Heavenly Realms and Walnuts

My guardian angel's name is Barabbas. Which literally, in Hebrew, means Son of the Father. Good name. Despite the name's more well-known role of murderer released in Jesus' stead. My angel told me that his naming came first when I expressed concern over the obvious (to me) connection.

On Sunday night I was sharing how I know my angel's name in my kitchen with my roommate, neighbor and friend/parishioner from home and my roommate pipes in and says, "Mine's Benjamin!"

All of this being quite familiar to 3 of us, my neighbor is like, "Wait. How do you know??" The particular stories ensue... mine is particularly neat-o in my opinion (I know I didn't elaborate, but perhaps if you flood me with awesome, encouraging comments I'll be inspired to do so - sneaky eh?).

My neighbor was clearly intrigued by this possibility. Today she knocks on my door and says, "Later, I have to tell you a story!!" So, she was in Mass yesterday and right at the moment of the Consecration, when the host is held high, "My name is Marcus and I'm right here with you." She's like, "WHAT!?" And later that day is reading the text of an encyclical and having her doubts... and opens up the page and reads, "Never doubt this. Ever."

So, Marcus it is.

So, we have Barabbas (Son of the Father), Benjamin (Son of my right hand), and Marcus (Warlike, Defender) hanging around here.

Tonight, for my salad, I took on shelling my own walnuts for the first time. I decided it is not worth it. I will find and pay for ones that someone else shelled (uncommon. expensive. thank you Romans.). UGH! Americans, hear this - "DO NOT TAKE YOUR SHELLED NUTS FOR GRANTED! Be grateful for your grocery stores carrying nuts in an easy conveniently prepared manner. Seriously."

LOVE YOU! MISS YOU!
~ E