In Your Neighborhood: PEOPLE WHO HAVE TOUCHED MY LIFE

Monday, March 17, 2008

PEOPLE WHO HAVE TOUCHED MY LIFE

When I was nine years old, I spent many hours reflecting on one take on the Trinity. Supposedly Saint Patrick, in teaching about the Trinity (One God, Three Persons), would take a shamrock, point to its stem and the fact that it was one beautiful green plant with three leaves, would satisfy people's concerns as they tried to understand who this Christian God was.
I remeber that moment when my mind stopped puzzling and new energy flowed through my body as I said yes to that story and, for the moment, had my doubts about God quieted. Thanks, Saint Patrick.

And I shall always hold close to me in my heart Father Michael McHugh, Society of Jesus, who guided me and encouraged me from the time I was fourteen until he went to God four years ago.
Dr. Dorothy Donnelley, PHD, who taught me how to pray and still lovingly and
courageously challenges me to choose to be an honest and self accepting human being.
CD who loyally affirms me daily. Pattie M who sent me a card with this heart warming picture.

And, the comedian-singer, Dennis Day, who helped me to laugh my way through many Sunday evenings watching the Jack Benny Show.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day to all the people of Irish descent who daily choose to share their lives with their families, friends, and neighbors.

3 comments:

Kim Thompson said...: Happy St. Patty's day to you, too!

You know what I like best about you, is your sense of gratitude. It's lovely and you teach me everyday.; March 17, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Lorraine Hart said...: I second that emotion!

Y'know...my maiden name was McCorkle...come on over for a Guinness, O'Neal and O'Baby...Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Raise your glass
Whether to laugh or cry
And give good thanks
For the miles gone by
Bow your heads
For all that's been given
The smooth and the rough
In the life that we're livin'
Now clap your hands
For teachers and friends
And the timing with which
Creation sends

PLEASE DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE.; March 17, 2008 at 4:46 PM
Stephanie Frieze said...: Oneal, you teach us so much not only about gratitude, but the evolution of spirit! ~Stephanie; March 18, 2008 at 4:27 PM

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Stephanie Frieze

Stephanie Frieze
…has always liked to write. Her experience includes three years at the University Washington School of Communications studying journalism. She had a stint at the Chinook Observer in Long Beach. Raised in Bellevue, she’s lived in Gig Harbor for nearly 18 years. She and her husband have a home in Ilwaco, where they spend as much time as possible. This mother of four loves books, spending time with family and the color purple. Contact her at dbandstefery@comcast.net.

Lorraine Hart
…was born a nomadic mutt. She spent her life observing, writing and making music. She’s an unabashed carrier of the titles “hippie,” “feminist” and “liberal.” She’s resided in the South Sound since 1996 and is currently living above Joe’s Bay in Home. She juggles her time between being a caregiver, a writer, an artist, a musician, a minister, a wife, a mother, an advocate, a friend and a pilgrim – not necessarily in that order. Contact her at matlox@cablespeed.com.

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...is a blog contributor from Greenwater. Greenwater is the last stop before Crystal Mountain, Mount Rainier and the surrounding wilderness areas. When not exploring the next mountain peak or forest trail, Tracy also contributes to the Greenwater Community Council and the Explore-Greenwater.com web site. He writes about topics ranging from favorite foot, bike, and snow trails to community events, local merchants and politics. Contact him at dmountains@explore-greenwater.com.

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…is a chaplain who supports patients, families, friends, nurses and doctors at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Being 67, he’s learned this about living: Meet people on their own ground and you will discover that this Earth is our special place to meet and support each other. His motto: Live now. Share yourself now. Every living thing you experience is a pure gift. Love all life unconditionally. Contact him at mcg9940@yahoo.com.

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…is a third-generation Japanese American living in Federal Way. She’s married and a parent of one adult child. A lifelong resident of the Puget Sound area, she graduated with a degree in journalism from the University of Washington School of Communications. and served on Federal Way’s Diversity and Art Commissions. Her interests are politics, art, the history of minorities in Washington and family history. She’s written a self-published family history about her paternal grandfather. Contact her at mizusugi@yahoo.com.

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…is a Grit City native who was born and raised in Tacoma’s Old Town neighborhood by the gulch. She boasts that she’s a former Lowell Leopard, Mason Mustang and Wilson Ram, a short-time PLU Lute and a longtime UW Husky. This former corporate businesswoman is a wife, a mom, a school volunteer, a substitute teaching assistant, a writer and a born-again distance runner. She has convinced friends from Bellevue that Tacoma is worth the drive. Contact her at kimricksy@comcast.net. ugi@yahoo.com.