Shine a light on others.
After delivering 75 papers on Sunday mornings, I'd always try to catch the 7 AM Mass at St. Joseph's Church. It was usually sparsely populated and a fast service, sometimes over by 7:30. Not that there was anything wrong with that. I used to sit in the mahogany pews, thumb through the missal and wait. I knew they would come. I didn't have to look up. I knew when they had arrived and gone to one of the side altars. I'd hear the coins rattle, as they dropped into the donation box. The sound echoed throughout the vaulted ceilings. I never knew their names, but an impeccably dressed couple always stopped before the service began, dropped in their nickels and dimes, knelt and bowed their heads. I wonder who those votive candles were lit for every Sunday. Why do I remember this small act completed every Sunday? Why do I remember them this morning? Today at St. Patrick's Cathedral, the suggested donation is $2. Certainly, a far cry from the dimes and nickels that used to make that collection box happy.
This morning, I'll light one for Mom, and I'll light one for Dad. And just for old times sake, I'm only dropping in nickels!
Beautiful gesture, beautiful memories.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful sentiment Birdman, lovely post.
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful memory. thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteNice shot. Did you have to get permission to take this photo?
ReplyDeleteNope, just fire away!
DeleteExcellent interior shot. You'd get up mighty early to read the paper and then make a 7:00 mass. I suppose at 7:30 you went to breakfast.
ReplyDeleteNickels? Really? Sheesh!
See you at L & L Photography: http://landlfotos.com/blog. OK?
I didn't read... I delivered 70 papers.
DeleteFunny how the memory works. Nice thoughts.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how that sound of coins dropping into the box brings back such memories. We have a $2 coin so we would hear a thunk since it is quite heavy compared to dimes & nickels. i alway light a candle when touring through a church anywhere!
ReplyDeletewarmth
ReplyDeleteI always loved those church candles...you caught the glow...
ReplyDeleteA lovely way to give and remember your mother and father. -- barbara
ReplyDeleteWhat you remember!! Amazing. And cool.
ReplyDeleteA poignant memory.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photo.
ReplyDeleteSay one for me, Bro; and I'll do the same for you-
ReplyDeleteAloha Blessings
from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
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Nice memories, nice picture, nice you.
ReplyDeleteI distinctly remember being jarred by the huge clank my dropped coin once made in a silent church I visited and since then I am thankful for churches which line their metal collection box with something soft on the bottom.