When we moved from Pittsburgh back to Maryland ( we only lived there for 18 months, and I always said God put us there so that Anita and Martin could meet, fall in love and get married), we had to put all our "stuff" in storage, as we sold our Pittsburgh house, but had not found a home in Maryland. I was not thrilled at the prospect of having very few of my things with me, but as it turned out, it was so liberating.

Today, as I prepared for my excursion to Mercy Hospital where I will have a Nissen Fundoplication (hiatal hernia repair), I removed all my jewelry, gave Jim my insurance card, and photo id, and handed over all my cash to him, I felt that liberation once again. No purse, no jewelry, no money, not even a cup of coffee, and I didn't have to take my meds either. What freedom!!!

Don't get me wrong: I love my "stuff", but there's lots to be said for "surrender".

Yesterday, I prepared myself spiritually. I went to confession, was blessed by Fr. Frank, went to Mass, and received Communion. I hugged a few people, and I surrendered myself to God. How freeing it is! Thank you, God, for Your comforting love. Thank you much loved family and friends for your prayers. God bless us all.