Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission
Today I am celebrating all the love that Rich and I have had since 1965 and tomorrow would have been our 57th wedding anniversary. I am high on the mountain so I know we are close to each other.
Tucked away in the hills of Cherokee, North Carolina is Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic Mission. This is where I attended church today for Spiritual Sunday. Since 2011 Rich and I have spent our anniversary and his birthday in Cherokee and I’m going to keep this tradition as long as I can.
The church is small but beautiful and so unique with an octagon shape but looks like a star. Of course it is way up a narrow road as close to heaven as can be. Today it was filled with friendly parishioners who were ready to welcome even strangers.
The priest’s message today after the gospel could have been written for Rich. It was all about helping each other, even if you don’t have much. It doesn’t mean money, it means with love, compassion, helping those in need and just being a kind person, this is what will get you to heaven. And it does have to be big things, sometimes just a hug or a kind word can change how a person is feeling. That was Rich to a “T”.
I tried to compose myself during the service but it didn’t go so well. After Mass the lady sitting next to me came over and gave me a big hug and we talked then Mary Ellen, a server at the church did the same. I gave them my story and while doing so the Preist joined in. He was amazed at Rich and I meeting on Christmas Day and God calling him home on Easter morning. He told me God needed Rich as a special Angel and he will still spread good will through all those that love him. I was blessed by these people today when they did just what the Priest’s message was about – they showed love, caring and compassion for someone they didn’t come even know. I feel like I met another extended family and will definitely be going to Mass there again. I told them all that next time I will try better to not use a box of Kleenex, maybe just a few.
May you all have a wonderful day spreading love, compassion and happiness to others.
Awww, you’re such a brave girl carrying on with the tradition and going there on you down. Glad you got to make new friends who managed to give you a bit of comfort.
I’ll be thinking of you and Rich tomorrow 💖
Thank you so much Tamera. I was amazed at the compassion from people I didn’t even know. There was love in the air for sure.
What a sweet post, Martha. Matt and I are holding you up in prayer everyday and we send you a big hug.
I feel your hugs and thank you for the prayers Amanda.
Martha, what a beautiful experience. Celebrating a life of love surrounded by love. Did you feel Rich’s presence? I’m sure he was there. 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️
I know Rich was there with me, I could feel is presence for sure Kebba.
Martha, what a beautiful place. It has a chapel-like feel. How deeply meaningful for you to go there for these co-memories (can’t think of a better word). And you just use all the Kleenex you need! Tears are cleansing, or God would not have created them. Your priest was very cool! I have no doubt God is using Rich to widely spread love, joy, acceptance, and unity. Did you feel Rich’s presence? My husband passed on August 1, 2021, and I am a bit stuck as to how to be and what to do that day. His ashes are in the Feng Shui Garden. Love and hugs–
Kebba I think of you always and pray that your are doing okay, I definitely felt Rich’s presence and now see him through al the butterflies, cardinals and doves that show up. How great to have his ashes in your garden, I have some to add to my quiet corner when it’s completed.
So
Beautiful
Martha!
It was absolutely breathtaking to spend our anniversary here. I know Rich was there in spirit Anne.
You and Rich knew what true wealth was and thus you will always be “RICH’. Whether near or far in physical presence you will be one in the Holy Spirit. Thank you for opening your heart and love to us so we may partake also.
My prayers today are that you may continue to go back here and share the love you received through you shared faith.
Thank you so much Cynthia, this Mission church was beautiful and everyone, even though I never met them, were so kind and full of compassion. I feel I have a family there whenever I visit and will definitely visit Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission every time I visit Cherokee.