Sweetwater

I went to Sweetwater this week to go to a funeral for the mother of a good college friend. It was a surreal experience on many levels. We think of ourselves as just a few years away from school, but as one of my buddies pointed out, we are away from Texas Tech longer than we waited to get there. We have gone from weddings, to having babies, and to now going to funerals.

I have learned over the years, when you run into an old friend, if they were truly a friend, it is like no time has passed. That was the case during this trip. A significant percentage of the old college gang was there. We all met because of our Catholic service fraternity Chi Rho. At some other time, I will delve into this subject.

It was really good to see my old friends, some that I have not seen in many years. I even drove out with one of my fraternity brothers/roommates. We got caught up with each other lives, which was also very enjoyable. I was advised not to feel guilty about seeing friends at funeral. I did the best I could. It should be noted, that they all enjoyed calling me grandpa.

There was a full mass in the packed sanctuary at the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It was clear the Sweetwater community had loss someone very special. My friends family lost a wonderful mother.

It had been awhile since I have been to mass, even longer since I have been to a funeral mass. I was quite surprised how easily I fell back into the Catholic rhythm. It was proof that it never leaves you and made the mass quite meaningful to me.

I am very blessed to have the friends that came into my life in college. I just need to make sure we see each other in other places than funerals.