Paying it Forward

what a wonderful emotional weekend. went back up to south bend this weekend, to see casey and to catch a football game. It was very emotional for me because I haven't been back up there since my last visit with dad. Going to the grotto especially tore me up - but I could feel him there all around us all day long.

a small story to share: there was a group of us that went, sean/lisa, jeremy and his brother-in-law Michael, myself, Jen/Bill and two of Casey's friends along with Casey's girlfriend Karen. During the day on Saturday before the game we were tailgating and just having fun. Casey and his friends were tossing the football around. Well, about two hours before the game Casey realized he had lost his ticket to get into the football game. Even though we all looked for it and the groups of the people around us had looked for it, we were unable to find it.

I offered to give up my ticket and Bill was offering to give up his ticket. Out of no where a gentleman came by and offered Bill a ticket. He said he didn't want any money for it he just didn't want the ticket to go to waste. Bill accepted the ticket graciously. He later went over and try to give him some money or at least pay for the man's parking and he would not accept it. Come to find out this gentleman has no job, he has been laid off for a couple of months. He just wanted Casey to "pay it forward"

How amazing is that? It was like dad was watching over all of us, and he took care of it, of everyone being able to go to the game. Even though Notre Dame lost it was a good game and a good time by everyone - And I know dad was there watching us - making sure everything went okay.....

And the advice of the gentleman especially this week, give without expecting anything in return except paying it forward. God would want you to.

Miss and love you dad,

Much love to all!