{"id":13712,"date":"2026-04-05T18:41:39","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T01:41:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adoptedjoy.com\/?p=13712"},"modified":"2026-04-05T18:41:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T01:41:40","slug":"the-last-year-of-my-fifth-decade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adoptedjoy.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/05\/the-last-year-of-my-fifth-decade\/","title":{"rendered":"The Last Year of My Fifth Decade"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
I haven’t done the math, but according to my memory, it has been rare for my birthday to coincide with Easter Sunday, so this was an extra special birthday indeed! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The cathedral was packed to standing-in-the-aisles for the 9am mass, after an Easter Vigil last night that was even more full, if that is possible! We had so many joining the church that the front 3\/4 of the seating was reserved for candidates and catechumens and their sponsors! I heard from Laurent today that the Basilica had 60 baptisms last night, and another 120 that will be spread out over the next few weeks. I’ve been hearing rumors of large numbers of new converts, but this is crazy! Thanks be to God!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paul once again had the honor of sponsoring a new member. This year it was one of “our kids” from way back in our Westfork days. What a joy it is to see this young lady, whom we’ve known since birth, taking hold of her faith and making this public profession of commitment to Christ and His Church! Congratulations, Santana, and welcome to the Body of Christ!!<\/p>\n\n\n
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After a mass filled with glorious singing, pipe organ, brass and choir, we loaded the van and drove over to Grandma’s house. Paul had gone separately in Tom Truck, bringing my camera bag and all the food I laid out for him on the table, and picked up Ana on the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When we arrived I was ready to prepare the Pineapple Fluff, only to find that he had not gotten the whipped cream along (because it was in the fridge, not on the table), so I grabbed a couple of kids and drove to Basha’s to fetch that essential ingredient. When they came out with no whipped cream, I realized I would have to go find it myself. I knew exactly where to find it – where it always is, by the frozen fruit. So I got some extra steps for the day – and found that pushing a cart makes those steps a little easier on my back! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Back home again I got that dish mixed, got the buns prepared, to go with Grandma’s baked chicken, wild rice, and honeyed carrots, and set out the bowl of jelly beans (an Easter staple). Geneva and Mark were there when we got back too, and brought me a lovely bouquet for my birthday. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We started dinner before Laurent arrived, but waited to have the cake until she had a chance to eat. And of course, I took the opportunity to get into a picture with the family, which is my favorite gift of all. I can’t begin to express how blessed I feel when I look at these beautiful faces! God has been so very good to us. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Happy Easter to you and yours. Alleluia, He is Risen! He is Risen indeed, Alleluia!<\/p>\n\n\n\nngg_shortcode_0_placeholder\n
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