Them’s pretty serious words folks, now aren’t they?
My girl Rene from Mob Wives refers to Jesus, Mary and Joseph in a much different way than I do! But–she has a good point!!!!
This is more like the Jesus, Mary and Joseph I was talking about!
I loved my parent’s intensely. And I take the true meaning of love to heart. Love is important. Love is never-ending. Even when those you love pass on, the love you had for them will always linger.
On their wedding day–I’m sure they never knew the impact that they would have on their five children–and the values they passed on!
Then why am I announcing that I’m glad my parents are dead? I’m gonna tell you why.
We were never too young to learn proper values!
It’s because of the values my parents taught me and my siblings. It’s the moral compass they instilled in us. It is the discipline and sense of humility they passed onto us. It is the compassion and empathy for others that my parents taught us as well.
Do we even remember what a moral compass is?
And if they were alive today to see just how our value system diminished and is failing, my parents would be shocked and horrified.
My mother and father took their position as parents very seriously. They parented. They were not our friends while we were growing up, they were our guides to life and paved the way for our ethical behavior when we became adults.
They took care of us and “parented”! And boy, did they parent well!
And I’m angry. I’m angry and disillusioned and disappointed and saddened and confused as to what happened to the value system in our country.
As children, we were taught to “treat others the way you would want others to treat you”. This was drilled into our minds from a very young age. “If you want to be treated kindly and with respect, then treat others that same way”. We heard this a lot when growing up.
Yeah! Now that’s a concept. Why can’t we just be NICE to each other?
Certain words were not allowed in our vocabulary. Among those words were “stupid” and “retarded/retard”.
My parents were adamant about not using those words. They are vicious and maligning and an insult to those who may be challenged. Those words hit home the most when my sister, Beth Ann, was born. She was those last two words. And to this day, I cannot bring myself to utter those “r” words. My own three children, now adults, were also raised to never utter those words either. I’ve never heard them call anyone “stupid” nor have I ever heard them say the “r” words.
In fact, when they were kids, there was a series of children’s books entitled “The Stupid’s”. I would not allow those books in my home. I honestly don’ believe in banning books, but I did believe in not allowing certain reading materials to cross my threshold. That series of books and fashion magazines while my daughter was a teen didn’t enter into my home.
Believe me when I tell you that I don’t find many things offensive. But I have always found this series incredibly offensive.
I’m getting off topic. Back to values.
You know that awful thing called “lying”? Well, that was something my parents did not tolerate one bit. to lie was not a part of our value system. You don’t lie. Not to anyone. Lies hurt. Lies deceive. A lair cannot be trusted. Not now. Not ever. Never. To lie really is a sin.
I’m thinking that the morale of the story of Pinocchio is that lying is now acceptable!
My parents disciplined us in a way where we realized there would be consequences for actions that were not acceptable. We were punished. And punishment was usually in the form of something taken away. Something that we really wanted to do or have. And it worked! Like a charm.
..attone for your lies? That’ll be 25 Hail Marys, 30 Our Fathers and help your mother do the laundry! Yes. To Lie was a sin. I guess lies have been downgraded!
We were taught that we were no better than anyone else. In fact, my father who never minced words, would often remind me more so than my siblings (I wonder why?) “You better get off that high horse young lady because when it comes down to it, end the end we are all ashes” And he was correct.
Somebody had to set me straight when I got a bit haughty!
We were taught to give back. We were taught to help others. We were taught to respect others.
Habitat has always been my favorite way to give back. It is a truly wonderful way to help others and enjoy while you are doing it!
And in the pre “It-takes-a-village” era, my parents believed that it took a community.
We attended Catholic school, not so much due to our faith, but because it was a community of like-minded families. The majority of us held strong to the same value system.
This was our principal. Sr. Mary Isabel. She never got physical. But all she had to do was give that “look” and you knew you were in deep. But that value system kept us on the straight and narrow and gave us a wicked sense of humor!
The nuns who taught me were, when I look back on it, very liberal-minded compared to some of the stories I hear from others who attended Catholic school at the time I attended. I was very fortunate to have these wonderful women set the foundation for my education.
I distinctly remember one of my teachers, Sr. Mary Jerome, telling a small group of us that we should attend a public high school rather than a Catholic one because as young adults, we needed to learn first-hand about diversity. She knew that her job was done in forming our child minds and gave us tools to use as high school students.
Sr. Mary Clairvaux, my favorite teacher of all time, and the woman who gave me a thirst for reading and writing, threw out some of the books she was told to use while teaching us. I found this out later on as an adult when I had the pleasure of meeting her after she left the convent. She felt the books were too conservative. She felt we needed to be educated in a way that shot straight from the heart. It worked.
The sisters taught us to think independently. They also taught us to give back and they taught us humility and humanity. Traits that have been ignored in recent times.
This is me with my Aunt Eleanor. She was an Ursuline Sister–and one of the kindest and sweetest women who ever lived. She also passed great values to us.
So, when did it become acceptable to lie?
I’ll never forget how I felt when Bill Clinton announced to the world that “I never had relations with that woman”. Sorry Mr. President. But you did. And guess what? I could care less about his bouncy-bouncy life—what disgusted me is that he lied. And from that day on, I never trusted him again.
Yeah, Bill. Ya DID. That isn’t the issue. The issue is that you LIED about it!
Today we have a president whose lies make Clinton’s look like little fairy tales. Our current President has made an art out of lying. But when it comes down to it. Both men lied. And is that acceptable? Many people seem to think it’s ok. I guess lies have crept into normal behavior.
Yup! And the most dangerous liar is a draft dodger who made false promises and lied his way into the white house. His parents never raised him with a sense of decency or values. The only values he was raised with was the value of money. Period!
When did it become ok to deny the poor food for nourishment and when did it become absolutely tolerable to take health care away from people—allowing them the chance for a better life? Oh wait. Abortion is sin, but to take food and health care away from people is pro-life? I think not. I think that is anti-life”.
This is a man who PRETENDS to have values but in real life, he lacks morale fiber as well. He has no values. He wants to take healthcare away from the elderly and the underprivileged. He pretends to be a Christian. He is anti-life. Read this wonderful article in the NY Times: “And Jesus Said Unto Paul Ryan” This is an excellent piece about values and the lack thereof!
Is it the media that started this downfall of values? After all, the media glorified and normalized the person in the white house while holding the bar high for other candidates. Is it the new form of child rearing—the one where parents want to be friends with their children rather than life guides? You know—the parents who think that their child is entitled and better than the others.
Where is the value of responsibility and accounting for your own actions?
Is it the political correctness that has invaded our country like an army of cockroaches?
Yes. We, the overly sensitive, politically correct at all times can feel what others are feeling at all times…life is tough but you can remain a softy.
I am struggling to figure out when values and moral compass left our society.
My father made it clear to me and my sisters that if a man ever used physical force or abusive words to leave as soon as possible. He also made it clear to my brothers that if they ever struck a woman/girl or treated her harshly, and he found out about it, there would be hell to pay.
So why then is it ok for an elected president of these United States to debase women and gloat to “grab them by the pussy?” And this kind of remark still managed to get this man elected!
When did it become perfectly fine for politicians to vow to take away health care and food away from people—because that is what’s happening in DC now!!
And no party is getting off easy from me either.
Fact is NONE of the parties can take a joke! My God, Norman Lear’s “All In the Family” would be banned from TV these days for being politically incorrect–and while the show made us laugh at racism and bigotry, it sent a serious message about a serious issue.
The change seemed to take place when the Tea Party invaded the Republican party like an incurable disease. Overnight the Republicans went from a rather genteel but selfish group to a bunch of loud mouths extolling hatred for any people who were not bankers, large corporate honchos, lobbyists, or insurance companies. They refer to those in need or any government assistance as being “entitled” when they, themselves, are the truly entitled ones.
THIS is the illness that invaded the old-school GOP and ruined the set of values in politics for all. Divided we stand.
The Democrats get no mercy from me either. Once the backbone of the laborers and blue collar workers, they took a stand for the middle class. No more. The Democratic party ignored their core group the way the fashion and beauty industries ignore older women. In the Democrat Party’s inclusion of all peoples and groups and their mission for diversity, they excluded the one group who supported them from the get go.
To the EXTREME left–stop whining -and DO something! Grow a set.
And now we have a party of self-righteous, politically correct, do-gooders who lack the balls to stand up to the likes of Mitch McConnell, who has no value system whatsoever.
Mitch’s value system is completely off the charts. He pontificates about being Pro-life when he is only pro-fetus. Once the life is breathing and functioning , he doesn’t want to feed them, educate them or help with health care. Where are your values Mitch????
The Democrat’s silence is tolerance of the lack of humanity and low moral compass that the Republicans now stand for.
We need a return to good and decent values. We need a return to love rather than hate. We need a return of people working together for each other rather than against each other.
I realize that I’ve brought politics into this post—but I’m bipartisan. Both parties messed up. Both parties fell into the abyss of the extreme.
And it seems that tweets are setting the tone for the new behavior of social mores. Yes. Tweets are the new set of values.
What kind of values does this man have? As president, he spends his “morning time” sending tweets rather than thinking about what is best for “we the people”. I do believe he is mistaking his “civil duty” for “physic doody”. Stop the tweets. Get a set of values and compassion!
* These guys singing to the tune of Rockin’ Robin*
All the little birdies on Congress Street, love to see the POTUS go “tweet, tweet, tweet”. Go and rob them! Tweet. Tweet. Tweet. Go and Rob them. Tweet. Tweet. Tweet. POTUS gonna go and rob them of their healthcare tonight!!
Where has humility gone?
C.L. Lewis got this value right. He was spot-on when it came to describing humility!
In essence—where have all the values gone?
Another great and valuable quote. Giving–it’s a value.
Where have all the values gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the values gone?
Long time ago.
Where have all the values gone?
Gone to grave yards every one.
When will they ever learn. When will they ever learn?
I can’t help it—but I think had Bobby Kennedy and Dr. King lived, our world as we know it would be different. We would have a great value system put into place. We would be a compassionate people. We would be a caring people. We would take care of each other. And we would be a great America.
Kennedy and King. I do think that our lives as Americans would have changed for the better had these two men lived. They did something. They made people think. They taught tolerance and compassion. They gave. And we lack the leadership of people like this that we so need. We need leaders with VALUES!
So, let’s think about it. Let’s think about the values we were raised with. Let’s raise a toast to our parents—whether they passed or whether they are still with us. Thank them. Hug them. And realize that they guided your life in a wonderful way.
I wish I had thanked you more than I did. I wish I thanked you every day for instilling me with a great value system. Thank you so much!
They guided your life with values that are invaluable.
Peter, Paul, and Mary. Where Have All the Flowers Gone.
Oh Catherine–I so feel the pain and the total angst at the direction of our country under the poorest excuse of a president anyone could imagine. I can’t even look at all the proposed cuts without crying, Why can’t he just admit he is out of his league and just resign? It would save a senate impeachment trial which we all know is inevitable.
Hi Nancy! And those cuts will hurt the average American and benefit the wealthy. I am amazed at how this con-man lied to the people of this country and they bought into it. This is what happens when people don’t do their homework. This is what happens when the bar is lowered on values. It’s a sad thing. We need values to starting like cream does to the top!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Oh, lady….this is spot on. I truly have goosebumps after reading this. Thank you for this wonderful lesson. So much thought and care went in to this post. I appreciated you before, and now I feel so fortunate to be a follower!
Thank you Leslie. Another thing I am confused by is when I do make a comment on social media about how the president isn’t doing anything to help us, I am bombarded with replies such as “You’re a hater”. “You hate” “You are a liberal, snowflake hater”. People do not read nor do they comprehend. To disagree has now become to hate. WTF is going on in this country? Values are tossed out the window. People do not listen. We are not the country we used to be. Thank you for your compliment. I appreciate that! XOXOXOXO!!!
Catherine, you said it all for me.
My heart breaks for my children and our country. At 69 years of age, there is the possibility that I may live the rest of my life with this lying, egomaniac buffoon with no morales as our president. Makes me sad, scared, angry, stressed, and sick at my stomach. I pray God will help us to once again become the nation I grew up with, one with values that are decent and caring.
Anne
Anne. This is going to be long. I feel the same way as you do! But I also find myself thinking “I’m almost 62. At this stage of my life, I should be thinking about retirement and enjoying the last decades of my life traveling, visiting friends and family, spending more time with my kids. And I cannot. I can’t because I lost any funding I would have had for retirement when I became unemployed. I had to dip into my 401K for money to just live on after unemployment ran out. I need to work to afford my healthcare. I feel, at times, life is passing me by and I did nothing. I was not a success. I didn’t have that elusive career. I didn’t make the six-figure salary per year that I thought I would. And now I will be working for the next couple of decades. It’s awful. I remember when elders were treated with respect and their values were taken seriously. It isn’t that way anymore. I pray too, that we will return to a humane value system! XOXOXOXO!!!
So true Catherine. The same things are happening in Australia where the poorest and most vulnerable are asked to do the “heavy lifting” while the richest people and the biggest companies pay the lowest or no tax whatsoever. I am 67 and still working, scared for the future for me, my children and grandchildren. older people here seem to be the scapegoats for everything – for staying in their homes instead of downsizing, for daring to receive the age pension, for just living it seems! This from our so called leaders, but all parties seem to be the same. You speak for so many but we don’t have anyone listening to us! I also feel fortunate to be one of your followers. XXX
Whoa! Anne. I’m surprised that the same things are happening in Australia! It makes me so angry that the older people, the citizens who paved the way for youth, are treated so poorly–everywhere. This obsession with youth and age is just getting out of hand. Hey. I speak for us all–at least I try to, but my words go unnoticed. Thank God for all of us in this little blog community. We all feel pretty much the same way. Thank you my friend!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Thanks for these thoughts; you are so right! The new norm is to be individualistic, or cater to a specific group, and do everything for a quick buck. Working for the greater good is not seen as leading a successful life. When did that change?
You had me at the word “parenting”. Not much of that going around any more.
Over here a working mother can give her child into public care starting at 3 months (crèche from 7am to 7pm) right after maternity leave. Then it’s on to maternelle (kindergarten) from 3 to 6 (with the possibility of 7am to 7pm) primary school to age 11 (possibility of 8.30am to 7pm) and so on. So the French working mother can basically rely on the State to educate her child. Um, when do I pass on my values? On weekends?
The moral kompass is shot because it’s not (mainly) up to the school to teach about those things. It’s an ongoing process and school is there to pass on other tools like reading, writing etc. Also religious education, and the moral values that go with it, has been reduced to nearly nothing since 1968. Ask Bonaparte about la loi sur la laïcité de 1905.
I’m so sorry about what is happening in the US. This is not the country we Europeans can look up to any more. I am wary and waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Hi B! It’s funny you bring that up. I’ve always felt that the (public) schools should concentrate on the educational aspect of what the children need and the values could be taught at home. My kids attended both Catholic and public schools. And both had their strengths and weaknesses. And as much as the education they received in public school was stellar, I had issues with the constant comments and thoughts from other parents that the school system had a responsibility to take on more than education. This is a great topic for food for thought. It really is–perhaps a future post!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Yep, amen to everything you said! Sheesh, my parents were flower children and they raised me with better values than I see today! And ya know, Congress lost its way when Ted Kennedy died. I knew it then, and it’s so obvious now. Where have all the Statesmen gone?
Hi Lori. Flower children may have been idealistic, but they still had those core values of kindness and love toward others. I swear, we need a Kennedy back in the white house. Quite a few of the Kennedy cousins are now local politicians in the New England area and they need to climb that ladder. We need their compassion!! XOXOXOXO!!!
What can I say Catherine except you are so right in everything you’ve just said. And this is from over the pond where we are doing a very good job of destroying our future big time. But remember you can get rid of Trump in 4 years time – oh, please do. But we Brits apparently cannot change the result of the little referendum we had, so hang in there and continue to write your thoughts and be strong – only 4 more years. I mean they’re not happy 4 years but you do have a chance to remedy everything. Best of luck and love xxxxx
Hi Penny. Ugh. I remember where we were when the Brexit thing happened. We were in France and thought–oh, this will happen in America. And it did. And it will take longer than four years to undo trump’s lies. America is now divided in a way that it never was. I do not foresee good things for my country–or our world. Thanks–best of luck to you too!!! We both need it!! XOXOXOXO!!!
I agree … I find it to be a bad dream without end …. How can this be? How did this happen?
Jane–you hit the nail on the head. It IS a bad dream without end! I’m still trying to figure out the “aha” moment when values were flushed down the toilet!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
You are absolutely right. But it is not just USA politicians who are morally bankrupt. Here in Britain both sides in the Brexit debate told obvious untruths. Those in favour of exit blamed all our problems ( not so bad if truth were told) on our membership of the EU, and on immigrants. Those in favour of remain warned of immediate economic catastrophe if we voted to leave. The biggest liar of all was Boris Johnson, and he has been rewarded by being made foreign secretary. I am embarrassed for my country.
Hi Ruth, I don’t comment on other country’s politicians, but Boris Johnson is the biggest POS I’ve ever seen across the pond. He and our president are kindred spirits. And this lying–how do these people get away with it. Nobody challenges these lies. I watch the news here in the States and the “journalists” will mention the lies but they never call anyone out on them. Instead we are tortured with human interest stories of cows named Saddie rather than real news. I think the value system of the media has gone way down too!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
The Guardian is still an honest newspaper, and I guess the New York Times, judging by Trump’s attacks on it. The BBC is OK, but is bound by rules on impartiality to give equal weight even to blatantly false stories.
NAILED IT!
XO
Thanks Elizabeth!!! Hey. I hope you are doing better! I’m thinking about you! XOXOXOXO!!!
Your post resonated with me! Enjoyed hearing your thoughts about values and volunteering. I had the same Churchill quote in my first blog of 2017 when I talked about volunteering: https://anneritataylor.blogspot.com/2017/01/help-others-help-yourself.html
Hi Anne. I”m so glad that I was able to resonate with you! I am also absolutely amazed that you had an article in the Star. THAT Star! It was probably THE only intelligent writing ever to grace the publication!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Amen! This country has certainly lost its moral compass. So many of us who dreamed of retirement no longer have that option, between job layoffs, actual cost of living and healthcare costs. The people that voted for 45 actually think he is going to make America great again. Many of these people are the same people who will be hurt the most by his and Mr. Ryan’s shenanigans. Yet, I’ve seen many of them on the news and in person saying they still believe in him. Are they embarrassed to say they were wrong?? Now is not the time to be ashamed that you bought the BS hook, line and sinker and put a narcissist and mentally incapable person in the Oval Office. It is the time to become aware of the lies and deceptions against us. Read alternative news sources to see what is actually happening in this country. I loved your statement about pro-fetus vs pro-life. So true! This administration and congress don’t care about the working class people at all. Their only concern is that Wall Street, banks, insurance companies and big oil make A LOT of profit! I could go on and on about 45 and his cronies but you’ve articulated it all so much better. Thanks for this post and story for my long comment but I am incensed by what is happening to the country. We all need to keep all this in the forefront of our minds because “they’re” counting on us to forgetting and accepting.
Gracie-no comment is ever too long for this blog. We are a community and this is a sounding board for us all. I’m constantly trying to figure out what kind of mindset would vote for Trump and support his and Ryan’s outline for medical care–and the majority of people who voted for him have jobs that don’t pay much. They are borderline poverty stricken and cannot afford to spend any more than they can. And don’t even get me started on how seniors are being treated. Karma better start kicking the republicans in the ass tenfold and better come around to do it soon!
But the dems aren’t getting off easy with me either. They lost their core group through omission. Clinton never went into the heartland to campaign and her smugness cost our country (along with Trumps Russian cronies) the chance to have at least an iota of value.
What is wrong with people? Where is the act of caring? Where is empathy? Where is wanting to help? I’m just disgusted as you are and I want something to be done so badly. These people need to be ousted of their positions. They are a disgrace and an embarrassment! XOXOXOXO!!!
OH Catherine!!! Thank you for this post. After I read it myself, I read it outloud to my husband. You put into words the feelings we are struggling with, trying to figure out where the values of so many in our country have gone off the tracks. We keep asking ourselves why, how, where do we go from here? What will happen to our elderly now and what about generations to come? Where are the great leaders amongst our politicians? For me personally, I have become re-engaged in my community. So many organizations that I thought would always be around, like Meals on Wheels, need our support and it’s not only about writing a check. This has now become a grassroots effort, just like the sixties. I’ve attended a meeting with with our senator just last week, with the focus on women, discussing our continued fight to gain equal footing with regards to not only our paychecks but opportunities in the workforce and maintain our health and reproductive rights. I’m 58 years old and I can’t believe we still have to deal with this s**t. A huge thank you again for sharing your thoughts, because when we share and pull together we can accomplish great things! XO
Hi Marianne. Thank you. Thank you for your positive comment on this post, but most of all, thank you for speaking out and doing something. I’ve donated to Planned Parenthood because the thought of women having ANY reproductive rights taken away sickens me. It goes past religion too. These fake Christians like Paul Ryan should be ashamed of themselves. To assume all Americans are Christians is arrogant, smug and elitist. We are made of so many religious ideologies and not all of them are Christian. In fact, many of the non-Christians are more Christian than Ryan, McConnell, Pense and the most fake Christian of them all–Donald Trump.
We need to work together to ensure and endure. I’m sick over this entire debacle. And I’m more sickened by the fact that women even voted for this man who announced that he grabs p***y. What woman would vote for a man who debases women. We definitely can accomplish great things. And a sincere thank you Marianne. XOXOXOXO!!!
Thank you for this heartfelt post, Catherine.
Today I visited my parents’ graves and, even in that small Jewish cemetery, I was struck by the numbers of men, including my dad, who had served in the U.S. military. My mother died near the end of September and she told me on her deathbed that the one thing she had left unfinished was that she would be unable to vote for Hillary. Citizenship and community engagement was so important to my parents. I’m also glad that they didn’t live to see these dark days.
I urge all of you who feel this way to contact your Congressperson and Senators, whether Democrats or Republicans, and let them know what you think of the irrational and inhumane budget proposed by Trump, the Russian investigation, the stance on immigration, and any other matters that concern you. With Trump’s approval rating down to 37% according to the latest Gallup poll, it’s vital that our voices be heard. Democrats can’t do this alone and the GOP might find their spines and patriotism if they sense that Trump is a sinking ship.
Hi Sherri. THANK YOU! Thank you for your wonderful comment. It’s true. Our parents came from a different generation of values. What happened to that sense of community.
I’ve sent messages, emails, faxes to my congressmen and women. We really need a revolution. Trump’s approval may be down 37% but those who voted for him will never admit to their mistake. The millennials who were “upset” that Bernie didn’t get the nomination and foolishly either voted for Trump in anger or just didn’t bother to vote are too “emotionally broken” to get into any political revolution. It’s a disgrace.
I LOVE my country and am willing to fight tooth and nail to make sure we get what we deserve–like better healthcare and feeding the poor. XOXOXOXO!!!
I grew up really poor – and if had not been for school lunches and food stamps, I don’t even know what may have happened to us. My parents both worked full-time, and did the best they could, but just didn’t earn a living wage. We never ever felt entitled to anything because we worked for it, even if others were sure we were just sitting back collecting the help being lazy.
Since my parents both worked, we didn’t get to spend as much time with them as other kids did with their parents. But we never had any question of what was right or wrong, or what values were. They didn’t need to be with us 24/7 for us to learn that.
I know too many people who are trying too hard to be their kids’ friends. That’s not what being a parent should be about. If your kids love being with you, great, but it’s more important that they know you will call them on things when they get it wrong.
Bridget–your comment made me so happy to be your friend and it brought to fruition that those who cannot afford can work harder than those that do. Many of us fall on hard times. Some for a short time and some for a longer amount of time. And that is what the help from the government is for. Your parents were good decent people and still managed to give you great values.
And it’s true–so many parents these days are way too sensitive to their child’s needs. They don’t want to hurt or upset their children so they will give into every wish and whim. Children need guidance and boundaries and just because a parent gives them doesn’t make them an awful parent. Oy..it’s unbelievable! XOXOXOXO!!!
I can’t say AMEN!!! to this enough Catherine!!!
Thank you Lady Calen!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Wow, I’m ready to elect you President, you’d make a great one Catherine! At this point I think we should do away with the Party-system, it’s too divisive and serves to push the important issues aside. Oh that Slick Willy Liar still gets my blood boiling, shaking his bony finger in our faces!! Yes we do owe a lot of gratitude to our parents, it wasn’t easy for them either. Your family photos are beautiful, thank you for sharing them with us!
Why Margaret, I would LOVE to be president because I would make sure that everyone was treated equally and that the government would play a major role in healthcare. The poor would eat. I would also make sure that Church and State were separated completed. My Jesus needs a rest!!
You bring up a great point about our parents. They didn’t have it easy because many of them were depression babies and grew up without! Glad you enjoyed the family pics! Thank you again! XOXOXOXO!!!
I’m well behind as I have had my son’s friends staying with me in Washington and I have been looking after them and cooking 24/7 and it has been fabulous having them stay. (Two more arriving on Friday for Spring break – they are all Australian but on exchange in the US from Sydney universities). Always love your posts about your wonderful family and childhood. My husband went to a sister school from kindergarten and then to the brothers from Year 5 so love hearing all the stories. When he did his final exams they were told to put JMJ but no expletive on their exam paper in the hope that the external markers would know they were Catholic. I commented twice on the Vogue story but each time the comment disappeared. Hope this is more successful.