A Visit That Touched My Heart

Today, something truly special happened at St. Frances. As I looked out toward the cemetery, I noticed an elderly man — 95 years old — walking slowly, holding a small bouquet of flowers. He was visiting his parents’ graves, a simple act filled with so much love and remembrance.

Before I came outside, he had already spoken with Dylan for a little while. The two of them stood by the graves, talking about the church and his parents who rested there. Dylan told me later how kind and gentle he was, how his stories seemed to come from another time — a time when life was simpler, but hearts were just as full.

When I went out to meet him, we continued the conversation. He shared more about his parents — who they were, what they meant to him, and the life they built here so many decades ago. His eyes softened as he spoke, and I could feel the pride and tenderness in every word. In that moment, time seemed to slow down. It wasn’t just a conversation; it was a connection — a bridge between the past and the present.

I told him how grateful I was that he came by, and how much it meant to see him there at St. Frances. I told him and his sweet wife that next time, they should knock on the door to see if we’re home — I’d love for them to come inside the beautiful church and sit for a while.

After they left, I called Rick right away to tell him about our visit. We both agreed how meaningful it was — that somehow, today gave us another piece of St. Frances’ history. It felt like a gentle reminder that this place continues to bring people together, just as it has for generations.

Moments like this are why we’re here. St. Frances isn’t just about restoring a building; it’s about honoring the lives that passed through it and the stories that still linger in its air. Today was proof that the spirit of this place is alive — and that we’re exactly where we’re meant to be.

This is what Love • Legacy • Life truly means — a place where love endures, legacies live on, and life continues to bloom, one beautiful visit at a time. 🤍