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| Letter from Fr. Hattie-received August 2, 2018 via email. |
Despite his age and ailments, the above letter is evidence that Fr. Hattie is still typing his own letters. Based on the darkness of the type, he apparently got a new ribbon. Therefore, the letter is pretty readable (and you can make it even bigger by clicking on the image) but in following my usual approach, I have transcribed it (below) for those who don't want to suffer through deciphering the original.
My Fr. Hattie page contains a list of Father's letters that I have received and transcribed for this blog. It also contains contact information for Fr Hattie as well as how to donate to help support his orphans in Nsumba, Uganda (in Africa, ya know).
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Saturday July 28
My dear Rick: Peace of the Living/Loving Christ!
WOW! WOW! WOW! Don't Ever get old! It has its special problems. Just a week ago today I took a shower and slipped on the tiles even though I had towels spread all around. Unluckily, there was no one to help me to get up. I shouted until I was blue in the face. In great pain I dragged myself to my room, but that was it! More shouting brought one of our workers who got me onto the bed. I was immediately taken to the hospital to see if any bones had been broken. Thank God, nothing had happened, but fierce pain took up residence in 1 [one] shoulder and my hip.
The Doctor came and, by twisting & turning, quickly sent me on the road to hell. When he was massaging both spots I must have been heard all over the neighborhood. Jokingly, I told him to read the Instructions which said, 'Rub GENTLY!' or I was going to hand him over to the police for causing undue agony. At first, he did not know whether I was serious or not...until laughter, and then he continued on his merry way. That was a week ago & I still cannot walk, so, down on those chubby knees and get me walking!
Last Saturday I reached 96, a miracle I thought would never happen. It has its special problems: I must use a 3-wheeled walker to retain my balance & keep from falling; my sight, hearing, and memory have lessened considerably. But, thank God, I can manage reasonably. But, I am on about 16 pills daily even though I have not the slightest idea what they are for. But, I thank the Lord for all His many, many gifts so far. Which reminds me of the little old Indian gentleman on the occasion of his Retirement for the beautiful Watch he had been given, 'I thank you most heartily from the very, very bottom of my heart& from my dear wife's bottom too.' How's that for the King of Kings' English that he was so proud of.
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| Fr Gene Hattie (96 years of age). |
Sometime ago, a little fellow was sitting on my lap & I noticed that he was very cautiously trying to lift up my sleeve. When he noticed that I was watching him, he was embarrassed. 'What in the world are you trying to do?' I asked. His answer: 'Father, are you white all over or just the parts we can see????'
The cold here has been bitter & I feel guilty as I wrap up in my heavy quilt UNTIL I think of the 10s of 1000s who sleep on the pavement or in the fields with just a thin sheet of plastic after the recent floods have washed away their homes. God help them.
You must be asking yourself just what am I doing back in Nairobi after just a year of Retirement at Columbiere in Clarkston, Michigan. One morning I woke with a shock & asked myself just what was I doing there. In '47, when I left for India, it was for life. So, I asked the African Provincial if I could complete my Vow by retiring there. So, here I am freezing to death with no hope of respite.
But, that must be it for the present as it is extremely difficult to type with frozen fingers & make so many mistakes. Be sure that you & yours have a special remembrance in my daily Mass and prayers. And, in the meantime, keep smiling and spreading His & Her love, joy and peace in every nook and cranny of the City.
Tons of love [&] gratitude simply for being you. Till next time.
P.S. I've racked up 78 years as a Jesuit, 65 as a priest, 30 years in India, 2 in Southern Sudan, 35 in Uganda & 3 in Kenya. Why not come over & join me.
Fr. Gene, S.J.
Fr Gene, SJ
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Links:
http://ricketwrite.blogspot.com/p/letters-from-fr-hattie.html
http://blackchristiannews.com/2018/05/floods-in-kenya-devastate-hundreds-wounded-over-200000-displaced/
http://colombierejesuits.com/about_history.html
http://www.easternafricajesuits.org/
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Written Saturday 11 August 2018
