December 23, 2011
The Second Half
Christmas
BY DEACON JIM AND ANN CAVERA
A little more than 14 years ago we decided to write a few columns for Catholics over the age of 50. We enjoyed writing so much, we kept going. With children in high school and college and caring for Ann’s parents, we were part of the “sandwich generation.” We had plenty to write about. Sharing our journey with other Catholics in the second half of life helped us make sense of our own lives. Now, more than 700 columns later, our parents have passed away and our children have graduated and are off on their own. Jim has retired (twice) and we are living in our third city. Thankfully, our move this past July to Bowling Green, Ohio brought us closer to our son Chris and his wife and our grandchildren. Their company is a joy. All through these years we have felt the companionship of our readers. This has also been a joy and a great support to us. (Related: In gratitude for Jim and Ann Cavera)
When we look back over our columns, a few strong themes emerge. (1) We realize more than ever life is far more precious and amazing than we can comprehend. Stopping each week to share thoughts with you has helped us take time to experience life. (2) The quote, “Whatever the question, love is the answer,” is so true, but so very hard to do. Looking at life with you has helped us try harder to respond to difficult situations with love. (3) We have become aware that, like many people, we have more than we need. Thanks to our friend Kim for the thought that if we keep something we no longer use, we are holding on to “somebody else’s stuff.” We are trying to let go of whatever we do not need. (4) Gratitude is a habit of the heart. The more we offer gratitude, the more grateful we become. (5) Prayer is a mighty force that makes a difference in the quality of our lives and in the lives of those for whom we pray. Being able to share these and other discoveries with you has helped both of us grow in faith.
We wrote during the awful days of September 11 and we wrote about the tsunami in Japan last spring as well as many of the news events in between. Though, for the most part, our columns have been about the everyday stuff most people consider insignificant. For instance, we once wrote about eating peaches with a friend on a hot summer day. We have been blessed by seeing the Holy Spirit at work in the small events of our lives and in the lives of our friends. It has been a double blessing to have been able to share our daily lives with you.
With our move this past summer, our new “retirement” has become much fuller than we expected and we find we must reorder our days. For the past few months we have felt this would be a good time to end “The Second Half” and give more time to our family and new parish. Since we are all on a journey together to the same destination, we expect to continue our conversation with you someday in God’s Kingdom. Meanwhile, this Christmas we pray for joy, peace and health for each of you and your families.
Deacon Jim and Ann Cavera are former residents of Evansville; their award-winning column is a regular feature of the Message. Contact them at www.catholicseniorspirit.com.