THE FINAL CHAPTER : A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY (Sept 2009 to Jan 2010)
At the Grotto of Our Immaculate Conception, in Lourdes
Daniel (14+ years old) (Tuesday 22/9/2009)
Day 13 in Lourdes
NOVENA DAY 5
We stopped walking.
The man quickly turned around as we watched him run up to a Priest. He seemed to be asking the Priest to bless something he brought out from his pocket, before he hurried back to You.
At your side, he presented a little bookmark with Our Lady's medallion and conveyed a message in French. We could only capture the word "Mary" from the string of French words he uttered to You.
You gave him a bright smile before accepting the little gift with both hands, and said, "Thank You."
Dad and Mom noticed You refrained from saying "Thank You, Uncle" this time, as the previous time You did, your parents had teased You about it.
From there, we went straight to the main Rosary Basilica to attend Holy Mass at 6 pm.
After Mass, we strolled leisurely back to the hotel, pushing You in the wheelchair, enjoying the crisp cool air.
That evening, we had a nice dinner of wild rice with grilled fish, braised broccoli, and pumpkin soup. We ate at the dining room. You loved the broccoli dish, all soft and mushy, but very tasty with the sweet onions.
You asked Mom to get the recipe from Aunty Laura, which she did.
