HOME AGAIN
By John Santosuosso


    Let me tell you about my surgery. OH, NO!!! Not that! Let's start over.  Dear members and friends of Saint Peter's. Thank you so very much for your notes, cards, prayers, and visits during my recent recovery. Because of your love and support I never felt that I was alone or separated from you. You raised me up when I need it most, and now I look forward to seeing you in the near future. 

    During my recovery there were several days I cannot recall at all, but there were also some times that I will always remember with thanksgiving. There was my new friend I knew only as Mi Amigo. All he needed to brighten your smile along with his for the day was a friendly "Que tal" (how are you). There was the young lady with whom I had the opportunity to discuss our mutual admiration for the Gospel music of CeCe Winans. If you have never heard CeCe, listen to her music sometime on the web. She has a talent that rivals that of the late, great Mahalia Jackson. And, yes, I actually got to sing an Elvis Presley song on one occasion. I chose "I Can't Help Falling in Love with You.'' 

    But as memorable as those occasions were, they were not what left the greatest impression on me. Not for one second do I believe that God was responsible for my accident. However, maybe God was thinking, well as long as he has to recover anyway, he might as well learn something. That is when the miracle happened. You see I entered the hospital and rehab with a broken hip. I left with a renewed understanding that despite all the tragedy in this world, it is filled with countless people full of compassion and unconditional love. Many people ministered to me in many ways. Ironically it is often those with the worst jobs and the most work who are first by your side. They are not without their own challenges, but they have a deep rooted faith that is much like a palm tree. When the storms come they bend, but they do not break. I learned to say thank you more times than I can remember.

    There were other gifts given to me. When facing the potholes and storms of life, if you can meet them with faith that is a wonderful thing. However, if you are unable to muster even the slightest amount of faith please do not despair. God will still be there. God rejoices in our faith, but God will meet us where we are, full of faith or with none at all. You see grace is truly amazing. From our first breath to our last God is walking beside us whether we are aware of it or not. And if you want to give God some help by also walking with someone, no matter where you are, how fast or slow you travel, you will make all of Heaven rejoice.

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