My sister-in-law
In June of this year, I was privileged to attend my sister-in-law's graduation. They read a list of accomplishments of each and every graduate (much to antsy Noah's chagrin) and most of them were amazingly involved in their school and community.
We listened as each young woman was applauded for her involvement with the volleyball team, the choir, the Envirothon, the Robotics competition, and so on.
Then my sister-in-law walked up to the podium and stood, a bit timidly. The headmistress read she had been a participant in the school choir and the all-city choir, and then . . .
she stated that this young woman participated in "a diocesan event, promoting the sanctity of life."
I gulped, a lump forming in my throat.
While so many other graduates were joining up for activities to look good on their college applications or to hang out with their friends, our Katie was standing outside in the cold, praying by the hospital as a part of 40 Days for Life.
There she was, praying for unborn babies in our city to be brought into the light of day.
The courage that must have taken amazes me, especially from a young woman. It demonstrates to me what a wonderful sense of Self she has, something I seriously lacked when I was her age.
This week, she will be heading off to university. I am overjoyed she will be attending my beloved Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy, where both Patrick and I studied for several years. But I am saddened to lose her, to have her move so far from us.
She is more than a sister-in-law (which, by the way, is a silly title anyway. Why not say "sister-in-sacrament"?). She is a real friend.
May God bless her in her studies!
We listened as each young woman was applauded for her involvement with the volleyball team, the choir, the Envirothon, the Robotics competition, and so on.
Then my sister-in-law walked up to the podium and stood, a bit timidly. The headmistress read she had been a participant in the school choir and the all-city choir, and then . . .
she stated that this young woman participated in "a diocesan event, promoting the sanctity of life."
I gulped, a lump forming in my throat.
While so many other graduates were joining up for activities to look good on their college applications or to hang out with their friends, our Katie was standing outside in the cold, praying by the hospital as a part of 40 Days for Life.
There she was, praying for unborn babies in our city to be brought into the light of day.
The courage that must have taken amazes me, especially from a young woman. It demonstrates to me what a wonderful sense of Self she has, something I seriously lacked when I was her age.
This week, she will be heading off to university. I am overjoyed she will be attending my beloved Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy, where both Patrick and I studied for several years. But I am saddened to lose her, to have her move so far from us.
She is more than a sister-in-law (which, by the way, is a silly title anyway. Why not say "sister-in-sacrament"?). She is a real friend.
May God bless her in her studies!
All of us at 40 Days for Life were amazed at Katie's courage in coming out. She was the only high school student to join the vigil, and she would come on her lunch hour. Her friends at school would know where she was going and that must have taken courage to go alone. We will miss her gentle presence this year.
ReplyDeleteThis post left me in tears as I remember my mom talking so admirably about Katie and her participation in 40 Days. I agree - what a remarkable sense of self.
ReplyDelete