 |
| Letter from Fr. Hattie received via e-mail on September 1, 2014 (jpg slightly tweaked by me). |
See my Fr. Hattie page (recently updated) for more info on how to communicate with Father and how to donate to help his orphans in Uganda.
Below is my transcription of this letter. I think he got mixed up about my new job (the new commute is significantly less not more). I'm not sure he understands my new job (it is not for a travel agency) unless he's making a joke, which is highly likely.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My dear Rick:
What better way to celebrate a (gloomy) Labor Day than by congratulating you on having gotten a new job. The distance you have to travel is long, so I hope that it is compensated for by a similar or better salary & that your workmates are pleasant and friendly. Nowadays it isn't easy to find work, so you were lucky.
But, a still better way to celebrate the day is by thanking you most sincerely for your very kind, thoughtful and generous gift of $xxxx for my kids, appreciated all the more since, of late, many former donor/friends seemed to have dropped out of the Fold. It is my 'old faithfuls' that keep the orphanage going. Since you work for a Traveler's Agent, along the way, you might get a free trip to Uganda. If you do, I hereby my name to accompany you as Chaplain!!! Believe me, your eyes would be opened.
One morning at 3:15 I slipped on some water in the bathroom & down I went. Luckily, behind me was a plastic rack for towels. Had it not been for that I would have fallen on the back of my head. As it was, only my right arm was injured (slightly) and my dignity. Just now I have a painful infection in my left eye, so please excuse the more-than-usual mistakes.
Just got some good news: a well-to-do donor/friend from California wants to come & visit with me for 2 days with his two grandsons. I have no idea how old the latter are, but one seems to be having problems with drink & drugs. Nowadays, that could mean kids as young as 14-16. Maybe he thinks I can talk sense to him. I'll let you know how the visit goes. I have no idea either how old the donor/friend is. But, I am excited, for little out of the ordinary ever happens here.
My love to your wonderful Mom when you talk to her. Be sure that all of you have your special niche in my daily Mass & prayers & of those of the Sisters and orphans, as I implore Him & Her to fill you to the brim & overflowing with His & Her choicest blessings, gifts, & graces. In the meantime, keep smiling & spreading His & Her love, peace & joy all over W. Hartford. Till next time,
Tons of love & gratitude,
Fr. Gene, SJ
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written Sunday 9/21/2014
