Miracle in Lake Placid

Now most of you are very familiar with the Miracle on Ice that took place in 1980 during the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid.  The USA Men’s Hockey team beat the Russians in the semifinal game. The movie Miracle still gives me goose bumps.  On our recent trip to Lake Placid I got goose bumps from a different experience.

Another miracle that took place in Lake Placid recently but this one was much more personal basis than the one in 1980.  Well it was Saturday evening and Mary, the girls and I decided to go to Mass that night instead of the morning.  St. Agnes is a beautiful church.  We sat right up in front.  Father John was extremely welcoming of visitors.  His homily was so perfect.  He closed with this “May the fire of Christ burn away all that is useless and refine what is impure in us so that our lives may blaze with love of Christ and darkness be no more”. 

As I sat there praying for my family, friends and our health, I felt something change inside.  It was so distinct that it almost brought be with it tears.  I have known from the beginning that I was going to beat cancer.  What I did not know was when it would that happen and how long would it take.  Right then I thought to myself that I am not sick but fighting illness.  I said to myself, I am strong resilient and free of disease.  Now I am not ready to pop the cork and celebrate but I am ready to let you know my fire is lit!  The treatment road is long, but I feel free!  

While Fr. John may have been referring to our personal flaws that are useless but cancer is also useless. I sat there and reflected on the correlations.  The Miracle on Ice took place just one mile from where I sat and I was experiencing my own personal miracle at St Agnes.  I am so grateful for Father John and the warmth the parishioners welcomed our family with.

If you every find yourself in Lake Placid make sure you stop in and see St. Agnes.  On their website they have a message that reads:

 

No matter your present status in the Catholic Church; no matter your current family or marital situation; no matter your past or present religious affiliation; no matter your personal history, age, background, race, or color; no matter your self-image or self-esteem – you are invited, welcomed, accepted, loved, and respected at St. Agnes Church.

https://www.stagneslakeplacid.com/home

You will feel right at home regardless of where you are in your spiritual journey.  

I encourage everyone to follow me on these three things I work on each day:

1. Find something you are Grateful for today
2. Be truly Present for those you are with 
3. Ask yourself how you are feeding you mind, body and spirit?

May your prayers be answered and live at God’s Speed!