“I made a friend in October of 2008 when I attended an Alice’s House storytelling workshop.  I live in Oregon.  This workshop was an enormous event to me.  I met a man the first day of the workshop.  He introduced himself as Deacon John.  I had never heard anybody refer to themselves by saying, “My name is Deacon John.”  I liked that.  He was older than I.  I liked that too.  I have always enjoyed visiting with people older than myself.  He was 79 and I was 60.    He had been a deacon in the Catholic Church for twenty-two years.   I didn’t know the Catholic Church even had deacons.  I loved visiting with Deacon John immediately.  His voice, little sayings, heart warming stories, and smile drew me in.  We laughed at the same things.  As the days of the workshop progressed we became kindred spirits.  He mentioned to me one day that he gave a homily every Thursday morning at 7:00 a.m. at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Raynham.  “What’s a homily?” I said.  He told me a homily (little flame) was a short simple two minute sermon/story to light the path of the parishioners for that day.  On Saturday evening of the workshop, you (Jay) mentioned privately to me that you felt a sore throat coming on.  Deacon John and I quietly stepped outside.  We prayed that your sore throat would go away.  It did!  The answer to that prayer solidified our friendship even more.  Since 2008 Deacon John and I have written hundreds of e-mails, called each other, and SKYPED a few times.  I returned to Massachusetts in 2014 for another workshop with you.  I stayed in John’s hometown to visit John and his family a day before the workshop started.  I got to hear John deliver his weekly homily Thursday morning.  I was so proud of him.  Alice’s House gave Deacon John and I the gift of friendship.  Alice’s House changed my life.

The storytelling workshop that I took at Alice’s house was so wonderfully amazing. I felt so taken care of in that beautiful house by the sea, I remember being a bit shy and nervous upon arriving because I really am uncomfortable speaking in front of people… or being in the spotlight. But I had no need to worry. The comfort and nurturing  nature of  Jay and Mindy(?)  and the perfect setting of Alice’s house gave me the courage to get up and tell a story and sing a song. (I had never done that before, in front of anyone that is)) A long walk on the  serene pebbled beach gave me time to think about and practice my story. And the parade about the house with instruments set our inhibitions free. I remember singing one of the songs I had learned at Alice’s house  as I drove all the way back to Cape Cod …..I was so happy.  Sitting about the table which accommodated us all, getting to know one another, sharing the most delicious meals which were made with so much TLC, Another warm memory.  Thanks for the memories…..I think I just may burst into song. Happy New Year.