Howard

Talking to Howard

I was raised in the Catholic church. I went to catechism every Saturday morning and to church every Sunday. One Saturday morning, when I was about 5 or 6 years old, I slipped out of my Catechism class and snuck into the Church. One of the priests happened to find me. A little red haired girl, all alone, kneeling in the front pew, talking quietly.

When the priest spoke my name, I politely informed him that I was talking to Howard.

I explained to him that was God's "real" name. I knew this because it was in The Lord's Prayer. "Our Father, Whom art in Heaven, *Howard* be thy name."

The priest smiled and explained to me that it was "hallowed," not "Howard," but he said, "Child, if it makes you feel closer to Him, then Howard it is."

And Howard, it has been. While I turned away from organized religion many years ago, my faith in Him has not wavered. I don't talk to him as often as I once did, but I always knew he was there. Over the years, I have taken Him for granted. As I have so many things.

I left the house that I own today. A house that is much bigger than three people really need. I drove in the car that I own to the Doctor's office to pick up a form for my son.
The comprehensive medical insurance pays for that. I stopped at the grocery store, buying things that we could live without, but we want them. I bought food for the cat we keep as a pet.

As I drove home, I began to reflect on the ordinary things that filled my day. Things which I've never been without. Things which I've become accustomed to having. If I lived in another country, a couple dozen people could probably live comfortably in the house I own. I might not own a car, or if I did, I might be too afraid of bombs to start it. There might be no medical care available at all, much less insurance to pay for it. Instead of struggling to choose what to buy in the store, I might be begging for scraps of food on the street. The cat would probably make a fine dinner.

These ordinary things which I take for granted, would be considered luxuries. And I have taken them for granted. No, these things were not handed to me, I earned them. Because I live in a country that allows me the freedom to do so. I have the freedom to go where I choose, wear what I like, and say what I feel without fear. Freedoms I have taken for granted most of my life. The freedoms I enjoy are not mine by some divine right. They are mine because my father and his father fought for them. And thousands of men (and women) like them have continued to defend those freedoms I take for granted. And more like them will continue to do so.

Tonight, before I go to sleep..... I intend to give thanks. For all of the freedoms I take for granted every day.... and for the people who sacrifice so much to ensure them.

Tonight, before I go to sleep.... I will spend some long overdue time....talking to Howard.

I wish you peace,

Dangrus