Hi everyone,

Let me introduce you to Francis Maurice. Francis lives over at Red House (where Father Phil was attached to while up here) and just celebrated his 84th birthday.  Francis has been with L'Arche Daybreak for many many years.

Francis is an artist and loves to paint.  One of his favorite subjects to paint is rainbows.  He is an imaginative artist and sees deep into the heart of his paintings.  It is wonderful to have the personal moment to watch him at work.  He even teaches painting classes here at Daybreak and has had exhibitions of his works.

Francis lives with heart problems, but is amazing to watch as he strolls his walker at a faster pace than anyone else, despite the pleas from everyone to slow down.  He bowls with us on Tuesday afternoon as part of "Club" which used to be known as seniors.  He is a ball of nergy to watch bowl and has beaten me a couple of times.  I torment him telling him I am going to exchange his bowling shoes for Carmen's high heel shoes (our house leader) to the howl of Mike Ricci next to me.  When he gets a strike, he slaps his hands together and tells me I'll never beat him because he bowls more than I and he is better. Francis even used to deliver the local Richmond Hill paper until he was 78 and "retired".

Francis is also a deep faith filled man.  He attends the local parish of St. Mary Immaculate where he is an usher.  He helps take up collection and one Sunday bypassed our whole row...it was quite funny to see people look at one another, shrug and put our money back in our pockets.  Francis also passes out the bulletins and then puts them down and runs to help empty the poor boxes. Francis is also a member of the local K of C and attends his monthly meetings. He also loves to come to Dayspring and pray with us especially when there is Mass.

I get to spend two afternoons a week at Club and enjoy the friendship there.  Francis is excited to know that I will put his picture on my blog. Here it is Francis.

Until next time!

Jeff