On a Personal Note...

a page from my diary

As a rule, I write about Food, Art, Family, and Travel. Although my writing expresses my personal take on things, the writing I usually post is not about me, personally.

Today, with your indulgence, I’m posting something personal… a page from my diary from 2 years ago. Sometimes, the experiences we have and the emotions we feel overcome us. This was one of those times for me.

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Sunday, October 22, 2023, Mepkin Abbey

On this beautiful Fall day, I dragged myself out of bed early in a sleep deprived stupor, to dress quickly, down a double espresso, and jump in my car to head to Mepkin for Mass. The plan was to meet my friend Kathleen, who was there on retreat, and go to lunch afterwards.

I arrived a bit early, and had a short visit with Father Kevin, the one thread that still tethers me to the Monastery, before we headed to the Church for Mass.

I sat on the beautifully designed, albeit terribly uncomfortable, wooden chairs in the small visitor’s section right inside the door. My feet just barely touch the floor, which puts a painful strain on my lower back. The sensation was familiar as I took my seat, remembering all the concerts we sang there, sitting on those very chairs.

The guitars used for the liturgical music were gone, along with Stan and Aelred, the Monks who played them. This morning there was a young lady playing the harp. The music was lovely and peaceful as the sound of the strings danced in the vibrant acoustic.

After catching Kathleen’s eye, I closed mine and breathed in the scent saturating the space, brought about by nearly 30 years of incense, candle wax, and prayers. I was overwhelmed.