In Memory of Daniel

St. Sylvester is the pope who led the Church into a new era of peace...taking on this position in the year 314, he would be able to organize the unity of the different bishops with better correspondence and discipline.  He even held the first Council of Nicaea in which produced the creed recited in many Christian churches today.  He is often called the 'peace pope.'

This brought to mind Daniel...the first of the children we learned about in greater detail.  At seven years old, I have to tell you...he sure lived a full life...in fact, many mentioned in the articles and memories posted on line that Daniel was born 'old.'  He seemed to have a more mature understanding of ideas according to family and friends.  He loved being outside and participating in sports, such as swimming and soccer.  He also loved to play the drums in a band with his siblings.  However, more than anything Daniel wanted to be a firefighter.  This would have been fitting for a young boy who cared most about helping others.

In all the interviews, his parents spoke of him being a 'light' or a 'lighthouse' in their family.  The quilt design we have was our first and was not as personal as we wanted it to be, especially after we began to realize the dynamics of our efforts.  So, we do have a design I will show today; however, the more we think about the quilt (which will be the first we put together next week) it will most likely take on an image of a lighthouse with his interests coming out like rays of light.  Hopefully, this will be possible.

Today is the SEVENTH day of Christmas!  WOW...hard to believe it is going by so quickly but our Christmas gift of quilting is making the days go by fast!  We are truly enjoying this time together.  Whenever I think about swans swimming, it reminds of a graceful dance...the swan seems to float across the water in regal form.  Maybe that is why the seven swans represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit - wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude (or courage), knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord (1 Corinthians 12)

I am posting this email VERY early in the day...so it is shorter than usual...as we are leaving early this morning to pick up Amanda from the airport (hoping weather continues to be OK for flying).  We will then be heading off to family and friends for the New Year.

I pray that everyone stays safe and enjoys ringing in the New Year with family and friends.  I will 'see' you next year!