"We are committed to preparing students to be enlightened and educated citizens who will lead productive and meaningful lives."
--James Madison University Mission Statement
Yet another group of people that believes in me...I suppose I shouldn't let them down.
( 6:56 PM ) Meghan
Monday, September 24, 2001
This last week has been an interesting one. Life has been getting back to a reasonable semblance of normalcy, which is good. I did a pet therapy session on Friday at Bridgewater nursing home, and that was wonderful. It was my first session with the SPCA since freshman year and I'd forgotten how invigorating that experience is. One lady happened to be celebrating her 104th birthday that day, and what a treat it was for her that we happened to be coming. We stayed with her for quite a few minutes, as she told us how much animals had meant to her in her lifetime...so much so that she said she would even give her life for one. When we finally had to say goodbye, I gently scooped up the kitten she had been holding and wished her well, promising our return. As I walked out, she called after me, "I love you for loving them!" I couldn't help getting a little choked up at that.
While this particular lady may have seemed to have an extreme perception on the love of animals, I honestly believe otherwise. I have witnessed firsthand their healing power...they are the only creatures that know and practice unconditional love. I am sure beyond any doubt (reasonable or otherwise) that the cat who was my charge somehow knew the comfort that the residents were craving. He would just lay curled up next to whomever I would offer him, occasionally extending a paw or kneading someone's arm...the feline version of a handshake, I suppose. I watched a blind lady cry as she petted him, so overwhelmed by the warmth and omniscient magic that he seemed to possess. And it never gets old...every time I bring someone a pet, it's like I see love for the first time.
I like to think that we have animals in our lives to always remind us that there will always be something out there more perfect and mysterious than ourselves. I also think that for now, I'd like to leave it a mystery.
( 7:08 PM ) Meghan
Wednesday, September 19, 2001
"Standin' on the border,
lookin' out into the great unknown.
I can feel my heart beatin' faster as I step out on my own.
There's a new horizon...with the promise of a favorable wind.
I'm headin' out tonight, travelin' light, I'm gonna start all over again..."
--Leann Rimes, One-Way Ticket ( 8:32 PM ) Meghan
Tuesday, September 11, 2001
"Though the nations rage from age to age, we remember who holds us fast.
God's mercy must deliver us from the conquerer's crushing grasp.
The saving word that our forbears heard is the promise that holds us bound,
'Til the spear and rod can be crushed by God who is turning the world around.
My heart shall sing of the day you bring,
Let the fires of your justice burn.
Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near,
And the world is about to turn."
No, it's still not real yet. But please pray for all of the victims of the crashes and that we may forget all of our trivial divisions for our greater unity.
Our Father, Who art in Heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done.
On earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day, our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Saint Joseph, patron saint of families, pray for us.
Saint Michael, patron saint of uniformed services, pray for us.
Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.
( 3:32 PM ) Meghan
Friday, September 07, 2001
Had a wonderful time at our house blessing last night, so kindly performed by Father John. And then had slightly more than a toast in celebration. I love my friends...and surprisingly enough I might actually still remember how to play poker.
( 1:19 PM ) Meghan
Wednesday, September 05, 2001
Yes, I know I should be posting more often. I'm sure you were all concerned that I had no life and that's why I haven't been updating. Not to say that I do have much of a life these days...I have been consumed in the Fun Void that is Parking and ISAT. But I will try my best to keep informed all three of you who read this :)
So these last few days have been nice...Busch Gardens was awesome, barring the fried chicken from hell. I'm actually keeping up with cooking and cleaning (my roommates may say otherwise, but I'm being good for being me). It's fairly stressful to come home at 5 or 6:00 every night and then have homework on top of everything else, but I suppose I should just suck it up and get used to real life.
Speaking of sucking, I'd better start on my first real homework assignment of the semester.
