Easter – Rejoice!

As I’ve previously written, there I’ve experienced many facets of  Easter.

  For me, Easter is a spiritual day to reflect on God’s great love for his people; a day that Christians around the world celebrate as their most sacred day, the day of Jesus’ resurrection.

My personal expression of Easter is best demonstrated in song.

Exultet, the Easter Proclamation is a centuries old prayer telling of God’s love throughout all of history, calling on all creation to give praise for the resurrection.

It’s sung only once a year, during the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday.

I’ve been privileged several times to sing Exultet.  The first time I was in my twenties.

I was going through some personal struggles.  I hadn’t been active in music ministry for a time.

I attended Palm Sunday mass and was last in line for Communion. When I turned to go to my seat I heard the priest call my name.  He asked me to come see him after mass. I said okay.

When we met he said he had a request.

“Cathy, it’s the week before Easter and we don’t have anyone to sing the Easter Proclamation.  Will you do it?”

I was astonished…and he must have seen this.  How would I do this in a week?  …was I even worthy?

“I know you can do this…your voice will fill this church…will you come to the Rectory?  I’ll walk you through it.”

The following week I was privileged to sing this prayer for the first time.  It gave me an important lesson during difficult times. You see, the first word of Exultet is REJOICE! 

This is what we are called to do.

The last time I sang Exultet I once again faced struggles.

My special needs daughter had a number of medical issues. I had other personal concerns, too. In all, it was a difficult, exhausting time.

I rehearsed but was very distracted. How would I focus?

I contemplated one of its many lines.

Let this place resound with joy, echoing the mighty song of all God’s people.

I thought of John, a wonderful young man who doesn’t speak.  He is vocal, however.  He sings in church with a groan that comes from deep within.  He inspired me.

Many people think special needs individuals like John and my daughter don’t have a voice.  This is so untrue. We often need to listen in a different way.

I thought, if every person everywhere sang like John we would hear the mighty song of all God’s people!

How would John sing this?  He would sing joyfully and allow the song to come forward freely.  I began to rehearse anew.

On the night of the Easter Vigil I voiced the ancient prayer that was being sung by cantors around the world.  A prayer that connects people through the ages.

Once again, I sang the word REJOICE!

Ever since then, during Lent I recall the Exultet. It comes naturally to me at this time of year.

I remember the call to rejoice!

Have a happy and blessed Easter!

What Are You Thankful For?

The WordPress topic for the day is “What are you thankful for?” I’m glad that I am not posting this on Thanksgiving Day.  I believe it’s important to be thankful for something everyday, not just on the day that is set aside for this.

Many people state they are thankful for family, friends, health, food on the table, a roof over their heads, a job.  I am thankful for all these things but there is more that I wish to express.

It’s been a long year.  My job has been very challenging and at times I was pushed to the point of overload.  I am thankful that I persevered in the face of situations that challenged me intellectually and physically.  I learned once again that I can be very resourceful.  I am thankful for my team mates in a brand new department.  Together we tackled some far-reaching issues.  I also learned that I am humbled every day by situations that are larger than I am.  I am thankful that I recognize this.

Through all this my husband has supported me.  He is a full-time parent to our special needs daughter.  I could not do what I do every day if not for him.  He does things for me every day.  I joke that he spoils me rotten.  He does.  I am thankful that he gets up every morning to get Mija and me out the door.  He packs my breakfast and lunch.  He does the laundry.  He does the grocery shopping and cooks dinner.  Day-to-day he manages everything in the house so that I can focus on my work.  He listens to me when I come home after a tough day.  He lets me vent then he recaptures my sense of humor.  There are times when I’m required to travel.  He supports me in this and reminds me that I don’t have to feel guilty about being away.  I am thankful when I’m away from home and I hear his and my daughter’s voices on the phone.

My daughter brings surprises every day.  In her own way she is growing and learning.  Most people won’t see this, but my husband and I are thankful every day for each accomplishment.  Words are not adequate when I say that I am thankful for her, for the medical staff that supports us, for her teachers in school and in her special needs faith class.

I am thankful that I am able to give words to this expression.  I always wanted to blog but felt that I didn’t have the time or the courage to do so.  Even though I am very busy I am thankful that I am making this a priority.  I am thankful I recognize that this expression of myself is important.  From this blog I’ve had messages from family and friends, bringing memories, laughter and ideas for the future.

In the midst of all the ups and downs, take pause.  Be thankful for something no matter how larger or small.  Every day.

My Special Girl…the Pure of Heart

Today in church there was a special blessing.  My daughter, her teachers and classmates who make up the Special Needs Faith Class would receive a blessing along with their families.  This is an important day as it shows the community that those with special needs are really present in our everyday lives, even if we don’t realize it.   It was also very early in the school year, so in a sense it was a way for people to celebrate the beginning of the new year.  It’s important for the community to recognize this.

Where the web is concerned I’ve always been protective of Mija.  I admit that. She’s a vulnerable person.  This is the first time I’ve ever written about this subject.  There are a lot of reasons for that.  Suffice to say for now that I felt this was important.

When we entered the church she sat quietly next to us.  A few minutes after the entrance song we were called to the front with other families.   The celebrant said, “They are special because they remind us by their love that we are to be loved, and that we are the ones who are in need of that love.”  I had never quite heard it that way but I agreed with that statement.  He later stated he was once a teacher of special needs children, and spoke of the impact they had on his life.

Many special needs people who have cognitive challenges live in the here and now.  They don’t understand the concept of “later.”  When Mija wants something, she does understand the words “Please wait.”  It’s once of the few phrases that she speaks.  Still, for the most part, she expects us to drop what we’re doing to take care of her needs.  When I’m tired this is particularly challenging.  It is an exercise in patience and humility.  I’m reminded of this every day.

With many special needs people “what you see is what you get,” meaning they don’t pretend about how they feel.  When they are happy you will know it.  When they are sad or angry you will know it. They don’t mask or pretend.  When you hear “Blessed are the pure of heart…” there is no greater demonstration of this than the special needs kids in Mija’s class.  They show you who they are at their very core.  It’s very profound because you find that you must rise up and respond in kind.

Someone once told me that everyone has a special need as we all lack something in our lives.

After the blessing the children and teachers returned to their classroom.  We were very proud of Mija.  This was the best she had ever done in church.  Other times she was restless or impatient.  This time she enjoyed looking around at everyone.

There are many stories to share but for now this is a start.  I’m grateful to the teachers and families of this special little community for all their support.  We are truly blest.