South Bend, IN
Today was a long day and didn't really go as planned - in mostly a good way. I peeled my ass out of bed and went to the 6:45am meeting at St. Thomas Hospital. I am so glad I went! It was a good meeting, the people there were so friendly, they gave me a visitor's coin (see photo below) and a group member showed me the chapel (which I didn't even realize had so much history). It was so neat and the energy there is indescribable. You can just feel it when you're there.
I spent almost two hours in the chapel reading about Sister Ignatia, her involvement with the pioneering times and just how things were back in the 1930's. I went back to the hotel for a quick nap and then headed over to Dr. Bob's house. Again, everyone I ran into was so nice and talked with me. A few people gave me their phone numbers to stay in touch. I must have taken 100 photos between the chapel and house and selected a few below to share with you.
Walking into Dr. Bob's house was... like I was home. Actually, when I was greeted, they shake my hand and said, "Welcome home!" They introduced themselves and asked where I was from and chatted with me for a bit.
In Sue's room (the serenity room), many people have taken their 3rd Steps there. I was told that people come from all over to say the 3rd Step Prayer. There is a big book laying on the bed opened up to the prayer. Yes, I did kneel and say the 3rd Step Prayer in Sue's room. However, before I figured this out, I knelt in Smitty's room where there are two twin beds and Bob and Bill would bring in new people to dry out. I will say that I felt it more in Smitty's room, but probably because I realized that God was reminding me of Rule 62 by the time I got to Sue's room and was laughing at myself. Everything is Divine.
Most of the furniture is original in the house and it looks just as it did years ago. There is just so much history - too much to tell you here. I would love to go back for Founder's Day in the summer time. Especially because I didn't get the chance to go to the Mayflower Hotel or the mansion. The house next door has the gift shop and even more history. I spent over an hour there looking around and talking with one woman there. It was really an awesome experience.
I gassed up, got some food and hit the road around 4pm. I was tired, so my sister switched my next stop from Milwaukee to Indiana. There are hotels, fast food places and auto part shops here - and I can't wait to leave in the morning. Next stop is Sioux Falls - nice 10 hour drive! I took Vanessa's suggestion and downloaded a podcast series called Serial. I started listening today and it is really good and helps the time pass more quickly.
I don't know if I am just tired or what, but I was pretty agitated when I arrived in South Bend. Since I have been able to stretch out and relax, I am feeling better. I also appreciate when someone calls or texts me to see how I am doing, so thank you. I still am sticking to my "no posts on social media" and it is a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. I didn't realize how much validation I sought through Instagram and Facebook. It is nice to stay busy and "distracted", but I realized toward the end of the drive tonight that I need to take more healing time. So I think I will do some prayer, meditation, journal, and take some quite time to myself tomorrow morning before I head out.
Alright... here are some photos for your viewing pleasure:
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