Leaving Normandy, Next Stop, Lourdes

This large crucifix stands high above the beaches of Normandy, looking down upon the village of Arromanches and the sands where 70 years ago, for 60 miles north and south, the water and beaches were colored red with the blood of many thousands of men on a pilgrimage to fight tyranny and restore freedom. I stood on the sands of Omaha beach where my father then walked ashore with uncertainty but with great purpose ,and now, I travel to Lourdes with uncertainty much less threatening, but with the quiet purpose to care for God's wounded and struggling. Two worlds, separated by 70 years, from the shores of Normandy to the Pyrenees mountains, by different calls to duty, but, united in purpose to save lives, to restore hope, and with Our Lord walking, falling and rising with our every step. Thank you Dad and in Jesus Christ we place our hope.