It is 17 years ago today that I made my solemn profession of vows. I promised stability, conversion of my way of life and obedience until death. Like today that day was a Saturday. So many memories fill me of that day and also the feelings of joy and excitement. Previous to that day I was on a week's retreat to prepare for my profession. It was quite an unusual week. The temperatures dipped into minus thirty with wind chill factors double that. It last the first 6 of the 7 days. I walked back and forth from the guest house to Mass each day. I would not have ventured out at that time of day if I hadn't had to. Doing so I was encompassed each day by a most exquisite beauty. The hoar frost covered all the trees and any surface it could settle on. When I would walk back from Mass the sun would just be rising and causing the whole of my world to glitter and glow. I know that experience colored by feelings and emotions through the retreat and profession. I wasn't scared. I was full of joy knowing that the time had come to commit myself in a very public way to the Lord; a commitment I would keep for the rest of my life. I was very excited because most of my family and close friends were coming to witness my commitment. The weather wasn't cooperating and there was talk about having to postpone. When I went to bed the night before my profession friends from Richmond, VA hadn't left the airport and they had been there since 6:00 AM. The last word I got is that they were boarding a plane to LaGuardia. My response was: "It's the wrong direction!" Needless to say everyone arrived. Somehow I wasn't worried about it. I just knew they would.

So, 17 years have passed. It has been quite a journey and I'm still on it. Any regrets? No. I just look forward to the next 17.

Sister Maggie