Dear Diary,
We met beneath the apple tree behind St. Mary’s again today. The afternoon was warm and peaceful, and every so often a little breeze stirred the leaves above our heads. Mini settled beside my chair as though she knew exactly where a faithful member of the reading club belonged.
Father asked me to begin by reading my chapter summary. Today we talked about what Lourdes was like eleven years after the Blessed Virgin appeared to Bernadette. The wild place around the Grotto had changed so much. A great church was rising above the rock, pilgrims were coming from faraway places, and the little spring Mary had revealed continued to flow. It seemed wonderful to think that something which began with one poor girl kneeling in the mud had grown into a place of prayer and hope for the whole world.
We had a very good discussion afterward. Sister Mary Claire said that the buildings and crowds were important, but the greatest change could not be seen with the eyes. It was the change within the hearts of all the people who came to Lourdes seeking God.
For our treat, Sister brought a plate of her chocolate chip cookies, baked just right—soft in the middle and a little crisp around the edges. Robert brought a quart of cold Jersey milk, and we passed it around in little cups. Sister had wisely made a special cookie for Mini without any chocolate chips. Mini ate it happily and then lapped up a little dish of Jersey milk. Afterward, she carefully searched the grass for any crumbs that might have escaped her notice.
I think we were all feeling a little sad because we are nearing the end of Our Lady of Lourdes. Father must have noticed, because he smiled and said, “Finishing one book does not mean the reading club is finished.”
Those words cheered everyone at once.
Father said he would like the reading club to continue. He asked each of us to begin thinking about what book we might read next. Everyone may choose one title, and after all the suggestions have been given, we shall cast our votes.
Robert immediately looked as though he already had three books in mind. Sister laughed and reminded him that Father had said one title from each person. I do not know yet what book I shall choose, but I want it to be something that will help us love God more and give us plenty to talk about beneath the apple tree.
When it was time to leave, Father asked me to read our closing prayer. We bowed our heads, and I prayed:
“Dear Lord, thank You for our reading club, for the lessons we have learned, and for the happy hours we have shared together. Bless each person gathered here, and guide us as we choose our next book. May everything we read lead us closer to You. Amen.”
As we gathered our books and cups, the reading club no longer felt as though it were ending. It felt as though another wonderful story was waiting just around the corner.
Love,
Kathy
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