Sunday, August 21, 2011

Today - For Safety

The temperature, the wind, the rain, the beautiful night air for 2 million sleeping, or partying Catholics. All awaiting the Popes return for Mass in the morning. I was awake at 5 AM. I slept next to Leslee, our leader and an Italian young man name Giovanni. We were literally shoulder to shoulder. And my first thought in the morning was of after the Mass and leaving. Already the warnings were be announced to have a security check point for each group and to contact security when a party member was missing. It would happen.

As the sun came up I watched as groups around us awoke, packed up and left. I saw the wisdom of their planning. As two million Catholics would be flooding into the streets and metro system after the final blessing. And when another Boston group departed one of our young adults went with them, for health reasons. Better to not to walk in the 102 temperatures for a second day.

When Leslee awoke she was informed of our young adult's decision and she too made the decision to leave early, before Mass, for safety and health. And as I walked back into my hotel room, and turned on the TV, the Mass was just starting -- perfect timing. I dumped off my backpack, and watched.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

We too will be watching on TV.Lots of love and prayers. I bet your feet are happy too with your decision..M&D

Anonymous said...

If you go on WYDMadridBoston.com and look for picture CD9D0377 - it is special...

Patty Hebert said...

Leaving before or after the Mass, the feet walked the same.

Anonymous said...

you walked back too?

Patty Hebert said...

We had to make our way to the Metro station which was several miles from the air field.

Tammy H. said...

Seems like you are having an experience of a lifetime. The heat, the aching feet, the crowds -- they will all fade over time. The important memories are the ones that will remain in your heart. Enjoy!