consistency and dependability, but most of all ,that any life is of value, and at any age. Hope is their Gift. Ellen B