Nearly on my way...

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 December 30, 2025

It does indeed have a similar feeling as to when I left for the Holy Land way back in November 1999.  The main difference is that I do feel a little more in control of my surroundings.  I'm not panicking (yet).

Sabbatical officially begins on Thursday, January 1, 2026.  That's about 36 hours away from now.  I have Mass in the morning tomorrow, but my suitcases are packed to the guilds and nearly ready to be closed.  I know I have more that I cannot do until Thursday morning or so.  I had hoped to stay at my mother's place on Thursday and Friday and then leave on Saturday after breakfast.  That should give me enough time to get to the bottom of Illinois before stopping for the night.  Not sure if mom's is going to work as I thought, but I will work it out somehow.  She should be the last person I see and hug before I get on the road.

People ask if I am excited or anxious.  I say both.  It's exciting to know that California is indeed in my future, but I am always anxious about leaving home.  The point is that I just will have no control over things.  I cannot simply turn back.  I must be committed to the route and to the goal.  What happens?  People whom I have been friends with for a long time will likely die.  That would go for family members too.  There is a baby on the way in my niece's home.  My nephews have their own lives.  What about mom?  Ed?  Leslie?  Sue?  Phil?  Chuck?  George?  There are so many unknowns to each of them.  Plus the unknowns of the Church universal -- maybe a new ordinary by the time I return for Chicago?  Who knows?  Can anyone understand my apprehension?  I know there are many who can understand completely.

There are parishioners, my support network friends, and likely other priests I've known for many years who will die too.

I realize that is not supposed to be my overall focus while away.  And I pray that whatever happens while I am away, I can deal with in healthy ways for my soul and sanity.

I must give a showout thank you to many who were very generous in preparing for my departure.  It's definitely what I will missing while I am away.  People here are very committed to the parish.  It's heartwarming.

I will do my best to keep everyone in on my progress in the coming months.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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