Wednesday Blues--Toughing it out

Tonight St. Mark's Church is holding a Show/Ceremony for the outgoing 4-year olds...I hesitate to call it a Graduation...I don't think they do.

I truly had no thoughts of going until last week when a few mothers and teachers told us they would like us to come. A few moms stopped by the house last week to drop off a scrapbook of pictures of Christine at pre-school...they all made a page or two. I've not had the will power to look at it yet.

I'm very hesitant to bring sorrow to the kids/parents at such a joyful time for them...moving on to kindergarten, but weather we are there or not, they will show pictures of Christine. So C and I are going to *tough it out* and go (sitting in the back). I told C to cry this afternoon so we can hold up better tonight...I've shed a few tears here at the office just talking to others about it and a bit at noon mass, but have not had a good cry...it will be a tough one for sure......as we attempt to endure yet another sorrowful event w/o our precious Christine.
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Just back...a few tears, more from C (which got me started). The kids sang a bunch of songs and then they showed pix of the year--only a few pix of Christine in the first few slides. First time in a long time I've seen her angelic face...lots of tears. They were holding a *social* gathering after...we skated out.....and so ends the day.

In the News

Children’s book to help family carry on mission after daughter’s death
Jean Murphy
Posted Friday, May 19, 2006

A local family has spent the past seven months transforming their personal tragedy into incredibly positive contributions to this community and others.

Last October, Carolyn and Martin Mueller, 15-year residents of Mount Prospect, lost their 4-year-old daughter, Christine, to a sudden illness in her sleep.

Since her death, the family and their many friends and acquaintances have donated $25,000 in classroom supplies (through St. Raymond Church) to a heavily damaged Catholic school in Metairie, La.; they have donated a loft to Christine’s school, St. Mark’s Pre-School; and now they are raising additional funds by selling a children’s book, dedicated to Christine and written by a high school friend of her grandmother.

“Mrs. Celery Stalk Takes a Walk,” written by Mary Ellen Eversman of Effingham, Ill., and illustrated by Andy Evans, is aimed at children in pre-school through second grade. Eversman, the author of three other children’s books, was writing “Mrs. Celery Stalk” when she heard about the death of her old friend’s granddaughter. So she asked for permission to dedicate the book to Christine.

All proceeds from this initial private printing of the book will benefit the Christine Mueller Memorial Fund. The books are selling for $10 each and are available at St. Mark’s Pre-School, 200 S. Wille St., St. Raymond’s Parish Ministry Center at the corner of I-Oka and Milburn Avenues, or by e-mailing thecutiemueller@aol.com.

“We are not yet sure where the money will be donated, but it will be used to show the beauty and goodness of Christine somewhere where she is known and remembered,” said Carolyn Mueller, her mother.

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Bike says...a very very special thanks to Mary Ellen, St. Ray's, Jean, the Good Lord and all those who are so moved to buy this special book...THANKS!

Finding Relatives

Last Thursday, a co-worker of mine came over to tell me that she would have to back out of lunch with me for that Friday since she was invited to go to the Cub game. So, to smooth things over-the next day, she stopped by my cube and wanted to tell me she's going with Cardinal fans…it was not a Cub/Cards game but she knows I'm still a Card fan living amongst the Cubbies here in Chicago. Anyway, before she even gets to the Cardinal issue, she mentions that a friend from her college days (Patty) had an extra ticket and that she's from Belleville…I stop her right there (rudely?) and say I've got a lot of relatives there. She continues to tell me about Patty's family coming up for the game and a First Communion celebration for the w/e. I then interrupt again and ask her what Patty's maiden name is…she says *Blaes*. I immediately tell her I know I must be related to her. She eventually tells me that Patty is a Card fan...after all my interruptions. I later pull up a family-tree website and search for Patricia and sure enough Patricia ..., nee Blaes is there…it takes me a bit to figure out the tree link but of course I find out that we share Great-Great Grandparents. Her Great-Grandfather is Nicholas Blaes and Elizabeth Blaies/Mueller is my Great-Grandmother--they were brother and sister (of 14 kids)…and there you have it--I've stumbled across a relative in the big city. Patty and her family live just 7 miles from me and my family. I plan to meet her with my co-worker sometime this summer…what a joy to find relatives.

I know that it's not just a nice *Coincidence*...the Lord will reveil why this has happened in due time...

Books, Books and more BOOKS

What's up with that! (one of Christine's favorite little sayings)

Those who truly know me, know that I'm not a reader--engineer/#'s-Hello!...unlike my good friend Janice who teaches reading and lives on Reader Street. That's like Mr. Bookman the library repo-man on Seinfeld...too funny.

Back to the books. I've finished and started a bunch in the last 28 weeks and have forgotten to note that here:

Angel on Board...done. Good read and interesting story/ideas, and of course the Valentine story comes from here. (more on that later) Thanks Elizabeth.

Bible...1/3+ done. Great read and always interesting ideas for each and every day.

Celestine Prophecy...done--just finished this a.m. and read it for the 2nd time--what-me?. This is one of the books I read on a beach on vacation and decided to resurrect it and read it and the 10th Insight again. The CP movie is out at very selected theaters and will be a summer movie at the Batavia Basement Theater. Good book with interesting ideas as well...speaks of coincidences and their meaning in life.

The Andean Codex...a will start soon. From my friend Janice...looks good and am looking forward to reading. Thanks J.

Praying Our Goodbyes...recommended by friends so I finally bought it and gave it to C for Mothers Day. I'll read it too. Thanks Dukes.

The Circle of Life...same author as above and gift for C as well, but I'll read it too.

Purpose Driven Life...I've heard plus and minus reviews of this book, so I better find out for myself

The Prophet...saw it mentioned in Walk The Line with Johnny Cash...June gave it to him. I've downloaded and printed--ready for reading.

And finally..............

Mrs. Celery Stalk takes a Walk... Oh, Lord. What a blessing it is that Mary Ellen has dedicated this Children's book to Christine. Our personal sales began last week after we received the shipment and we've sold over 150 in 7 days. Our Parish was kind enough to sell them after the masses this past w/e and it'll be on sale at St. Mark's Pre-School. A publisher has shown interest in the book and will sell the book as well. A special thanks to those who've purchased copies already. We intend to use the proceeds to replenish the CEM Memorial Fund so that more good things can be done with the money. There will be an article in the Daily Herald this Friday about the book. If you'd like a copy or additional copies, give us a call or drop me a note off blog.

Reflecting on Reflections (post #100)

Well...again, I sit here alone wondering why I've not posted in so long...so I reflect on the Reflections blog- past posts, future posts, its purpose.

It's midnight, I'm tired but not sleepy...so I'm here listening to Johnny Cash's Gospel Glory album/CD/mp3--whatever--, as I type aimlessly.

So much has happened since Easter including Easter day events that I want to blog about...so I'll touch on the main theme and maybe backblog again...

Main theme...the Joy of Friends and the pain that is still ever present...not hard to figure that one out-bet we all could have guessed that theme.

C & I've spent some lovely time/evenings/lunch out with friends the last few weeks. We continue to seek that special time so that we feel connected and so that we remember to live for today and tomorrow...not just crying about yesterday---but that is always present. I can not even imagine enduring this pain w/o our friends and family by our side...these special relationships keep us propped up. Enough can not be said for these peeps!! I've tried to stay connected with some pointed emails over the last few weeks, but may convert some of them to posts...thoughts of peace, Jennie's anniversary, perspective, more baseball, books read & to be read, past Easters and more firsts to endure just around the corner.

That's it for now--just checking in at 12:12 a.m--

Peace 2u