I used to teach Willa Cather’s My Antonia quite often when I taught English at community colleges. It is still one of my favorite books. The one line that has stayed with me all these years is one said by Jim Burden’s grandfather. The scene is Christmas, and Mr. Shimerda, the Bohemian neighbor, has come to visit Jim Burden and his grandparents. Here’s what the narrator Jim tells us:
“As it grew dark, I asked whether I might light the Christmas tree before the lamp was brought. When the candle-ends sent up their conical yellow flames, all the colored figures from Austria stood o
ut clear and full of meaning against the green boughs. Mr. Shimerda rose, crossed himself, and quietly knelt down before the tree, his head sunk forward. His long body formed a letter ‘S.’ I saw grandmother look apprehensively at grandfather. He was rather narrow in religious matters, and sometimes spoke out and hurt people’s feelings. There had been nothing strange about the tree before, but now, with someone kneeling before it—images, candles… Grandfather merely put his finger-tips to his brow and bowed his venerable head, thus Protestantizing the atmosphere[. . . .]
At nine o’clock Mr. Shimerda lighted one of our lanterns and put on his overcoat and fur collar. He stood in the little entry hall, the lantern and his fur cap under his arm, shaking hands with us. When he took grandmother’s hand, he bent over it as he always did, and said slowly, ‘Good woman!’ He made the sign of the cross over me, put on his cap and went off in the dark. As we turned back to the sitting-room, grandfather looked at me searchingly. ‘The prayers of all good people are good,’ he said quietly.”
It is a triumph of religious tolerance on the prairie– in an era when Protestants and Catholics wouldn’t enter each other’s churches or let their children intermarry. Often, even Catholics of different ethnicities didn’t mix. In a town near us, with a population of 700 people, there are still two large Catholic churches, a block from each other, one for the Germans and one for the Bohemians.
I’ve thought of this phrase several times this week. So many people are praying for me. And there are so many traditions. I’ve been asked my permission for people to put me on prayer chains (“Of course! No one needs permission to pray for me!”) My name has been entered on prayer lists with other intentions of various communities. One friend rallied some Congregationalists to add to the chorus of prayer. I’ve been enrolled for prayer at Lourdes and by religious communities.
A couple friends told me they lit candles for me, and I asked them to send me photos. One is before the madonna and child at Saint John’s Abbey Church, and the other is at Our Lady of Lourdes in Minneapolis.
And there are also many, many people holding me in light, thinking good thoughts, sending healing energy. All these things are wonderful and helpful. Really even just the “like” on Facebook to let me know someone read the post or is thinking of me is comforting.
One woman asked on Facebook “Is there an image you’d like me to carry for you?” I have to admit this one both intrigued and perplexed me. I didn’t really know what it meant. But my mind could range over so many images… and I felt a poem coming on. I’m working on it, and will post it if/when it comes together.
Meanwhile, I’m luxuriating in the prayers of all good people.
“Luxuriating in the prayers of all good people.” What a great phrase and what a great reality! I am so buoyed by your posts, Susan. Even as others are trying to buoy you, you are buoying others.
You are loved and cared about and valued by so many!
I continue to pray Susan! Our sweet Lord hears our prayers!
Comfort flew across my I-phone screen as I read your post — now there’s a thought for you! First because I love Willa C and my most favorite book on earth is “Death Comes to the Archbishop.” Second because on the day after Ray’s accident Meeghan handed me an intricate “coloring design book” from India and a tin of beautiful colored pencils. We were in the surgical waiting room and it was a week before I found them in my bag. It was hard to imagine then but I have used that book as a
journal that I entitled:
The interior life: Surviving. Healing.
Little by little over the last 4+ months I have
written about “the good people” who are holding us close in so many different but
powerful ways, too. I have written about the memories of my childhood that have surrounded me in the strangest ways. I have written about the cultural and spiritual traditions, learned over 16 years with my beloved Franciscan women teachers, that I’ve drawn on for imagery, strength, sustenance — the liturgical year, the scent of incense in darkened churches, holy days of obligation,
celebrations, traditions, candles and bells, music — a flood of memories that have
surfaced during long, fearful nights.
Reading your posts elicits the same feelings I had this summer with your mom and Myrtle: time looped backwards and I was once again a
young mother living in Park Forest, Illinois.
Your words are balm, dearest Susan Sink … as was my reunion with your mom.
To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven — indeed!
??suzi
we are luxuriating in your beautiful blessing and prayer. Thank you dear Susan. And back and forth and all encompassing this Love flows…
Not surprised to find we are linked in this journey, Suzi McLain. thank you for this comment.
thank you, Colleen!
Indeed!
Thank you, Kathy!
What a great passage!!!!!!!!!! and post. THANK YOU.
continuing to lift you in prayer. It blesses my heart as my husband, Michael, prayers for you each morning at breakfast. We are all connected by our loving Lord and Savior and our hearts touch one another in ways we cannot fathom.
Yes Susan I am one of the people Praying for you Daily.
I will never stop.
I really am touched by your writings. This is your gift for giving.
Thanks
Aunt Carol
Hi Susan, Loved your post about the prayers…. Thinking of you today, I think you are undergoing your first treatment today? Anyhow, I thought I’d show you your hat in progress, being knitted with affection and support…hope to get it to you soon…. Love, Sarah
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Thanks Sarah! 4 weeks to bald!!!