CONFIRMATION IN PORTLAND

What a wonderful weekend I just experienced! Last January Cristinia, Amy's future sister-in-law invited me to be her sponsor for Confirmation. Confirmation is when a person decides to fully accept the Catholic faith as a mature Christian. I am so honored to have been Cristinia's sponsor.

So last Thursday I flew to Portland. Amy and Cristinia picked me up at the airport. Flying into Portland was such an exhilarating experience. Looking out the window at the endless green beneath me as we flew over Oregon made me think of the Land of Oz. There were shades of green I never knew existed. Anyway once we landed I couldn't stop commenting on the dogwoods, rhodendrons, azaleas. Flowers of so many varieties bloomed or were about to burst forth everywhere I looked. Amy's garden alone could fill a plant magazine with beauty. I've included a picture of the front of Ron and Amy's house.

Anyway we went to brunch at Viola's (a precious little restaurant) before we headed back to the house. Amy and I visited most of the afternoon. Thursday night there was a potluck for the group from Christina's church, St Rita's. I went with Cristina and Aaron and was able to meet Deacon Don and some of Cristina's friends.

On Friday Amy and I took a long walk and had some coffee at Starbuck's. I went for lunch with Rick and May at a sweet and delicious Mexican restaurant that is owned by their friend, Marsala's, aunt. From there the three of us ran around to Target and the Grotto looking for gifts. By the time I got back to Ron and Amy's I had little time to help Amy prepare for the after-confirmation party.

The Confirmation was truly beautiful. Cristina is truly beautiful, inside and out. I was so moved by all the confirmandi's. They were young and old, male and female and from all ethnic backgrounds. Some of the Mass was in Spanish. The entire service was quite impressive. Afterward we had a get together at the house (graciously provided by Amy and Ron). It was perfect.

Saturday morning Amy, Ron and I took another delightful walk and ended up having breakfast at Bumblekiss. Delicious! Amy and Ron had french toast and I had a spinach, sun-dried tomato, yum-yum scramble. Too too good. After that I spent the rest of the morning reading and then Ronnie showed me a movie on his new huge screen TV. In the evening we celebrated Cinco di Mayo by having dinner at a Tex Mex restaurant with Rick and May. That was followed by another movie at Ron and Amy's. Am I having fun or what?

Sunday was another special day. I was invited to attend a First Communion of one of Marsala's little daughters, Paloma. As anyone who knows me knows I love the Church sacrament thing. It is so special to me. Ten little angels received Holy Eucharist for the first time. How precious!

Rick, May and I left the church and went for Vietnamese food before I went to the airport. When I went to change planes in L.A. I was offered a free United ticket because they had overbooked the flight from L.A. to Palm Springs. So by waiting for the next plane I earned a free airline ticket. Good for me!

My kids showed me such a beautiful weekend. I am so grateful for them. I just love visiting them.