This week I went to a dedication of a new ball field at my HS named for a boy who was a huge baseball fan, but was tragically killed by a drunk driver. The child's family, in their loss, were steadfastly positive in trying to remember him. It reminded me of the loss of a kid I grew up with, and the attitudes of his family in trying to make his loss somehow meaningful in the face of such tragedy. It is easy to allow anger and loss to destroy, but while justice was served elsewhere, hope and love and growth were celebrated.

My HS (a private Catholic institution) is celebrating its 50th anniv. My Grandmother believing in catholic education donated her savings to the effort to build the school. Other families even mortgaged their homes. My grandmother began working a 2nd job (not the 1st time) so she could send her children to CC. My parents worked to send me. One of the memory items I got from my gradmother when she passed away was the program from the dedication. I learted this week that they were all thought to have bee lost over the years, the oes the school saved were destroyed many years ago. I was honored to be able to share hers with the school for the celebration.

I watched a fireman (after a long day) take the time to talk to my little brother who loves cops and fireman, I could see the exhaustion in his face, but the smile never wavered, the eyes never lost their sparkle. I spoke to my friend whose son is back from his all asia tour (Iraq, Afghanistan, and South Korea) after 2 years-and all he wanted was to grab a pizza at the place his father and I used to take him to 20 years ago when he was in short pants. He will be driving up this week to eat Pizza with me (although his girlfriend is here in town to so I may not be the priority). And a little Boy sent his poppy pictures in a frame.

I also uncovered a conspiracy of clickers that reminded me why this is the greatest hobby in the world. I am just fortunate to still be a part of this beautiful world. That is what is special.