Novena for Theresa - Day 5

See prayer entered yesterday.

The Goose Turns Four Today!

Happy Birthday Joseph Raymond Kloska!

My Life as a Dog

(A Birthday Poem Dedicated to Theresa Thomas as found on the Thomas Family refrigerator)

Roaming, roaming the neighborhood.
Looking for food.

Hmmm, that smells good.
I think I'll cross the street without looking.

Woof! Woof! Woof!
Bark at the cat!

Ahhhh, home safely.
Life as a dog is good -- for a dog.

Cardinal Arinze - He's getting an honorary degree from Notre Dame this weekend and celebrating Mass at St. Matt's Sunday evening. See Lisa's post below.

He could have been Pope and he's coming to St. Matt's

Just for everyone to know - Cardinal Arinze is going to be celebrating the 5:30 p.m. Mass THIS SUNDAY at our very cool parish, St. Matthew Cathedral. It should be quite interesting since he is the head of Liturgy for the whole Catholic Church. Needless to say our newly ordained priest, Fr. John Cramer, is quite nervous about his being able to concelebrate with Arinze. Should be pretty neat. This is advertised on the parish billboard outside the Cathedral, so it should be a full church. Might want to get there early. (Submitted by Lisa)

Novena for Theresa - Day 4

Happy Birthday Theresa!

Prayer for Healing Through the intercession of John Paul the Great

Almighty God, Father, Son and Spirit, all life and goodness comes from you. We praise you and thank you for Who You are. We entrust all our joys and sufferings - indeed our very lives - to You. We trust in your love and mercy and we ask, through the intercession of Pope John Paul the Great, that You completely heal our sister Theresa Thomas from all illness, especially any Hodgkins lymphoma and attendant complications from which she is suffering. We ask that always and everywhere Your Will be done and we thank you for answering this and all our requests with your love and mercy. Alleluia. Amen.

(Fr. Kevin suggests that anyone who missed the beginning of the novena join him in beginning it on May 18th, John Paul's birthday.)

A little help from Johnny at St. Matthew's school?

Nicholas, Michael, Fr. Lukasz, and Johnny back in happier days.

Most everyone knows that one of the happiest years of Johnny's life was the year he spent at St. Matthew's School when he was in eigth grade. When Johnny died, they announced it over the P.A. and asked for prayers for him and our family. A week or two later, Michael Jeffrey came home from St. Matt's with this little story.

Michael was frustrated that he never gets assigned the classroom job that he wants. So when Mrs. Menting was assigning jobs that day, he said a little prayer to Uncle Johnny asking Johnny to help get him assigned to the baskets. Michael then looked up and Mrs. Menting was looking at him and said, "Michael, why don't you do the baskets today." The interesting thing is that we hadn't spoken of John for a couple of days and we never told Michael to use him as an intercessor. Michael was very impressed with the efficacy of his prayer.

A big surprise as Jeff turns 30!

Joey's birthday party for Jeff last Saturday came as a huge surprise to him. For a good part of the day, Jeff was totally clueless. Check out the look on Jeff's face when B.J. informs him that today is indeed his 30th birthday.

Jeff: "What are all these people doing in my garage?"

B.J.: "Today is your 30th birthday! Happy Birthday bro'!"

Jeff: "What? Me? 30? Today? You've got to be kidding me!"

Novena for Theresa - Day 3

(Fr. Kevin suggests that anyone who missed the beginning of the novena join him in beginning it on May 18th, John Paul's birthday.)

Are you kidding me? Check out this picture. See anything weird?

This is a picture of Johnny in Europe last summer. Notice the name on the headrest. Then click on the headline above. Weird.

Why I love living in South Bend, Indiana

Few people regard South Bend as a prime destination. However, Tuesday as I woke from a long afternoon nap brought on by that morning's surgery, it occurred to me that the day could not be any more beautiful outside. For once, the sun was shining brightly and there was hardly a cloud in the sky. With temperatures in the seventies and almost no breeze, it was a quiet day rife with possibility. Wanting to spend some time with the family, I suggested that we walk to Notre Dame for a picnic. It was then I realized that God had placed me geographically exactly where He knew I would be happiest.

As is our custom, we piled a French baguette, some cheese, apples and water into the stroller. When I finished packing the cutting board, napkins, knife, blanket and small flask of wine, we were almost ready. Two changed diapers, a packed diaper bag, several tied shoes and an unlocked shed later, we were off.

Our children buzzed around us as we walked across the campus with all its carefully manicured flower beds. The kids' energy and enthusiasm were so great that I made a special mental note to never forget the scene. As we broke onto the South Quad, we happened upon our neighbors who were out for a stroll with their four children. Michael spotted them first. He got off his bicycle and ran back to report this to us so quickly that I initially thought he was being chased by a vicious dog. Of course we stopped and visited longer than we should, but these weren't just our neighbors, they were our friends. There is a familiarity and comfort level we share with them that is born of common values, a common approach to raising our children, and a common faith. That is the kind of neighbor you get around here.

Tearing our kids away from theirs normally isn't easy - and it wasn't easy today - but eventually we did make it to our picnic destination close to the log cabin chapel. The boys ran ahead to Old College, the oldest building on campus, to see if Fr. Kevin could come out and play. Fr. Kevin was out of town, but one of the seminarians emerged to visit with us. To our surprise, he knew all about Johnny's death and Theresa's cancer and assured us that they and we were constantly in his prayers.

Next to drop by was Br. Ed Luther, a grandfather type in appearance and demeanor. He wanted nothing more than to say hello and renew our old acquaintance. When the boys found out that he had just made a chocolate cake, he found himself surrounded by three eager young men ready to hurry into Old College to fetch it before it cooled down. There on the lawn, quite unexpectedly, my family feasted on the best chocolate tunnel cake I have ever eaten.

The sun was getting low by then and we decided to head straight home - it was already past bedtime. But on our way we ran into another venerable personality in the form of Fr. Paul Doyle. Tall and lanky in appearance, Fr. Paul is known for his big friendly smile, his perfectly placed hair and his long southern drawl. We stopped and chatted and could tell that, as usual, he was in no particular hurry. After exchanging a couple of stories of no great import, we parted, but not until getting a big bear hug for the journey. Happily, we strode towards home.

Along the way was a fragrant lilac bush enthusiastically sharing its new life. The stillness of the air, the fading light and warm humidity all punctuated the strength of its aroma. As Nicholas pedaled past the statue of Jesus, I could see from the corner of my eye the palm of his hand placed upward under his chin. The only wind on a night like this was a wind that carried his blown kiss.

As we came to Notre Dame Avenue, a car rounded the turn and we heard a voice cry out to us from a distance. Two former students from Holy Cross College -- one now graduating from Notre Dame and her boyfriend, an already credentialed Domer -- jumped out and rambled towards us. We greeted, we laughed and it struck me that if any of our children grow up to be like these two kids, I would be one very proud papa.

On the way home, crossing the busy street of Angela Boulevard, a police officer kindly held the light for us so our flock could pass safely.

I love living here.

Did anyone else miss this in the Elkhart Truth?

I did. Who wrote it? Nice work.

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Thoughts from a suffering insomniac...

Margy and the boys - two years and two daughters ago

I know its the middle of the night and Margy would prefer that I be lying in bed next to her right now, but due to my surgery, I slept for nine hours today. Try sleeping for nine hours during the day sometime and see if you can sleep through the night!

I'm also awake because today was a day of peaks and valleys. The valley came this morning when my doctor told Margy and I that not only had the papillomas returned to my vocal cords, but they were actually worse . The virus is winning the battle. This is a concern because these papillomas can become cancerous - especially in someone who has already had cancer. After surgery, he said he anticipates having to cut my throat every three months for an indefinite amount of time into the future.

Not what I wanted to hear.

But let me share with you the peak. When I got home, I popped the 1978 Cotton Bowl into the DVD player and fell asleep to Notre Dame winning the national championship. I knew I was going to fall asleep right away, but I figured nothing could do my soul more good than watching Terry Eurick punch it over from the six before I passed out. I was right. When I awoke, I was met with the chaotic sounds of Margy and my five blessings.

Meg was on the loveseat next to my sofa and was making her presence known at the top of her voice. Mozart in all his glory couldn't compose anything that compares.

Then I heard the playful cries of my boys hardly able to contain their enthusiasm for whatever childhood amusement had presently engaged them.

And then began the soothing mantra that never stops flowing from Monica's lips, "Papa, hi papa, hi papa, hi papa..." I soon felt the warm wetness of drool on my face. She woke me with a kiss.

As I opened my eyes, I witnessed my mother dutifully hobbling off to do her next charitable work for another family member.

Finally, I caught a glimpse of Margy as she rushed past the sofa patiently fielding a million urgent trivial questions from her beloved offspring while trying to keep the house from becoming uninhabitable.

I was tired and groggy. I couldn't speak. I had earlier received very disheartening news. My throat felt like it had been stuck with a dagger. But never did God speak so clearly to me in the form of His other creatures. Life is good. God is good. Marriage is a holy vocation.

How can I be anything but grateful?

Novena For Theresa - Day 2

The novena prayer is entered on Tuesday, May 10.
Lisa's invitation and explanation is entered on Monday, May 9.

Final thoughts from Elitia...

In conclusion, I am no longer worried as to whether John is happy or not, b/c I know he is. I miss him, but the impact he had on my life will always remain. And, I can honestly say, that I can't wait for the day that I can join him and those that have passed before us, in that beautiful place. John was not only a great person, but a strong person at that. He had his funny moments, but the moments that stick out in my mind the most, were the happiest ones when he was talking about his family. He would smile and tell me a story about each and every brother and sister. John was an amazing human and I am blessed that our paths crossed. He made my Spes Unica retreat that much more enjoyable and that much more memorable. So, in Johnny's name I will remember each and everyone of your names, b/c that was the one thing he said he wanted from me and I want to be able to say that I succeeded in the task he gave me before he left this earth.(I am sorry if I miss-spell any of the names. I know he is watching and I want him to see me type this and know, that I remembered.): Theresa, Mary, Karen, Cheryl, Jennifer, Lisa, Kathleen, Robert, Michael, Jeffrey, Joseph, William, and John. If there is anything that I can do for any of you, please do not hesitate to ask. I have included all of my information so you all may get in touch with me if you wish. I was blessed to have known John and your family. God Bless all of you and peace always. Peace, Love, and God Bless~ Elitia

Hey, pray for CHERYL and her baby

I haven't spoken directly with Cheryl and Mike but Mom tells me she has really had a scare with her health and with her pregnancy and they could use everyone's prayers. The situation has apparently improved, but please stop right now, close your eyes and ask Our Heavenly Father to send His Holy Spirit upon mother and baby. Then say a "Hail Mary" for them. I'll post more depending on how much information the Murphy's would like to share publicly.

Novena for Theresa - Day 1

Prayer for Healing Through the intercession of John Paul the Great

Almighty God, Father, Son and Spirit, all life and goodness comes from you. We praise you and thank you for Who You are. We entrust all our joys and sufferings - indeed our very lives - to You. We trust in your love and mercy and we ask , through the intercession of Pope John Paul the Great, that You completely heal our sister Theresa Thomas from all illness, especially any Hodgkins lymphoma and attendant complications from which she is suffering. We ask that always and everywhere Your Will be done and we thank you for answering this and all our requests with your love and mercy. Alleluia. Amen.

More thoughts about Johnny...

Pictured: Elitia (in pink) just moments before her baptism. Johnny is at right.

After Brad's confirmation last night BK was telling me about Johnny's friend from Indy and I was overwhelmed by this story. This was so amazing that it didn't just happen to me, but to her as well. I didn't know what to do. I am not the person to just pick up a Bible and start reading, but I remembered Mary at the Funeral also saying how when John was troubled he picked up a Bible prayed and then let it fall open. I was willing to try something, anything, to get this feeling of fear to go away. I sat down and prayed a prayer to the Lord, saying that I was scared and couldn't hear his voice. I asked for God's mercy. I also said that I feared God at that moment and I wanted to know what I was supposed to do. I held that same rosary in my hands and finished my prayer. I then flipped the bible open and sure enough it worked. (Now, again, I can not stress to you all enough, that I have never in my life ever had anything of this nature happen to me.) The verse that flipped open was Psalm 111 verse 10: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding." My eyes then glanced over to the next page to Psalm 116: "I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.....Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you." If the dream wasn't enough to convince me, the Bible did it for me.

(This is the penultimate entry in the series) To be continued....

Things will be getting quiet around here....

My vocal cord surgery is scheduled for 7:00 a.m. this morning. Dr. Kletzing goes in through the mouth and does everything via long-stemmed instruments and little video cameras. Hopefully he won't need to sneeze while holding those long sharp instruments in my throat. Gulp.

Please don't talk badly about me in the next few days. I won't be able to defend myself until Saturday at the earliest. Why does Margy seem so happy about this...?

Novena for Theresa's healing - From Lisa Marino

Hi everyone. May 18 is Pope John Paul the Great's Birthday, and I believe he may be interested in getting his post-mortem miracles rolling so that he can be beatified, and then finally canonized. This works well for us since we have the perfect miracle candidate, who is also Polish - our sister Theresa Thomas! It is also interesting to note that when the John Paul the Great was shot on May 13, 1981, he attributed he miraculous survival to Our Lady - and this date (May 13) also happens to be important for two other reasons. First, it is the same date as Mary appeared at Fatima, and second, it is the birthday our our same aforementioned Theresa Thomas.

So, here's the plan: I am inviting everyone to please join me in praying a novena through the intercession of John Paul the Great for a miraculous healing of Theresa from Hodgkins lymphoma, any and all attendant complications from this disease, and any illness from which she may be suffering. We may as well ask for healing from EVERYTHING, both known and unknown to us.

To join in this novena simply pray the novena prayer every day beginning tomorrow (May 10) and ending on May 18 (the Pope's birthday). It works out nicely that our novena will include Theresa's birthday on May 13. If you would like to add any other particular prayer as part of your novena (like a rosary, chaplet of mercy, Mass, 10 minutes of quiet prayer, etc...) you are most welcome to do so, but the main thing is that we all pray the same novena prayer together. Thanks for your involvement and prayers. Alleluia! Amen! Lisa

This short prayer will be available to read on day one of the novena.

More thoughts from Elitia...

"Keeping the Polish black!"

At the Funeral Mary spoke about something John once said and it hit me that he had said the same thing to me, as well. When we were on the retreat and talking about where we had come from and other things, I asked him what the Kloska family was about.

He said, "We are a BIGGGG Catholic family full of love." I asked him what descent they were and he said, "Polish." I said, "I am Polish. And Irish and Italian...." He said, "Yeah, well I am keeping the Polish black."

I must have laughed for ten minutes straight. I thought it was ironic that Mary said that at the Funeral. After the funeral I came back to Holy Cross and decided to pray. I don't know the complete rosary yet, so I just decided to pray with it in my hands. Now, never in my life have I ever felt a presence or anything, but dry prayer. I prayed on the rosary three times saying this, "Lord, I pray this prayer in the name of Johnny." After the third time I started to pray. I must have fallen asleep, but I woke up with the rosary next to me and by my pillow. I sat up straight in bed and started to cry. I looked around my room, there was no one. It is hard to describe what I saw, and BK knows this, but in my dream I saw a Black guy cross through my dream three times. Not once, THREE times, the amount I prayed on John. I couldn't see the face and he didn't talk to me, but I knew it was him. It was very bright and full of, like, a mist in the dream and the guy walking. At first I was scared and overwhelmed by the thought of being touched like that, but now I realize it was by the grace of God that this happened.

To be continued...

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Happy Mother's Day!

Bonnie Kloska; Theresa Thomas; Cheryl Murphy; Karen Swick; Margy Kloska;

Lisa Marino; Jennifer Nolan; Kathleen Kloska; Ali Kloska and Blessed Virgin Mary

Stories keep emerging...

At first, it was just his friend Ceci. Then Elitia the student from Holy Cross College. Kathy Fean from Fort Wayne sent an e-mail...then Bridget Kauffman wrote about her young son Xavier. Michael Jeffrey has a neat little story from school... as do Margy, Bobby and Fr. Kevin from this past Friday night. An "anonymous " person has a story. And there was another one told Saturday night at John and Annie Thomas' house....

It seems Johnny has been very busy lately. For more details, contact the person involved or give me a call.