The Candle in our Window...
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| He wanted to save the world even then... |
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| Ian's new home in the Dominican Republic... |
February 10, 2013
To our Son’s new Dominican Mother,
Thank you for taking our son into your home. We hope that he brings Love, Peace and Joy (along with that Pure Vermont Maple Syrup) to your family while he is there. Although I have never met you, our lives have been joined forever. We want you to know that we miss him each and every day, but we're beginning to understand now that, as he discerns his call in this world, his time with you will provide him with new experiences, knowledge and insight that we never could. Thank you. The generosity with which you are living out your Vocation by opening your heart and your home inspires me to do more... to be ... more.
We knew that Creighton University would change our sons' lives, but we never suspected how much it would impact ours. In hindsight, we should have. Each place we have lived while discerning our family Mission has influenced us. We carry a little piece of each place with us. So too Ian will change as a result of your presence in his life. Quite frankly, he already has.
When we lived in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, there was a tradition they had there of placing candles in their front windows. Throughout the years we lived there, we heard MANY different stories about why they do this, but we've adopted two that we share with people who ask us why, even after Advent is over, we have candles in our windows each night. One story holds that it is a signal to the stranded stranger of warmth, friendship and shelter. The other meaning holds that it symbolizes loyalty to family and friends away from home (http://www.americanfamilytraditions.com/Candle_in_the_Window.htm). Our candles are burning brightly in Nebraska tonight for our Beautiful Boy who is falling asleep under your roof for the first time. Our candles are burning brightly tonight, so that you know, if you ever find yourself on this distant shore, you have a place to call home.
With love and gratitude-
Ian's American Mom
