Missed Encounter

10 years ago, I had a date.
We planned to meet each other in Carthage for Marian Days.
Like thousands of other Vietnamese Catholics.

We missed each other by three hours.
He abruptly returned home because of a family tragedy.

Sorrow was mine that weekend.
And his.

Sorrow brings many people to Marian Days every August.
Here they entrust to Mary what only a mother can do.

Comfort.
Wake you up to reality.

In 24 hours, I will be heading to Carthage.
To give thanks for that missed encounter.
And the reality that my heart rejoices in belonging to Jesus alone.


More photos of Marian Days: http://www.trinhvuong.org/PhotogalleryAug2006/NTM%202008/NgyThnhMu2008/index.html http://friarsidechats.blogspot.com/2007/08/vietnamese-marian-days-in-carthage.html

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