Tuesday: Trains, Planes, and NO Automobiles

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” ― Anonymous, Holy Bible: King James Version

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I’ve been saving this story since June 6th. That’s the day I flew to Chicago from Dallas, to visit family, friends, and for my son’s wedding. It was going to be a five week stay, and my heart and soul were filled with mixed emotions. (It all turned out to be wonderful, for those wondering.)

Karen dropped me off at the airport with plenty of time to spare. I went over to my gate, only to find it had changed to a gate clear on the other side of the terminal. I scurried to the tram , hopped on , only to discover I was going the wrong way. I got off at the  next stop , turned around , back to where I started , then got on the one going the other way. (I could get lost in a phone booth!)

After bustling around , heart palpitations mixed with anxiety , the plane boarded on time. No more glitches. I was in row 14, a nice man helped me shove my bag in the overhead, and I buckled up. I said. “Hello ” to the gentleman next to me, then tried to relax.  ( I hate to travel )

The plane taxied and started its ascent. The man dressed all in black seated next to me proceeded to make the sign of the cross on take off. Being a Catholic, I surmised that he was either very nervous, very Catholic , or we were in very big trouble. 

I asked him, “I couldn’t help but notice that you made the sign of the cross. Are you Catholic ?” He told me that indeed, he was a Catholic Priest returning to his Parish , St.Viator, in Chicago. (Phew! Good news ) 

We talked the entire two hours plus about his ailing father in Beliz that he had been visiting , his country , his parish in Chicago , etc., while I shared my stories of family, friends, my son’s wedding, and McKinney. I so enjoy meeting new and interesting people. 

I asked if I could take his picture and get his email address so we could correspond, which he graciously agreed to. 

   
Father Moses from St. Viator. 

 
The sky was bright and beautiful on our journey.  

Our flight “flew by” quickly, and before I knew it we were taxiing at O’Hare. Father Moses made the sign of the cross when the wheels touched down, and that’s when I did something unusual. I asked,  “Father, may I ask you a big favor? May I have a special blessing?”

Without hesitation, he  replied, “Of course. ” Father Moses placed his right hand onto forehead, and said a special prayer, asking God to bless me , for my safe journey, and to thank Him for the opportunity to meet one another. 

Father had no idea what this blessing meant to me. It was not a coincidence, but rather divine intervention. My heart felt lighter and more at ease. Yes, I am truly blessed…literally. 

  
We landed safely. I landed safely !

In case you were wondering , Father Moses and I have corresponded a few times. You never know who you will meet on a train , plane , or automobile.