Today’s find: Dazed

I experienced an epic ‘selfie-fail’ at the ballpark the other day.

In an attempt to photograph the members of my immediate family—who’d treated me to Cardinals tickets—I inadvertently snapped a shot that had more of an ‘Ascension Thursday’ vibe to it.

Things are looking up for yours truly…

As in, ‘Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky?’

Upon further review, however, the accidental photo is not entirely inaccurate. I’ve spent most of the past week more or less in a daze…as my wife and grown children sprang surprise-after-surprise to mark my 60^th birthday.

Since my birthday is in April, it was relatively easy to get the drop on me. I certainly wasn’t expecting our eldest son (currently a Dallas resident) to show up at the local frozen custard stand last Thursday evening.

And then came a flurry of activity on Friday…in preparation for a big family celebration on Saturday (one that included surprise visits from a couple of now-residing-out-of-state high school friends).

The gang gathers to celebrate…

Sunday morning: more festivities—as we met for brunch (featuring a scrumptious charcuterie & cheese board) at a restaurant downtown. Then on to the ballpark, where we watched the Locals play their best game of the weekend set. And to top off the weekend, Chris celebrated Mass for us in our home.

In the right field boxes at Busch Stadium…

All in all, a wonderful weekend – every bit as fun and memorable as the birthday caper we pulled off last year for Gerri.

A good reminder, too, even if we don’t celebrate the Feast of the Ascension on Thursday any more – that the Risen Lord is true to his word:

‘And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.’

Christ is there for me, in the prodigal love that he pours out over me through family and friends. It’s a promise He has kept to me for 60 years (and counting)…and my heart is filled with gratitude for all those who have been the instruments of God’s grace throughout my deeply blessed life!

Grateful…for my loving family…

…and for my Mom…still loving me after all these years!

Let us pause now…to recall that we are in the presence of the Holy & Merciful One.

IHS