Red, White, and Blue
Fr. Sullivan enjoying Paul, Marybelle, Fran, Sr. Maria Catherine
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History’s “Old Glory,” the weather-beaten 17- by 10-foot banner, one of their primary artifacts, is second only to Francis Scott Key’s Star-Spangled Banner as a patriotic symbol, and is the source of the term now applied generically to all American flags. “It represents success, righteousness, sovereignty,” says museum director John Gray.
These wonderful superlatives given to our flag were all on display on the Fourth of July at Holy Family Home. Residents, Staff, and Guests were decked out in their finest patriotic gear, wearing the colors of our flag. The morning was marked with joy. Our faithful friends from the Board of St. Francis send individual hand-prepared, seasonal gifts for every occasion. This Fourth of July was no exception. Their generosity gave our Activity Director, Deborah and her granddaughter and pre-med student, Jackie, and the Little Sisters the joy of distributing patriotic packages. At Holy Mass, celebrated by our chaplain, Father James Sullivan, we had the joy of receiving Jesus. In addition, Father’s homily explained the divinely inspired idea of “FREEDOM”, ingrained in the minds, hearts and souls of our Founding Fathers when they gathered just 47 blocks away at Independence Hall on July 4, 1776.
Mass was followed by a delicious barbecue. Due to the high temperatures outside, we gathered in the Cappuccino Corner. Our youngest guest, 9-month-old Elias, entertained our oldest Resident, Rose Adams, 101. Our very own “Yankee Doodle Dandy born on the Fourth of July,” Alice Way, celebrating her birthday, was visited by her dear friend and volunteer, Emma. The two winners of the resident drawing both sat at the same table and both shared the name: Fran! And yes, their prizes: red, white and blue wreaths.
If that wasn’t enough for one day, we all took time to put on our dancing shoes for the 2 p.m. musical entertainment provided by the Big Bopper herself, DOO-WOP DEBBIE. After the entertainment, it seemed all were in a hurry for their favorite afternoon devotion to “Our Lady of the Pillow.”
Dorothy, Sandra and her cousin
Mary Ellen and Joanice
Mother Celine Therese
Diane, Mary Lou, Sr. Jessica
Mike
CNA Donna
Administrator Pat Lo
Joan, Mary Ellen, Patti, Theresa, Sr. Veronica
Linda and her family
Mary Lou
Alice and Volunteer-Friend Emma
Dietary Supervisor Laurie and Hawa
Nadir, Billy, Rhonda, Dave
Sr. Maria Catherine and Fran G.
Fran M.
Camelia and Sr. Myriam
Back: Donna – CNA, Patti – AJJ, Deborah – Activity Director, Dorothy – CNA; Front: Jackie – Volunteer, Joanice – CNA
Fr. Sullivan
Sr. Emmanuel
Sr. Judith
Patti – AJJ, Sr. Jessica, Christine
Activities Director Deborah and Volunteer Jackie
Kathy (aka Betsy), Ann, Mac
Theresa and Sr. Maria Catherine
Rose (101) with Elias (9 mo) and parents Patrick and Mary Kate
