Just some rambling . . .

Today I've decided to re-read my journal. I had originally planned to simply "blog" the lessons learned - extract them from my journal and put them out there in a nutshell. The problem with that is that some of the lessons lacked clarity or meaning without sharing the path that led to a particular lesson learned. On the other hand, the journal contains far too much personal pain to become a public spectral. Editing is necessary. My original idea for this blog was to post the lessons accompanied by photographs I've taken. While I still feel that would be a good idea, some lessons will require censored background as well.

Sifting through the journal will take some time (typed, single space it is over 400 pages and counting). In the meantime, here is a prayer I wrote to my husband while he was inside. He had asked me to send him prayers appropriate to be used in his Catholic Bible study group (I have volumes of prayers in stacks of books). I wanted to give him something more personal to read, not only for him but something that his fellow "insiders" might be able to relate to, separated from their families as they were. I wrote a prayer for all of us - inside and out. It was one that I prayed in my heart every day but had never put to paper before. Bear in mind, this prayer is well-seasoned with Catholic flavor. Take it for what it is worth.

Father of Mercy and Compassion, You alone know the truth concealed inside our hearts. You see our suffering and our sorrow. Our secrets are not hidden from Your view. Hear us who cry out to You now from this place of isolation, sincere in our plea for forgiveness for what we have done and for all that we have failed to do. Forgive us our foolish arrogance when we wandered lost in the wilderness of our existence without You. For You alone are our hope and our salvation. Give us the grace of Your peace during this time of restless penance. Strengthen all who share in our burdens and lift up our hearts with the promise that one day soon we will be reunited again. Grant this in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

May the peace of our Creator be with you always.