Praised be Jesus Christ!

(to which you respond: "Now and forever!")

I lost a friend, sort of; anyway, I'm not publishing details. I tried chasing after her -- I poked my nose in when I knew she was working, made an appointment with her that she didn't keep, called her, texted her (from gmail, not my phone, so it was free, Dad), followed her back to her dorm. One day I went to her room (she lives in a different dorm than I do), sat down and did homework for a couple hours, hoping she'd show up, but she didn't. I left a note on her computer before I left.

Finally, she told me I'd get a response sometime Sunday. I didn't really believe her (based on recent track record), but--

I talked Anthony into coming to St. Anthony's so I'd have someone to walk back with and could stay until 8 p.m., when adoration ended. Hooray! I had two hours to spend with our Lord.

And I did. I sat/kneeled there, drinking in graces as if I were starving for them -- I probably was (I usually am).

I was praying mostly about this particular friend and this particular conversation I was trying to have with her. I'm not publishing details.

Before long it was 7:30, and I heard my phone beep. I looked back.

Phone call from this particular friend.

A bit later, another beep. Voicemail.

Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Anthony and I walked back to campus after night prayer and benediction, and I listened to the voicemail. I followed directions and met my friend.

We talked. I'm not publishing details.

The elephant has left the room and his droppings have been cleaned up. Forgiveness happened.

Blessed be God forever!