Carline Francois's Blog - Posts Tagged "catholic"
Excerpt from Enough is Enough Already
This a scene where Loreina's husband and son are in the hospital after having major surgery from being involved in a car accident. Prologue
I couldn’t eat now, but she reminded me that I was eating for two, and I needed to be strong to go see Nick and Dachon. I knew she was right. I ate as much as possible. I told them that Harrington and Maxx were on their way. Mom and Marja were prepping me to go see Nick and Dachon.
They took me to see them. They were both in the same way as I had seen them. Nick’s head was wrapped in bandages. Dachon’s right leg and left arm were in a cast. Dachon’s head was still wrapped in bandages. I walked over to Nick and squeezed his hand. I kissed him on his forehead. I just kept thinking of how much we loved each other. Tears were welling up in my eyes. I still couldn’t believe that this was happening. I looked over at Dachon, got up from Nick’s bed, and walked over to him. I kissed him on the forehead and held his little hands in mine. I remember rocking him to sleep while telling him little bedtime stories. He would fall asleep in my arms, and now he lay there helpless, and there was nothing I can do but pray that the Lord brings them back to me. I tried to think positively and with optimism. This wasn’t easy. I stayed with them through lunch. They still hadn’t awakened yet. When the doctor came to see them, I asked the doctor if this was normal for them to not awaken for this long since their surgery. He said yes. He said recovery can take months, and sometimes a patient can lapse into a coma. He said that they are not in a coma but in a sleeping state.
Afternoon came and Maxx had made it to the hospital. Harrington and Nick’s parents were on their way. Mom and Marja filled Maxx in on what was happening, which is not much. Maxx came into their room. We greeted each other and hugged. Then he moved over to Nick and kissed him on the forehead. He held Nick’s hand. For a brief moment, I thought Nick’s hand moved a bit. Maxx then saw his little nephew Dachon on the other bed. He replaced Nick’s hand and walked over to his nephew and kissed him on the forehead. He held Dachon’s little hand in his. It was a moment of nostalgia. Indescribable. Because our hearts lay on the two beds and, at this moment, time is not ours. We are not in control. Their life hangs at the hands of fate and with faith standing on the background of hope.
I couldn’t take it anymore. The hospital had a chapel. I went there to sit with the Lord. What else can I do? I knelt and stared at Risen Lord image over the altar. I prayed to my Risen Lord and asked him if my Nick and Dachon that He gave me as a gift can rise too. I prayed with an aching heart that His will would be done, whichever way it went; I gave thanks to my Risen Lord that I was able to have happy memories with them. I prayed that whichever way it goes that the babe in my womb would be safe, and I thanked the Lord for this little gift of life as well. I gave my Risen Lord my sorrows, my pain and my aching heart. I told Him that in the silence of my faith, I am sad that this happened, and I know somehow all things would work for the greater good. I thanked the Lord for this sense of strength I still feel within. The pains in my lower abdomen were not as bad as before. The pain had subsided. I just sat there in silence. Helpless, but not really. I looked up at the image of my Lord, and with raw heartfelt please, I prayed, “Lord, I don’t want them to go to heaven yet. I want us to spend more time together. Dachon is only four. Nick loves his community projects. We have our family dream to fulfill. I know heaven is a better place. I just want some more time with them. We love them. In all this, I respect Your will.” I knelt before the Lord and said the Lord’s Prayer and the Hail Mary and genuflected. I left the chapel and returned to their room.
By this time, Nick’s parents and Harrington were in Nick and Dachon’s room. I hugged them all and told them I was spending some quiet time at the chapel. Nick’s father, Brandon, was sitting with Nick; and Nick’s mom, Vera, was sitting with Dachon. They were silent. I left Brandon and Vera alone with Nick and Dachon and went to the lobby to be with the others. On the way to the lobby, I felt a sharp excruciating pain in my lower abdomen. I nearly fell on the floor. Thank goodness a nurse was walking by and held me up. There was a wheelchair that was stationed on the side of the wall of the hallway. She wheeled it over to me and helped me to sit on it.
She asked me if I had a room in the hospital. I told her yes and that my family was in the lobby. She wheeled me to the lobby. Harrington came forward, and the nurse told him that I needed to rest because I nearly collapsed in the hallway. Mom, Marja, Maxx, and Harrington took me to my room. They said that I needed to rest, and they would check on Nick and Dachon for me. What could I say? I needed to rest because if I didn’t the little baby in my womb would be in danger. I could go to see Nick and Dachon a little later. I rested for about two hours and woke up feeling better. Nick’s parents were in my room. “Hi, Brandon and Vera. How are you? Were there any responses from Nick and Dachon? I asked.”
Brandon said, “They both have not awakened yet. I did feel Nick squeezing my thumb a little, but Dachon has been the same.” Vera was solemn. She smiled at me a little. I could see the worry on her face. I sat up from the bed and reached over to touch her hand. “We just have to stay strong and hope for the best.” She nodded yes. Brandon asked what happened (although they knew from Maxx telling them, I guess they wanted to hear it from me). I motioned them to sit down and proceeded to explain to them what happened.
I started from what the police officers informed me about the robbery that led to the car chase to the multiple car accident that resulted. I further explained the aftermath where three people were air lifted to the nearest hospital for emergency surgeries. Nick and Dachon being two of the three. They both sat there in dismay. I told them that I never had the chance to tell Nick that I was pregnant with our child (tears welling up in my eyes). Brandon and Vera got up and came over to me. We hugged with a sense of reassurance and warmth. Then I said, “Let us go see Nick and Dachon.” The pain had subsided, and I was able to sit in the wheelchair without help. They wheeled me to Nick and Dachon’s room.
While we were there, the nurse came and announced that visiting hours would be over in thirty minutes. I told everyone that they were staying at our house. Mom and Marja were in charge of making sure everyone was settled there for their stay. They both new our house very well, so I knew everyone would be okay.
Everyone started to say their good-byes to Nick and Dachon. I myself was wheeled back into my room with instructions that Dr. Chung and Dr. Waverly would be there to check up on me. The nurse in charge of Nick and Dachon said that Dr. Friedman would be in tomorrow morning to check on Nick, and Dr. Waverly would also check on Dachon in the morning as well. I said okay. I just felt like I was at a standstill with nothing to do. You know at this point there really was nothing to do, but be patient and continue visiting them. Everything was in the Lord’s hands now. The Lord was giving me strength and peace from within. I gave thanks to Lord and prayed that both Nick and Dachon would pull through with God’s grace. With these thoughts in mind, I fell asleep.
Next morning, I woke up early around 5:00 a.m. The hospital room was quiet. I decided to get ready and go visit Nick and Dachon. I missed spending alone time with them. I haven’t heard from anyone yet. The pains had subsided while I was freshening up and getting ready. Feeling stronger, I didn’t use the wheelchair and walked down to the opposite side of the twelfth floor to the ICU area. The hallway was very quiet. The nurses’ station was also quiet. The energy was quiet and serene. At this point, it didn’t feel like this was a hospital, which seemed odd for me to think that. As I turned the corner, the scenery changed before me, I saw nurses and doctors coming in and out of Nick and Dachon’s hospital room. Here, there was a lot of energy in the area at such an early morning. Approaching their room, I stopped one of the nurses. She recognized me and said, “Oh, Mrs. Oberon, we were just about to come and see you. Mr. Oberon and your son, Dachon, are in distress. We are trying to stabilize them. The doctors are inside doing the best they can to stabilize them.”
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Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion
*Holy Week, a week that changed the world.*
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna!
Entering Jerusalem
Sweet date palms, fan palms of praise to the King.
A Passover feast to celebrate, an ancient tradition full of purpose and meaning.
Donkey's step by steps are candid.
A King's joy expressed and welcomed.
People cheering with palm fronds in hand.
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest!
A new day
A new way
A new eternal joy springing from the pains of suffering.
A Thanksgiving Meal, Holy Eucharist.
Last Supper,
'Take and eat this is my body'...
giving thanks...
'Drink from it all of you, for this is
my blood of the covenant,
it will be shed on behalf of many, for
forgiveness of sins'.
'Do this in remembrance of me'.
A King, teaches serving one another as we wash each others' feet.
A King, teaches service that leads to eternal joy.
Announcement is made of betrayal, Judas.
Announcement is made of denial, Peter.
Garden of Gethsemane, an oil press of sorrow that touches the soul.
Tears of blood streaming down my cheeks.
Close friend Apostles asleep during watch
Olive trees swaying, catching the events as the evening unfolds.
Time has come to reap the fruits of betrayal.
A Judas kiss seals the deal.
Arrested for innocence.
Arrested for salvation.
Arrested for mercy.
Arrested for forgiveness.
Arrested for love.
Arrested for redemption.
Arrested, need i say more.
A time to reap the fruit of denial, '...before the cock crows thrice'. Peter.
Trial awaits. Pilate to judge.
Decisions are made.
Guilty with punishment, harsh flogging a mortification.
Disfigured physicality,
Disfigured to the senses,
Disfigured unrecognizable, a true penance.
Crown of thorns, a tortured silence.
Crown of thorns, touching the bone of my skull.
Crown of thorns, given a purple cloak in mocking attempts.
Crown of thorns, given a reed in mocking attempts.
Guilty with punishment, Crucifixion.
Via Dolorosa, a bloody painful path.
Via Dolorosa, destiny awaits.
Via Dolorosa, Simon was made to come to my aid, because the cross was too heavy for my battered soul to take.
Via Dolorosa, ends at the mountain top.
Golgotha
Place of the skull
Foreboding, foreshadowing
A doom and gloom
A destiny's call.
Arrival to the inevitable.
Arrival to the wooden cross.
Arrival to that nailing on the cross.
Nails driven through my wrist, right and left.
Nails driven through my feet, stacked right on top of left.
Pain raking me through and through.
Pain raw to the core.
It is only moments now, this too shall pass me by.
'My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?'
Forsaken me to this?
It is for salvation's sake.
For redemption's song.
For love of humanity.
For the sake of mercy.
For the sake of love.
For the sake of redemption.
At the right, guilty soul begs for forgiveness.
Receives mercy, love, and redemption.
A sacred promise made-'You will be with me in paradise'.
Silence...
'Father I gave up my Spirit'.
'Truly this was the Son of God'.
Silence...silence...silent.
Bones are not broken,
Sacred heart is pierced, by a soldier's lance.
Blood and water spilling out.
Mercy given by the blood of the Lamb.
Silence, silence a mourning song.
Mary's Mourning
A mother's sorrow pierces her heart.
A child's death, one can not depart.
Body lowered to a pieta on a Mary's lap.
Tears of sorrow are heard among the beloved.
Savior's ending too much to cope.
Burial Preparation
Joseph of Arimathea to claim a priceless and beloved joy.
Lovingly prepared for burial.
Laid to rest in peace in the new Garden.
Tomb closed, purposed for a miracle.
Descended to the dead to save souls of saints of old.
Resurrection To Behold
Soldiers guard tomb as their duty holds.
Angels sent to unleash a perfect miracle.
New hope shining blindly with heavenly light stands at the opening.
An Easter blessing awaits us!
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna!
Entering Jerusalem
Sweet date palms, fan palms of praise to the King.
A Passover feast to celebrate, an ancient tradition full of purpose and meaning.
Donkey's step by steps are candid.
A King's joy expressed and welcomed.
People cheering with palm fronds in hand.
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest!
A new day
A new way
A new eternal joy springing from the pains of suffering.
A Thanksgiving Meal, Holy Eucharist.
Last Supper,
'Take and eat this is my body'...
giving thanks...
'Drink from it all of you, for this is
my blood of the covenant,
it will be shed on behalf of many, for
forgiveness of sins'.
'Do this in remembrance of me'.
A King, teaches serving one another as we wash each others' feet.
A King, teaches service that leads to eternal joy.
Announcement is made of betrayal, Judas.
Announcement is made of denial, Peter.
Garden of Gethsemane, an oil press of sorrow that touches the soul.
Tears of blood streaming down my cheeks.
Close friend Apostles asleep during watch
Olive trees swaying, catching the events as the evening unfolds.
Time has come to reap the fruits of betrayal.
A Judas kiss seals the deal.
Arrested for innocence.
Arrested for salvation.
Arrested for mercy.
Arrested for forgiveness.
Arrested for love.
Arrested for redemption.
Arrested, need i say more.
A time to reap the fruit of denial, '...before the cock crows thrice'. Peter.
Trial awaits. Pilate to judge.
Decisions are made.
Guilty with punishment, harsh flogging a mortification.
Disfigured physicality,
Disfigured to the senses,
Disfigured unrecognizable, a true penance.
Crown of thorns, a tortured silence.
Crown of thorns, touching the bone of my skull.
Crown of thorns, given a purple cloak in mocking attempts.
Crown of thorns, given a reed in mocking attempts.
Guilty with punishment, Crucifixion.
Via Dolorosa, a bloody painful path.
Via Dolorosa, destiny awaits.
Via Dolorosa, Simon was made to come to my aid, because the cross was too heavy for my battered soul to take.
Via Dolorosa, ends at the mountain top.
Golgotha
Place of the skull
Foreboding, foreshadowing
A doom and gloom
A destiny's call.
Arrival to the inevitable.
Arrival to the wooden cross.
Arrival to that nailing on the cross.
Nails driven through my wrist, right and left.
Nails driven through my feet, stacked right on top of left.
Pain raking me through and through.
Pain raw to the core.
It is only moments now, this too shall pass me by.
'My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?'
Forsaken me to this?
It is for salvation's sake.
For redemption's song.
For love of humanity.
For the sake of mercy.
For the sake of love.
For the sake of redemption.
At the right, guilty soul begs for forgiveness.
Receives mercy, love, and redemption.
A sacred promise made-'You will be with me in paradise'.
Silence...
'Father I gave up my Spirit'.
'Truly this was the Son of God'.
Silence...silence...silent.
Bones are not broken,
Sacred heart is pierced, by a soldier's lance.
Blood and water spilling out.
Mercy given by the blood of the Lamb.
Silence, silence a mourning song.
Mary's Mourning
A mother's sorrow pierces her heart.
A child's death, one can not depart.
Body lowered to a pieta on a Mary's lap.
Tears of sorrow are heard among the beloved.
Savior's ending too much to cope.
Burial Preparation
Joseph of Arimathea to claim a priceless and beloved joy.
Lovingly prepared for burial.
Laid to rest in peace in the new Garden.
Tomb closed, purposed for a miracle.
Descended to the dead to save souls of saints of old.
Resurrection To Behold
Soldiers guard tomb as their duty holds.
Angels sent to unleash a perfect miracle.
New hope shining blindly with heavenly light stands at the opening.
An Easter blessing awaits us!
Ascension of the Lord
Our beloved Lord ascends to heaven.
Lifted up, by the clouds out of our sight.
What does it mean to us left behind?
It means to be patient and wait for the promise gift coming from the Father.
It means to be 'my witnesses' says the Lord.
It means the Lord has left me for works to do on HIS behalf.
It means a new faith is born within me.
It means a new purpose is awakened in me.
It means a new adventure waiting on the horizon.
It means to get ready for a new anointing.
It means our heavenly Father God, wants us to partner up with HIS beloved Son, our beloved Savior.
Pastor's Sermon (on the mount)
-awakens a deeper knowledge of our beloved Lord.
-a message anointed to give us hope.
-a message to bring us closer to the Lord
-a message to let us know how special we are to our Creator, Lord in Jesus Christ.
Ascension of the Lord!
A blessing to behold!
Lifted up, by the clouds out of our sight.
What does it mean to us left behind?
It means to be patient and wait for the promise gift coming from the Father.
It means to be 'my witnesses' says the Lord.
It means the Lord has left me for works to do on HIS behalf.
It means a new faith is born within me.
It means a new purpose is awakened in me.
It means a new adventure waiting on the horizon.
It means to get ready for a new anointing.
It means our heavenly Father God, wants us to partner up with HIS beloved Son, our beloved Savior.
Pastor's Sermon (on the mount)
-awakens a deeper knowledge of our beloved Lord.
-a message anointed to give us hope.
-a message to bring us closer to the Lord
-a message to let us know how special we are to our Creator, Lord in Jesus Christ.
Ascension of the Lord!
A blessing to behold!
Solemnity of Corpus Christi
A Eucharistic Celebration that is dear to our hearts as we follow our Savior's path, in remembrance of Him who gave His Body and Blood for our Salvation!
Receive our prayer of thanks O' Lord...
For YOU have made a great sacrifice...
Your Body and Blood, You gave for us
Your Body and Blood, You gave for our redemption.
Your Body and Blood, You gave so that we may be saved.
Your Body and Blood, You gave pure love coming from Your Sacred Heart.
Your Body and Blood, You gave became the Resurrection to a new life in You!
Lord, You set us FREE.
Free to love You.
Free to serve You with all our hearts desire.
Free to be with You and adore You.
Free to live an abundant life.
Free to be unchained, serving one another.
Free at last, free at last.
Lord, You taught us TRUE freedom.
Our soul can rejoice now, we are free.
Our beloved Savior made it through for us. Your promises you made to us, God's children, was not lost on those who love You. We remember You our dearest Savior. You kept Your word and help us to walk this path You made for us and You are our beloved companion on this journey. When you said, 'I will never leave you orphans', You made sure that we were not alone. Thank you, Lord for YOU. We can never love You enough. When our life on earth ends, it will be fine because You have given us eternal life. Your love is eternal!
Sacred Heart of Jesus filled with pure love, let our hearts know you more.
Sacred Heart of Jesus filled with divine mercy, let our hearts receive your mercy.
Sacred Heart of Jesus filled with understanding, help us understand God's will & purpose for us.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, filled with abundant life, let us receive Your Holy Spirit poured out on us, anointing.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, filled with wisdom, teach us Your wisdom.
Your Body and Blood, is the Body of Christ...as we take Holy Communion we become the Body of Christ...You are in us and We are in You...as God's Children we love You, BIG...
Thank you, my beloved Jesus, the Christ!
Receive our prayer of thanks O' Lord...
For YOU have made a great sacrifice...
Your Body and Blood, You gave for us
Your Body and Blood, You gave for our redemption.
Your Body and Blood, You gave so that we may be saved.
Your Body and Blood, You gave pure love coming from Your Sacred Heart.
Your Body and Blood, You gave became the Resurrection to a new life in You!
Lord, You set us FREE.
Free to love You.
Free to serve You with all our hearts desire.
Free to be with You and adore You.
Free to live an abundant life.
Free to be unchained, serving one another.
Free at last, free at last.
Lord, You taught us TRUE freedom.
Our soul can rejoice now, we are free.
Our beloved Savior made it through for us. Your promises you made to us, God's children, was not lost on those who love You. We remember You our dearest Savior. You kept Your word and help us to walk this path You made for us and You are our beloved companion on this journey. When you said, 'I will never leave you orphans', You made sure that we were not alone. Thank you, Lord for YOU. We can never love You enough. When our life on earth ends, it will be fine because You have given us eternal life. Your love is eternal!
Sacred Heart of Jesus filled with pure love, let our hearts know you more.
Sacred Heart of Jesus filled with divine mercy, let our hearts receive your mercy.
Sacred Heart of Jesus filled with understanding, help us understand God's will & purpose for us.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, filled with abundant life, let us receive Your Holy Spirit poured out on us, anointing.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, filled with wisdom, teach us Your wisdom.
Your Body and Blood, is the Body of Christ...as we take Holy Communion we become the Body of Christ...You are in us and We are in You...as God's Children we love You, BIG...
Thank you, my beloved Jesus, the Christ!
Feast of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary
Mary, the mother of our beloved Lord Jesus Christ.
A faithful woman who entrusted herself to her Creator, God.
God beheld His handmaiden and arrayed her in gold and jewels.
He clothed her with the finest and sweetest that one can find.
Her priceless gift of herself to the Lord, became a total generosity.
Before she was espoused to Joseph, her complete faithfulness to the Lord bore us a Savior.
Mary's allegiance and loyalty to God, became a blessing for the children of God, because her relationship with God give her to know the will of God for her life.
Mary's consecration in the will of God, she knew was a preparation for her destiny.
When that pivotal time came, her maturity in the faith and relationship with God, made her ready to receive the good news and surrender to it.
Angel Gabriel came delivering a beautiful message, that only Mary, could answer 'yes' in her own free will.
Her resounding 'yes' to her Lord, in her humility of grace brought hope and salvation to us all.
Mary's cousin, Elizabeth makes a proclamation after the babe in her womb leaped for joy the moment of hearing Mary's greeting... 'blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb...'
Mary echos her responses after Elizabeth's proclamation of hope...
The Magnificat:
Canticle of Mary
"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness,
behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.
The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
He has shown might with his arm,
dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart.
He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly.
The hungry he has filled with good things;
the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy,
according to his promise to our fathers,to Abraham and to his descendants forever."
When God touches our heart and soul, and out of purpose, we are chosen to do His will, we can't help but to respond.
Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of our beloved Lord Jesus Christ (Mother of God), we thank you for your beautiful 'yes'.
Book of Revelation...
'A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars...'
Have a blessed day!
Blessed Mother, thank you for interceding for us. :)
A faithful woman who entrusted herself to her Creator, God.
God beheld His handmaiden and arrayed her in gold and jewels.
He clothed her with the finest and sweetest that one can find.
Her priceless gift of herself to the Lord, became a total generosity.
Before she was espoused to Joseph, her complete faithfulness to the Lord bore us a Savior.
Mary's allegiance and loyalty to God, became a blessing for the children of God, because her relationship with God give her to know the will of God for her life.
Mary's consecration in the will of God, she knew was a preparation for her destiny.
When that pivotal time came, her maturity in the faith and relationship with God, made her ready to receive the good news and surrender to it.
Angel Gabriel came delivering a beautiful message, that only Mary, could answer 'yes' in her own free will.
Her resounding 'yes' to her Lord, in her humility of grace brought hope and salvation to us all.
Mary's cousin, Elizabeth makes a proclamation after the babe in her womb leaped for joy the moment of hearing Mary's greeting... 'blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb...'
Mary echos her responses after Elizabeth's proclamation of hope...
The Magnificat:
Canticle of Mary
"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness,
behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.
The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
He has shown might with his arm,
dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart.
He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly.
The hungry he has filled with good things;
the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy,
according to his promise to our fathers,to Abraham and to his descendants forever."
When God touches our heart and soul, and out of purpose, we are chosen to do His will, we can't help but to respond.
Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of our beloved Lord Jesus Christ (Mother of God), we thank you for your beautiful 'yes'.
Book of Revelation...
'A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars...'
Have a blessed day!
Blessed Mother, thank you for interceding for us. :)
