In Memoriam...September 11th

September 11th, 2001.  The day began bright and clear in western Oregon.  I first learned of the tragedy on the way in to the office, and I was in such a state of shock that I had to come home shortly after I arrived.  I recall a co-worker almost brushing it off and getting back to the office routine, but I just couldn't do it.  It may have been Oregon, but our thoughts and prayers were certainly with the good people of New York City that day--and the dark days that followed.

The attack happened only six-months, or so, after we bought our house in south Salem.  I remember standing on the front steps of our home and looking into the cloudless blue the sky.  Not one aircraft could be seen.  Everything seemed eerily quiet in our neighborhood, as well.  As the footage of the falling towers was played over and over again, I just sat in shock watching the news reports; it seemed to just get worse and worse.  In particular, it was heartbreaking to witness the people leaping to their deaths from the windows of the burning towers.  It wasn't just debris raining on the streets below, but lives.

I was profoundly thankful for the powerful leaders we had at the time in New York and Washington D.C.  Mayor Rudy Giuliani indeed made us all proud, and President Bush gave the steady hand of leadership that we all needed so terribly at that time.  There were innumerable heroes that day, as well.  We should never forget the selflessness of people such as Todd Beamer and those many emergency responders.  The world has certainly changed much since that September day a decade ago, but the heroes' names will be remembered forever, while the terrorists' names are already fading from collective memory.

In memory of the nearly 3,000 murdered that day (more than 10% of them belonging to the FDNY family), I'd like to share the Catholic Memorial at Ground Zero.  The sculptor is my father-in-law, John Carroll Collier.  I hope you will read about the memorial and take a moment to look at the sculptures.  Better yet, hopefully you can make the journey and see it personally at Saint Joseph's Chapel of Saint Peter's Roman Catholic Church in New York City.  Although we witnessed the exhibit before it was transported to New York, I hope to visit Saint Joseph's Chapel in NYC at some point in the future to see the pieces again.  In particular, the sculpture of Saint Michael was deeply inspiring.  


I had the opportunity to spend time with John a few months after the 9-11 tragedy, and I remember him talking to me about his idea for a memorial.  I'm indeed glad that something meaningful like this has been created to honor those killed on that day and remind us all that any permanence or truth is illusory unless firmly anchored in our savior, Jesus Christ.


Sharing a Few Words on Appeasement


There are a couple of misconceptions that arise out of well-meaning people's reflections or search for meaning concerning the 9-11 tragedy.  First, it's important to bear in mind that the admonition to "turn the other cheek" fails to apply to nations; it's directed at individuals. Nowhere in Scripture or sacred writings are nations instructed to leave their citizens without a defense.  (Saint Thomas Aquinas reinforces the right of self-defense as well as just war within his masterpiece Summa Theologica.)  This isn't to say, of course, that we should be quick to war, but it's important that we understand government's moral obligation to defend its citizens.  We may not always agree with our nation's course--especially perhaps with regards to the Bush Doctrine--but we would be wise to grasp its true responsibility before we offer the criticism. 

Second, I don't subscribe to the view that we permit terrorists to (in effect) encourage our own introspection over national policy. Better that this dialogue and introspection be sparked by something other than horrific acts against God and man. While real good may be mysteriously wrought from terrible injustice and evil, whining "Why do they hate us?" comes too close to legitimizing the work of the terrorists--giving them some of what they want. It also bears the dangerous trademarks of appeasement.  Evil should neither be coddled nor appeased, but extinguished with courage and determination.  

Instead, let's focus on prayer for the fallen and prayer for our continued safety. Later, we can take a second look at matters of social justice. I suggest avoiding the connection of the two lest we give the terrorists a voice they should never have.  Lastly, forgiveness is something for which we can continually strive.  Forgiveness in this context does not betray a naivete with regards to national security, but, instead, it focuses upon our personal reaction to tragedies of this nature.  


Perhaps a reasonable argument can be made that I'm splitting hairs here, that its only natural that good--e.g. issues of social justice--flow from the evil of 9-11.  I suggest, however, that we seriously consider the ramifications of giving a voice to the terrorists and indirectly helping their causes.  If we, for example, make a personal decision against further support of Israel (a terrible personal choice, incidentally), it would be foolish to do so because of the terrorists that murdered our brothers and sisters that day.    

PRAYER TO
SAINT MICHAEL
THE ARCHANGEL

St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen..

9-11 Links (in no particular order)

9-11 Memorial 
Flight 93 Memorial
Todd Beamer
9-11 Digital Archive
9-11 Events Timeline
News Archive
911 Photos (Google)
Memorial Commentary
Sept. 14th Memorial Service Recording

Catholic Memorial at Ground Zero Dedication
"Sculpting a Tribute" from EpiscopalLife
USCCB's 9/11 Memorial Page
Pope Benedict's message on 9/11
Blog Touching Upon Catholic Memorial

Wiki Leaks' Pager Data 

Homeland Security
NYPD
FDNY

(As a last aside, if anyone else experienced strange dreams shortly before 9-11, I would be very interested to hear from you.  I've heard bits and pieces of accounts, but I never retained any details of others' dream accounts.  I'd be happy to share more info on my own outside of my blog.) 

Writer's Retreat

The Catholic Writers' Guild asked me to share this press release.  Hope you can make it!  

Press Release

June 9, 2011

Contacts:   

                                                                           Ann Margaret Lewis, 

Catholic Writers Guild President 

317-755-2693                                  annlewis@joesystems.com

     Michael Marshall

517.853.7600     

mmarshall@faithcatholic.com 

For Immediate Release

Catholic Writers to Enjoy Special Spiritual Retreat 

Lansing, MI: In collaboration with FAITH Catholic Publishing and Communications, The Catholic Writers Guild, will sponsor Your Word is My Delight, a Catholic writers' retreat, Oct 5-9, 2011. Come and delight in God's word and sacrament, and pray in a beautiful and serene retreat setting.

The retreat's key presenter is Pat Gohn, Catholic columnist, podcaster and catechist. Other presenters are Father Charles E. Irvin, David Krajewski, Father David Rosenberg and Father Larry Delaney.

Writers will enjoy five spiritually-enriching days of daily Mass, adoration, the sacrament of reconciliation and many hours of writing time. Talks will explore how God speaks to and encourages writers through Scripture, papal writings and other topics in order to promote faith-filled writing.

Opportunities for networking also will be offered through an informal "book bash and social hour" Wednesday evening and Faith Catholic's one-on-one "pitch sessions" that give writers the chance to sell their current writing projects.

Cost for the four-day retreat is $450, which includes meals and accommodations. Deadline for registration is Sept 28. A nonrefundable deposit of $45 is required at registration.  

To view a schedule of events, click here.   

 To download a brochure, click here. 

 To register for the retreat click here.   

In Loving Memory of Phil Rand

I am copying an obituary for my uncle Phil, which appeared last weekend in the Yakima Herald Republic.  Phil loved sailing and was an avid walker--when not programming or reading about programing.  He also loved his family, and we loved him, too.  Phil will also be missed terribly by the feral cat he raised from a kitten.  His gentle side was particularly visible in the gentleness and kindness he displayed towards animals.  Saint Francis has a new companion now.  


(Additional thoughts may be shared later.)

Philip Rand

Keith & Keith Funeral Home

YAKIMA - Philip Rand, 56, of Yakima beloved son and brother, passed away after a very brief battle with cancer on August 25, 2011 in Yakima, Washington. He was born in 1955 to Leo and Helen (Pond) Rand in Shelton, Washington.

Phil grew up in Yakima, graduating from Eisenhower High School and later from Seattle Pacific University. He worked in IT for many years and, most recently at Seattle Pacific University.

Phil is survived by his father, Leo Rand; brother, Tom Rand (Karen); and sister, Jen Erickson. He is also survived by nephews, David (Hannah) Rand, Michael (Jamie) Rand, Karl (Kimberly) Erickson and their children, Sarah and Stephen. He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Rand.

Mightily loved, Philip died in Christian Hope.

Memorials may be made to the Union Gospel Mission in care of Keith & Keith Funeral Home, 902 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902.

A Private Graveside service will be held at Terrace Heights Memorial Park.


He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.


Revelation 21:4

Feeling the Benefit Squeeze

These days many of us fortunate enough to be state employees during the Great Recession feel like we're perpetually in the crosshairs from any number of directions--from lackluster union negotiations on our bargaining contract with DAS to Oregon's Public Employee Benefit Board's list of proposed changes and rollbacks to our health coverage.  In fairness, I'm just thankful to be working right now.  The recent controversies have encouraged me, though, to do a little research regarding the open market costs for health insurance coverage--which is really just part of being an educated consumer these days.


Yes, good health coverage is terribly expensive.  That's not really news, though.  What surprised me was that it seemed that the open market rate quoted by one HMO appears to be about the same as what the state is currently paying on my family's behalf.  That's a little odd when one considers the large pool of public employee members on whose behalf PEBB negotiates with the insurers.  (This small state agency, governed by ORS 243, is now part of Oregon's Health Authority.)  


Now, I am going to fast forward a bit.  Ordinarily, I'd be happy to dig into this issue further and become as much of a pest to PEBB as I'm sure the local union thinks of yours truly.  Unfortunately, I am unable to devote any further time to this matter because of some urgent personal issues requiring my full attention.  (Prayers appreciated for an unnamed family member.)  


I will only add that the letter copied below was never really satisfactorily responded to by PEBB.  Part of the reply I did receive advised that that the state employee's health plan was "community rated," appearing to suggest to me that PEBB doesn't presently negotiate significantly lower rates based on the large pool of its members.


At any rate, I am copying part of my letter to PEBB below.  If you're interested, I hope you will look into this matter more thoroughly, perhaps picking-up where I left off.  Taxpayers and state employees alike deserve certainty that PEBB is working to make the healthcare delivery model as efficient and cost effective as possible.  Presently, I am not convinced that the negotiations between PEBB and insurers are being undertaken with as a great a sense of urgency and vigor as is appropriate in these times.   As always, I look forward to hearing from readers on this topic.




...I am trying to become a more informed consumer when it comes to the significant benefit cost increases slated for state employees next year.  As I explained in my previous message, I was a bit taken aback that very similar medical benefits enjoyed by state employees are also available to the general public at roughly the same cost.  (REDACTED) replied that the plan was "community rated," suggesting that PEBB doesn't presently negotiate significantly lower rates based on the large pool of its members.

My question boils down to this...  For an agency that administers state employee benefits with more than twenty employees and a fairly significant budget, how would state employee benefits suffer if PEBB were to disappear from the current healthcare benefit environment altogether, permitting employees to obtain health benefits directly on the open market--retaining, of course, the employer contribution and Section 125 tax status?




PS.  No dwarf hamsters were injured in the taking of the above photo.  :)




UPDATE (8-31): Today I received information from our HMO that addressed most of the concerns raised above.  The health insurance quote I received initially was too low.  This incorrect quote raised the concerns that sparked my post.  Not only has PEBB apparently negotiated a significant discount over the closest plan publicly available, but the co-payments (at least for 2011) are also better.  So, because of the bad quote, the central concerns expressed above appear to be a false alarm.  (If you are a state employee with concerns regarding PEBB or SEIU, you may wish to drop a note to Statesman Journal state workforce reporter Dennis Thompson.)

Time to Let That Dream Go?

We hear a lot about pursuing one's dream, but people don't get quite so excited or worked-up about letting the dream go.  There are times, though, when it's the right thing to do.  Let's face it, Larry King is unlikely to be the next swimsuit supermodel.  In an earlier entry, I talked about letting one of my career dreams go.  In retrospect, it was a very good decision.  It's helped make me into the person I am today--not altogether a bad thing.  


For instance, one shouldn't cling so stubbornly to a dream or goal that it makes it difficult to provide for one's family.  I think one symptom of the "me" culture is that we feel somehow deeply violated if aren't permitted to keep banging our head against that brightly colored door.  There may be a good reason why that door is fastened securely shut.  Maybe it's just the timing is off, but other times sacrificing the dream, goal, hobby, past-time, etc. for the sake of one's family may be the right thing to do for everyone.  Having the wisdom to know when to fight for something and when to surrender it, offering it up, are two sure signs of the successful person in my book.  Not every dream may be destined for success, but we all may see real success if we keep our eyes fixed on Him.


While less critical for the single person, the husband and father has a responsibility to provide for his family as well as to serve as an important spiritual role model.   If we are unwilling to lead by example and selflessly surrender those things which impede our relationships or make it difficult to provide a stable household, it's time to take a hard look in the mirror.  The family should come first.

Kimberly Erickson Art Sale!

Super Fred

I wouldn't ordinarily use my blog for this...but we've decided to sell some original artwork this week on Ebay.  We also have one signed print for sale.  Most of the artwork is available now because of a decision not to use the pastel art medium in our next children's book.  If you click on the photo caption below, it will take you to the corresponding page on Ebay.  Happy shopping!




If you have any questions for the artist, you may contact her directly at Kimberly.  Her site can be visited HERE.

Summer Morning

Time for a Bath

Mouse on the Run

Slug's Day Out

Pier Pressure

SOLD

Raymond Arroyo Interview

As the host of EWTN's World Over as well as bestselling author, and journalist, Raymond Arroyo is a man who requires no introduction.  I would like to preface this interview with a sincere thank you to Mr. Arroyo for taking the time out of his extraordinarily busy schedule to answer all my questions.  


I also have to add something about his latest book...We recently bought Of Thee I Zing (co-authored with Laura Ingraham) for the Kindle, and it's currently making the rounds of the house.  Everyone loves it!  Humor with a message is a powerful thing indeed.  I should also make mention of his amazing  biography of Mother Angelica entitled Mother Angelica, The Remarkable Story of a Nun, Her Nerve, and a Network of Miracles.  It's an eloquently written and thoroughly researched book.  I have not been able to put it down since I started it.  It's a deeply moving and engaging story of one astonishing nun's mission to spread the saving message of Jesus Christ far and wide.  I hope you will be sure to read it!



1.  You are a bestselling author, journalist, producer, as well as actor.  Is there one role you find the most satisfying?

Being a father and husband is probably the most satisfying.  At the end of the day no matter how many television shows I produce or how many books I write, it is the children that my wife and I have been blessed with that will most reflect who we are and carry on whatever we have learned.  For me, there is no higher calling or more humbling responsibility.  

2.  As a lifelong Catholic, was there a moment you can point to in your life when you experienced a critical turning point or a “Second Conversion,” a conscious decision to follow Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church?  Did you ever struggle with your faith as a young person?

What do you mean "as a young person"?  Like everybody else, I'm struggling right now!  Conversion is an ongoing process.  This is why I never give up hope on anybody.  None of us are lost so long as we breathe and have life.  The critical turning point that you mention, to my mind, is the moment upon me right now.  Until they lower me into the ground, I will always be faced with the possibility of making good choices or lousy ones--just like you.  I attempt to make the good ones.   

3.  Is there a saint or two for whom you have a special affinity or appreciation?

My patron saint it Saint Anthony.  He was a wonder worker, a gifted preacher and a Franciscan.  And when you lose anything from your wallet to your car nobody is a better friend!  St. Raymond is another saint I can identify with.  He was such a loud mouth (and so effective) that they sewed his lips shut with leather cords--and he miraculously continued to preach.  The lesson: there is no way to shut up an inspired Raymond. 

4.  I like your blog title: Seen and Unseen.  What sparked your choice of those words from the Nicene Creed?  Was there a reason they were especially important to you?

I knew it would resonate with everyone and I like the notion that there are things hidden that we can reveal.  

5.  As a writer also exploring the mystery genre for the first time, I’d love to hear about your new mystery series.  Is it too early to share any details?

Yes, it is too early.  I can tell you that it will be set in New Orleans and that my detective is a charmer.  I have been working on this mystery series in my spare time (ha!) for about 8 years while doing other projects.  I think people will love this detective.  I have known her for 8 years now and can't wait to finish the first book myself.   

6.  Two recurring themes of Mother Angelica, The Remarkable Story of a Nun, Her Nerve, and a Network of Miracles are the great importance and meaning of redemptive suffering as well as the need to pray without ceasing (also very much a part of  Mother Angelica's Private and Pithy Lessons from the Scriptures).  How have you applied redemptive suffering and praying without ceasing to your own life?

I think every moment of life, everything we do can be a prayer.  The trick it to offer it to God.  Even if the task is unpleasant I sort of press on knowing that it has some spiritual value and power beyond the task at hand.  At times I offer up a work for the intentions of a friend or family member.  Like Mother Angelica, I also make deals with God from time to time.  I promise to finish some project if he helps me with a certain situation--- it works.  As for the redemptive suffering, I think some are called to that particular path with God.  I have known many saintly people who have literally moved mountains through their pain and the oblation of their suffering.  It is a mysterious and humbling thing to behold up close.   
   

7.  What was it that sparked your decision to write the biography of Rita Rizzo (Mother Angelica)?  Did you have any inkling at the beginning how huge an undertaking it would become?  Were there moments when you were discouraged with the size and scope of the work needing to be done?

I was inspired to write the biography following many conversations with Mother about her personal life that I knew the public had never heard before.  Had I known it would take 5 years to complete the project I probably wouldn't have started down the path.  But you could say that about anything of value.  I was constantly overwhelmed by the scope of the project, but decided early on that I could only do one thing at a time.  So I did all my research up front, then organized it, wrote a hundred and fifty page outline and then wrote the book.  The writing was actually the easiest part.  It was the wind up that was the heavy lift.  I recently reread the biography for a speech I was preparing and found myself pulled into the story all over again.  I'm very proud of that book and obviously of the woman that led me to it.   

8.  What was something you discovered in your research and interviews concerning Mother Angelica that surprised or shocked you the most--e.g. her terribly painful childhood in Canton, Ohio?

I always look for visual stories that provide some insight into character whether I am writing a fictional or non-fictional work.  One of the most revealing stories Mother shared with me was her memory of sitting at a kitchen table as a young girl.  Her uncle began bad mouthing her mother.  Rita (Mother Angelica) sat in silence through the rant and then at one point picked up a kitchen knife and hurled it at her uncle's head.  It thankfully lodged in the wall behind him.  That told me everything I needed to know about the deep love she had for her mother, her fighting spirit, and (as she later confided to me) the anger that she would struggle to control as she grew older.  It's a great story and I feel honored to have been the person that Mother felt comfortable sharing it with (along with not a few others).     

9.  I really enjoyed reading your humorous and yet insightful new bestseller, Of Thee I Zing, co-written with celebrated radio personality Laura Ingraham.  What are a couple of the most important messages you hope the reader will bring away from this book?

The overall message is that Laura Ingraham and I have very cruel but honest eyes.  I'm kidding.  The message is that we are in big trouble as a culture and of all things we worry about (the economy, politics, celebrities, etc.) nothing has a greater influence on our daily lives than the culture.  The way we dress, behave, our habits, manners all shape the future.  We are trying to sensitize people to the horrors around us and hopefully inspire them to make a change for the better.  It is funny to chronicle the tragedy of the muffin topped, flip-flop mob, but after the laughs, it is still a tragedy.  Lets hope its short-lived.   

10.  Was it necessary in the writing and editing process to leave out much material you had hoped to use?  Is there a particular section in the book that’s your favorite?

Oh there were tons of things that we threw out for good reason.  I love the manners section of the book because it touches on the abysmal slips of decency that we encounter each day.  The other day I actually saw a rather saggy 60-plus year old woman in super mini shorts and a mid drift.  You might have thought I had wandered into a red light retirement district.  I was at the supermarket!  As Mother Angelica once said, "You old gals, please-- Cover it up!"  I couldn't agree more.  

11.  Father Corapi was a source of great encouragement after we became Catholic.  The controversy surrounding him of late has been deeply disheartening.  Is there a particular lesson as Catholics that we can take from this situation?

As you know I knew Father Corapi personally and found his preaching arresting.  It is a sad and for many a painfully disappointing story.  But let's see how this story ends before we try to draw lessons from it... 

12.  What’s the next big project on the horizon for you?

At this point I am working feverishly on a series of books for children and I have a date with a certain detective on my dance card down the road.  From there we will see.  I am always a little reluctant to answer such questions as something else always comes up that causes me to delay whatever project is before me.  So I'll put it this way: until a better inspiration hits me I'll be working on these projects and producing the World Over and live events and whatever else I feel called to pursue...  You've got to be receptive in each "present moment," right?