Twenty-seven years ago, I was thirteen years old, and had just started my first job. I would run the three blocks to my grandmother’s house after school, wolf down a cold cut sandwich, take a spit bath in her bathroom sink, put on my work clothes, then walk/run to work downtown.

Where were you in ’89?

Think about everything that has happened to you, and that you have done since ARSH 1989. Then read this:

Dear Ann,

Just a quick note of thanks, and to let you know you are having an impact. I get more out of reading your posts than I ever did in religious ed and from sitting in the pews.

My second grader had his first reconciliation (confession) last night, with an opportunity for parents to also partake after the children. I had no intention of going to confession, as I’ve been making excuses over my 10 year journey back to The Church. In the back of my mind, I heard you: “… they don’t actually BELIEVE any of that bullshit” – directed at me. Time to get real – so I went up with a sense of urgency. “Forgive me Father, for I have sinned. It’s been 27 years since my last confession …”

Thank you, Ann.

J

No, thank you, sir.  Hopefully we can meet someday in that Home Far Away.

O Lord have mercy on this weary soul of mine
May I walk in Your light everyday
And when I’ve crossed that deep silent river
I’ll be happy in that home far away

I wandered away from the straight and the narrow
Driftin’ like a ship lost at sea
No lighthouse to guide my weary footsteps
Til Jesus answered my plea

The lights are bright no longer I’m blinded
From the bondage of sin I’m free
He lifted me up to join salvation
I’ll live on eternally