The most recent subject of our formation has been the autobiography of St. Therese, Story of a Soul. At first, I was afraid this would be over my head, since I am a little girl from Georgia and St. Therese was an over-scrupulous Carmelite nun who knew her vocation since the age of two. But little did I know how much I would learn from the “Little Flower.”
Not soon after I started reading the autobiography, I received and email from both of my aunts. They told me about how my grandmother, who died when I was only a few weeks old, absolutely loved St. Therese. She was her confirmation saint and often discussed her “Little Way” with my aunts. One of my aunts, the younger of the two, cherished this so much that she also took Therese as her confirmation saint.
Being the youngest of the cousins on my father’s side, I was always jealous that I didn’t have any memories of my grandmother (who we call “Muv”) and they seemed to have so many. But I realized that through studying and trying to live more like St. Therese’s Little Way, I share something with my Grandmother that they haven’t before. I see the beauty in her way of life as I have heard so much about it through my family members. In a way, I am able to create my own memories of my Grandmother.
What did Muv think when she heard the story of St. Therese breaking into the Coliseum? What would she say if I told her the story of her doubting her vocation a few short days before her Final Vows? What would she do if I told her about all of the ways the other sisters annoyed her, and then she started taking joy in the things that annoyed her so much? Muv would probably say, in her sweetest southern accent, “Well we could probably use more people so alive in their faith that they are willing to break into the Coliseum. We need people willing to be bold enough to even take a step toward a religious vocation. We need to be like St. Therese and pray for those who might not bring us joy at first. Maybe they will be our best friend if we show them the love they deserve.”
There are times when I wish God had left Muv here on Earth a little bit longer so that I could have real memories of her. But, as God took her in His perfect timing, I know it will make our reunion in Heaven that much sweeter! But until then, “Jesus, help me to simplify my life by learning what you want me to be – and becoming that person.” – St. Therese
Muv and my grandfather, Pop
8 Comments
St. Therese is my patron saint as well
Enjoy this very much Ashley!
Beautifuly written Ashley….to say it was “touching” is a complete understatement. We miss you!
Love ya ,
Uncle Chris
Ashley,That was right on the money. evedently you knew MUV more than we all thought. That was absoutly beautiful. Love ya Uncle Ed
Ashley, that was beautiful. You were so missed at the family party last weekend but I know you are where you are suppose to be. I am praying for you on my novena! Love you bunches. Aunt Kim
Me feeling the same way about Muv as you do; reading this just made me tear up at work; you have a way with words and it is beautiful. I know that Muv is smiling down on you always.
Love and miss you – Jess
WOW !! Thank you Ashley, December 21st each year is tough for me, momma left us so suddenly, and for me, when you don’t get to say goodbye, the what ifs are very hard.
They were both part of “The Greatest Generation” my fondest memories are from the Lakeview Ave house. Every day was a celebration to them, I always thought when mamma would say, this is the best… I have ever had, or that is the most beautiful ….I have ever seen, I thought how could all of it be the best? But I think now it was all the best for them, they enjoyed every day and were thankful for every gift God gave them.
For us as children those were the “Camelot” years. We had no idea at the time how good we had it.
Momma and Daddy’s favorite thing to do was be with or involved in their children, Christ the King Parish and school.
I wonder how many carnivals in all those years they helped in with six children?
Daddy would build booths, (and take them down), Momma would plan the activities, food, prizes… her favorite was the haunted house and she was the gorilla!
Then there were the adult parent plays on the stage in the schools lunchroom. Daddy would again help build sets and momma would sing and dance. The best part was we would get to see and hear her rehearse at home; boy did she have an incredible voice!!!!
Then there were the years that she was the dietician for our school. She got the job based on her reputation of a great cook, (we thought she was the best cook in Atlanta). For the first time in our schools history, 100% of the students bought school lunch. And oh those phone calls at night from mom’s who just had to have the receipts of lunch that day.
At breakfast after she and daddy got us off to school, and before they left for their jobs, she would stand at the back door and offer her famous “broiler toast” to all the kids who cut through our yard on their way to school, (yes they were WALKING).
Momma and Daddy were an incredible team, with only a can do attitude about life.
I don’t have to tell my siblings that, but to all my their grandchildren, they were a wonderful example of the type of person to model your life on, I think we all are blessed to each have some of their wonderful habits and mannerisms. We see that in the bond and closeness of a family that is so far apart through miles, yet so close in heart.
Love
Crisha
Great words of wisdom, Muv would be proud…the apples don’t fall far from the tree in the Murray family. Just look around and you will see multiple Muvs and even a few Pops.
Thank you for sharing this,
Love Billy and Newbie
Ahhh, the little way!