25 Years

Today was a precious day for us. After traipsing around Rome with Fr Greg until after midnight, the four of us crashed. We couldn't sleep for long though as we had early plans today. You see, I mentioned I didnt know Fr Greg until we got to Rome, but Andrew, Rachel, and Pete do. When Andrew heard we were heading to Rome on our anniversary, he asked his dear friend Fr Greg if he would say mass for us on our special day. He agreed and also agreed to be our tour guide, and dinner companion and genuine

friend over the next few days. Fr Greg planned a special mass for us at St Peters today. And not just at St Peters, but in the crypt church. And not just in the crypt church but in the chapel of the madonna, which holds a miraculous image of Our Lady and is the oldest chapel in the basilica located just feet away from the tomb of St Peter.

If we weren't already overwhelmed by the goodness of all the graces of the last few days, today did it. The mass was so beautiful and Fr Greg tied the readings to our married life and family. He offered the mass for us and all our intentions and we both remembered to pray for all of you and all of those who have been with us as we prayed today. We were so overwhelmed and still are. It felt as if heaven itself just reached down to hug us today. Fr Greg said he wanted to bring us into the heart of the church, quite literally, by saying mass for us there today. How Andrew, Rachel, and JP kept that secret from us, I'll never know. I would have personally burst. Of course I was so touched Andrew was so thoughtful to do this for us. And Peter and Abbie got to see St Peters namesake church and saint.

After mass we got an incredible tour, and while it is all amazing, I was still just trying to take in the gift of the mass. We left and said our goodbyes to Fr Greg, and I can't wait to see him again.

The only other appointment we had to make today was on behalf of John-Paul. When he heard we would be in Rome on our anniversary, he asked archbishop Lori for tickets to the papal audience tomorrow. We picked them up this afternoon. So tomorrow, we'll get up early again for another great reason.

I love my kids.

They have been the greatest accomplishment of the last 25 years. 10 beautiful souls who we've been entrusted with. Celebrating our silver anniversary makes us more aware than ever of the blessing of married life. The simple joys of sharing a day together no matter what it holds can be so beautiful. Fred and I are acutely aware of how undeserving we've been of the graces we received. We don't just love each other, we like each other too. We laugh at the same jokes, like the same food, Pray together, and walk together.
God has been so good to us. We don't deserve the marriage we have, but we are so grateful. Say a prayer for us both tonight if you can spare one.