Going to the Grotto


This past weekend most of the family (minus the daughter who was wandering around in Yellowstone) packed up and headed to West Bend, Iowa for a class reunion. We stayed at an excellent bed and breakfast north of town called Prairie Oasis. I would recommend Prairie Oasis to anyone who is staying in the area.

My wife's class reunion was good with over half of the class being there. I personally knew a few folks there but since I wasn't from the area I didn't know many people, so I basically followed her around kinda like a big puppy dog.

In West Bend there is a religious shrine next to SS Peter and Paul's Roman Catholic Church. It is called the Grotto of the Redemption which was started almost a century ago by the priest at the church as a thank you to God for helping the priest through a very serious illness. That priest worked on the Grotto for a number of decades and the Grotto is still a work in progress. It has a number of grottos which depict scenes out of the Bible. Any Christian will appreciate and learn more about their faith at this shrine.

I hope that all Americans had a wonderful Independence Day!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Twenty Years of Wedded Bliss (ok, sometimes it wasn't blissful...)

Image
On August 13, 1988 in West Bend, Iowa, two young idealistic people got married. Now, twenty years later, they have been through ups and downs, the births of five beautiful children, the grief of losing parents, dreams realized, and dreams not realized. Through it all they stayed together which sometimes was very hard but it all was worth it. Marriage isn't just about love; it is about commitment. When I see friends and family that have gotten divorced I feel very sad because they don't have the special bond that my wife and I have. Maybe they never had a bond like we have and that is the reason for the couple going separate ways. I pray for all couples, that they have the bond that true love and commitment gives them and that it will endure always.
Read more

In Loving Memory

Image
In loving memory of Beth Patterson Beth is the oldest daughter of a dear friend. She was a light to all that knew her. I am positive that Beth is now listening to the choirs of angels in heaven. Below is her obituary. Beth Marie Patterson, 24, of Elkader, died Sunday, April 26, 2009, at Central Community Hospital in Elkader following a sudden illness. She was born October 4, 1984, at the Delaware County Hospital in Manchester to Brien and Brenda (Rosburg) Patterson. Beth was baptized March 27, 1986, at the Wadena Presbyterian Church and confirmed at the United Methodist Church. She was raised in Wadena (from 1984 through 1996) and Strawberry Point (1997 through 2003); attended Valley and Starmont Schools and graduated from Starmont Community Schools in 2003. Beth was in 4-H for nine years and served on county council for three years and Area Council two years. She was a member of Valley Superiors 4-H Club in Wadena. In 2002, Beth received senior 4-H Volunteer Award. She was a de
Read more

Uncle Bob: Rest In Peace, Rise In Glory

Image
Bob Martin, July 15, 1939 - May 10, 2010 Uncle Bob died yesterday, he was a great guy who loved his family and the things he valued in life, namely fishing and nearly all organized sports. The first time I met him was when I was dating my lovely wife, we were at their house and he came in from a softball game, he looked at me and said, "Who are you?" I introduced myself and he then asked me if I wanted a Pepsi. I became friends with him and over the years went to various sports events with him as well as watching auto races, football and basketball games with him on the television. After he retired (he worked for Pepsi as a vending machine repairman) he started fishing. It was great to go out with him on his boat and catch a fish or two. More importantly, Uncle Bob became like a second dad to my wife after her father died. She was able to get to the hospital just before Bob passed away. My lovely wife is mourning but does know that he is in a better place and not in pa
Read more