The Promise

To be able to receive Jesus was all I ever wanted
When the year came, things changed
My friends played ball in the park
While I stayed in bed, too weak to even read
Mama said that I should consider doing my First Communion next year
Each time she brought it up, I flooded my pillow with tears
So my lessons began with my mother's taechings
As winter turned into spring, the recovery I prayed for was not meant to be
Keeping food down was difficult
The blandest bread and the sweetest fruit did nothing to sooth my tummy
How could I receive Jesus like this?
For weeks and weeks I prayed, but I only got worse
Mama called a priest
On the day of May 3rd, I received three sacraments
The priest listened as I told him my sins
He placed the Host in my mouth and to my surprise I swallowed it with ease
Lastly, he gave me last rights
I took my last breadth that night
This is not a sad story, but a happy one
Before Jesus took my to heave I received my First Communion
I even wore a veil

Jesus' House

The end of the work day
Men and women - mostly older sit quietly in a chapel
The only sound is of a man's coughs
Halfway through the hour a woman with her two children walk in
All three dirty and noisy
The stares are one of bothersome
The mother talked to them of Jesus and Mary
Baby cooed and snuggled next to his mama
Little girl, loud and boisterous ran up to a statue of Mary holding baby Jesus
I love you May! I love you baby Jesus!
Her mother smiled
Happy that despite everything, her little girl still loved Jesus and Mary
Do we have to sleep in the car again tonight?
Tears began to flood the mother's eyes
Maybe Jesus will let us stay in His house tonight.

Nativity of Mary

How the angels smiled with delight at this unique creation from God
A baby girl born spotless
Such sweetness and purity is the birth of Our Lady
The mother of our Savior