THE FINAL CHAPTER : A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY (Sept 2009 to Jan 2010)
At the Grotto of Our Immaculate Conception, in Lourdes
Daniel (14+ years old)
Day 1 at the Grotto
The night was very cool but pitch dark ...
except for a sea of little flames flickering from hundreds and hundreds of candles. Although there was a huge crowd, the procession was quite orderly.
You were very engrossed with all the singing, and You sang with all your heart, swaying from side to side as we often see You do when serving on the Altar in church back home.
Justine, on the other hand, was a little tired from the journey. At one point, your sister nodded off during the Open Mass, and only got up with a start when a portion of the bottom of her hair caught fire from the flame of her candle.
A small commotion ensued after that, with You cupping your mouth hard to stop yourself from bursting out with laughter as your sister frantically fanned the fire off her hair.
Despite your laughs and giggles, several photos taken revealed your expression all screwed-up with agony from your back pains despite taking painkillers.
Not once did You make a fuss or complaint.
You said nothing at all because You knew, and Mom knew, that a miracle was on its way.
Just like You knew that the back pains of the prolapsed disc could only be temporary. God would heal You.
In what way, and on which day, that was the question at the top of our minds.
Not Yours.
Your faith was steadfast.
With God on our side, nothing can be against us ...
