October 26,2013
The tomatoes have advanced into whatever paradise God has prepared for fruit and vegetables.
Esther has dumped the soil from their pots and picked both the green and red remnants of a happy season.
Never have I lived in such close proximity to the life cycle of a tomato. There they were, seven pots of seven plants climbing their stakes right under my very nose outside the window of my choir stall. There they were, progressing from seedling to expanding foliage to leafy branches decked with green glossy fruit–to big fat red fruits. Then the red ones would disappear from the garden to reappear on the refectory table.
I think there is not enough sun for proper development where they were growing, though they did complete their destiny, at least some of them did. But how simply beautiful they were. As with all God’s creatures. nothing happens all at once. Nothing happens in response to our impatience. Everything takes time. We take time. Our family, friends and neighbors take time, together with sun and rain and regularly enriched soil. Our friends and neighbors take in the enriching process that we ourselves provide for them: the smiles, the confidence that at last the fruit will grow and color seep into the pale cheeks.
Then come the celebrations around the table of life, where we all give thanks for what we and God have together provided.
We have added a new nephew to our family, courtesy of little Lucas, the son of Pam’s brother and his wife. It was a very exciting event for all concerned. We had almost given up hope until James met just the right girl. They have a lovely home in Los Angeles with a view and two cats. We were somewhat worried about how the cats would receive a small competitor, but all is well.
Hi there, Lucas! Happy life to you…
And happy All Hallows and happy Toussaints to all our friends! with love, Your Santa Rita Sisters