Monday, December 2, 2024

Second Day of Advent


December 2, 1955

Dear Diary,

This morning was another bitterly cold one. Sister Mary Claire and I bundled up tightly in our parkas and scarves, with Mini staying home in her warm little bed. As we walked to St. Mary’s, we were joined by a neighbor, Mr. O’Malley, who chatted with us about his plans for the Advent season. The crunch of gravel beneath our boots and the frosty air made it feel like winter had truly settled in.

Mass at St. Mary’s was beautiful, as always. Father LeRoy spoke about the importance of prayer and how it’s meant to be a personal conversation with God. His homily touched my heart, but it also made me think about how I sometimes struggle to pray deeply.

On the way home, Mr. O’Malley parted ways with us, and Sister Mary Claire took the opportunity to explain more about what Father LeRoy had said. She told me that prayer doesn’t have to be perfect or rehearsed—it should be as natural as talking to a friend. She encouraged me to share my joys and worries with God, to thank Him for the blessings of the day, and to ask for His guidance when I’m unsure. Her words made prayer feel less daunting and more like a gift I can give and receive each day.

For lunch, Sister made grilled cheese sandwiches with ketchup and a crisp lettuce salad. She used our old cast-iron skillet to toast the sandwiches just right—golden and crunchy outside, gooey and warm inside.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich (1955 Style)
:
Two slices of white bread
Two slices of American cheese (or cheddar)
Butter (softened)
Sister buttered one side of each slice of bread generously. She placed a slice of cheese between the unbuttered sides, then toasted the sandwich in the skillet over medium heat until the bread was crisp and golden, flipping once. We dipped ours in a little ketchup—so simple and so delicious.

The evening was peaceful. After finishing our chores, Sister Mary Clare and I sat in front of the fireplace with Mini curled up near the warm hearth. We prayed together, thanking God for His blessings and asking for His guidance during this season of Advent. Mini let out a little sigh as if she, too, was grateful for the quiet warmth of the evening.

"Lord, thank You for the blessings of this day—for the chance to attend Mass, for Father LeRoy’s guidance, and for the love of Sister Mary Claire and Mini. Teach me to come to You in prayer with my whole heart, sharing my joys, my struggles, and my gratitude. Help me to see Your presence in everything I do. Amen."

Goodnight, Dear Diary.



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