I have been celebrating the above all day because if it's not on the Roman calendar, it doesn't count, my friends...After what proved to be a bit of a difficult week, I was glad to accept an invitation out with three of my celibate friends for Mass, dinner at an Italian restaurant, followed by cake and cookies at one of their homes. We shared many good, much needed laughs and altogether too much food and wine.
When we arrived at their home, one of the young men presented me with a large bouquet of fresh cut flowers as a gesture of sympathy on the loss of a family member this week. I was really touched by his kindness.
As I was leaving to go home, another one of the young men offered me a ride. I gratefully accepted, and when he realized I might struggle to get in with the large bouquet and my purse, he came around and opened the car door for me so I could get in easily. I thanked him as I pulled the flowers inside and we drove off towards home. I told him that I had been planning for a while to attend this particular Mass at this particular church to hear my newly ordained friend preach for the first time, and he had suggested dinner out afterwards. Soon he realized the date, however -- February 14 -- and he feared he might cause scandal to his parishioners if he were to be seen cavorting with a young woman in an Italian restaurant on the aforementioned date, so we decided it was best to postpone dinner. However, when his confrere suggested a group of us attend the Mass and have dinner instead, it became something permissible. I was glad for that.
Just then it occurred to both my friend who was driving and myself -- it's February 14, he just opened the car door for me while I got in holding a large bouquet of flowers ... hmm. Better hope no parishioners saw that! We had a good giggle the rest of the way home before he dropped me off and we bid each other good night.
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