Marywood

We have joined our friends at the Faith and Sharing Retreat for Mass in a lovely, little chapel in the woods on the grounds of Marywood, on the Saint Johns River in Switzerland, Florida.   Bishop Estavez, the Archbishop of St. Augustine and surrounding counties, is presiding.  The crowd is exuberant, the singing so heartfelt.  Our Kathy doesn't always know the words and sings off key, but she really belts it out.

After a shared meal, we hear a forceful talk by John Foppe, born without arms, who has faced obstacles, both physical and emotional, his entire life. While some see his condition as a debilitating handicap, John disagrees. "Our only handicaps are those mental and emotional ones that prevent us from participating fully in life."   His message was one of taking responsibility and not letting oneself become a victim of  one's disability.  His latest book is titled, "What's Your Excuse?"