By Fr. Justin Fulton
Remember Lincoln Logs? I loved playing with those when I was a kid. I distinctly remember the smell and feel of them. I remember designing and constructing my “dream home” out of them, and including barnyard animals in the pen and the dreamscape acreage I would someday own.
My imagination would come alive with possibilities. I would think of the different rooms... the different spaces... the life in that home. It always allowed me to dream of having my own place. Lincoln Logs would help a kid dream and would give a great sense of pride witnessing their own creation.
Recently, we had one of the families at St. Gianna Women’s Homes move out, as they were able to get back on their feet again. The Marian Sisters and our Resident Advocate Veronica Hotovy, along with our volunteers and benefactors, did exceptional work giving a “hand-up” to this young mother and her child. As they left St. Gianna’s there was pride, emotion, tears, and hope as a new beginning commenced.
This woman came to us needing a lot of help. She was also away from the Church. In a year, she got a job and got to a point where she was coming back to Mass. She began to provide for herself and her child. She was able to get her life together and built confidence in herself. She has come so far, and she is now able to fend for herself and has the ability to live on her own.
CSS helped get her furniture and recently we blessed her house as she moved in. One could witness the pride in her smile and in her actions as she showed us her plans to fix up the house. Her creativity was alive. She has a creative mind and her talent will be shared with her child so they can have a comfortable, cozy home that will provide many warm memories. It will be a house of security, sacrifice, and love.
It was special to see the pride of home ownership and the sense of responsibility in that mother’s face. The far-off dream of being in her own place was now a reality and this woman is capable, confident, and knows God’s love for her. It was humbling to witness her hard work commencing in the moving in and blessing of her home.
This woman is back attending Mass and both she and her child are receiving the Sacraments. This woman is a survivor and is a role model for all of the women and families we attempt to help at St. Gianna’s. She is living greatly. All of us should take pride in her accomplishments.
Let us rejoice as we continue to partner together to protect women and children, save lives, and spread Hope in the Good Life!
Thank you for your prayers and monetary support of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. May God bless us always. Cheers!
