Bridget and Teresa went to Houston, for a couple of days on May 8th. Bridget had a follow up visit with Dr. Ravi and the surgeon. Bridget had routine labs and a CT scan done, during this time, and all looked good. She is continuing her chemo regimen as before, and started her 3rd cycle last Monday, with one chemo agent. Today, she received 2 chemo agents. The second Monday, in each cycle, is particularly rough on Bridget, both physically and emotionally. Different family and friends have been able to sit with Bridget, as she receives her chemotherapy at the infusion center in Lincoln. Depending on her labs values, the infusion can last anywhere from 3 to 4 hours. So, it’s particularly nice to have someone to share this time with her, either playing games, visiting or just sitting and chatting with her.

On another note, Bridget and Zach were able to celebrate some special occasions and spring time activities, since the last update. Their son, Maverick, had his kindergarten graduation. Bridget was happy she felt well enough to attend. Last Sunday, she celebrated Mother’s Day and had everyone dressed in adorable, blue, themed outfits. 🥰 Bridget’s brothers, Jimmy and TJ, had birthday gatherings, with Bridget’s extended family, on a couple different occasions. 🥳 Bridget helped coach the Scotus girls, soccer team. So they all gathered together for a sweet picture to show their support too. See the fun pictures attached!

Bridget also loves to garden and Zach has helped her to get one going in the backyard. She and her family love spending time outside. Gardening is one of the most rewarding and fun activities you can do with your family. It stimulates a lot of joy, curiosity and wonderment in both the children and the adults. As everyone eagerly awaits and witnesses the transformation of all the vegetation. In addition, there is this great satisfaction one feels as the “the fruits of their labors” are harvested. Whether it be a beautiful, bouquet of flowers or something delicious to eat, it is so gratifying and fulfilling to create your own garden. It’s no wonder, people look forward to cultivating gardens, year after year.

Since we celebrated Pentecost yesterday, I wanted to share some thoughts that caught my attention, in the “My Catholic Life” reflection.“The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit are some of the other ways that the Holy Spirit helps us in our Christian walk. However, these gifts would be ineffective in our lives if we did not first receive the gift of forgiveness given through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. That is the first and most foundational action of the Holy Spirit and opens the door to every other gift. Perhaps that is why Jesus' first bestowal of the Holy Spirit focused upon the power given to His Apostles to forgive sins in His name.” I kept coming back and pondering how sin keeps us bogged down from receiving all the other gifts of the Holy Spirit…stifling our relationship with God and with each other. This emphasis on the sacrament of penance, in order for the other gifts to become effective, is so important. So, I've decided to go to confession more often than I do, because I don’t want anything holding me back from improving my relationship with God. My hope is that you all will too! Let’s go to confession more frequently and offer our prayers, sacrifices and intentions for the complete healing and recovery of Bridget!

Let us pray- May we all continue to strengthen the gifts of Holy Spirit within us and embrace the transformation that occurs in our spiritual lives, as we do so. May we never tire of cultivating our “inner gardens” and tending to our souls and all the souls God puts in our paths. May the graces we receive through consistently praying and practicing our faith, help us to continue to grow in holiness and help us to love and support each other through this journey on earth. Amen

Since May is the month of Mary, let us also pray the Memorare, in honor of the Blessed Mother of God and offer it up for Bridget’s complete healing. It is one of Bridget’s favorite prayers

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen