Dear Diary,
Our great road trip to Iowa City began this morning!
Father LeRoy arrived early in his Cadillac, and it was quite a sight when we finally had everyone and everything tucked inside. Sister Mary Claire brought our suitcases and a basket of food, Robert carried the road maps, and I kept The Fatima Story safely beside me. Mini had her own blanket and little traveling dish.
The morning was bitterly cold. Frost covered the grass, and yesterday’s puddles had frozen solid. Still, the sky was blue and beautiful, and we were all far too excited to complain.
Before traveling very far, Father surprised us by stopping at Pilot Rock. The enormous old boulder stood upon the hill beneath the wide Iowa sky. Father said it would be the perfect place for the first meeting of St. Mary’s Traveling Reading Club.
We bundled ourselves in coats and scarves and gathered on the sheltered side of the rock. Mini explored every inch of the ground before sitting beside me, looking very proud to be included.
I opened our Fatima book and briefly reminded everyone where we had stopped. Lucy, Francis, and Jacinta had been deceived by the Administrator and carried away to the jail at Ourem. Although they were frightened, they had resolved to remain faithful and never reveal Our Lady’s secret.
Father said that the great rock behind us made him think of their courage.
“They were only children,” he said, “but their faith was firm as a rock.”
Sister Mary Claire added that being brave does not always mean doing something grand. Sometimes it means quietly standing by the truth when everyone around us says we are wrong.
Before leaving, we stood together beside Pilot Rock and prayed a Hail Mary for courage on our own journey through life. Then Sister opened her basket and passed around warm cinnamon rolls wrapped in a clean towel. Mini received a small piece without frosting and ate it in two quick bites.
Soon we were back in the Cadillac, with the heater running and our Fatima book safely packed away. Father unfolded his map, pointed toward the east, and announced, “Next stop—Ames, Iowa!”
Pilot Rock was a wonderful beginning to our adventure. Our Reading Club has left the church basement, but it certainly has not stopped meeting.
Love,
Kathy
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