The Miracle of October First

By Xlibris US

As you read each page, put yourself in Ann's place, (the main character) feel her insecurity as an orphan and feel her hot tears. Rejoice with her from time to time. Embrace the humility she felt and at times hopelessness. The excitement of a puppy and the wretched abuse she would experience at the hands of a stranger. Independence! Love she would share with children. To hold a baby, smell it's scent and feel love. Enjoy!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 12, 2014
• ISBN: 9781493198689

Book preview

Copyright © 2014 by Mary Dimond.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2014906661

ISBN:   Hardcover   978-1-4931-9869-6

Softcover   978-1-4931-9870-2

eBook         978-1-4931-9868-9

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 04/10/2014

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris LLC

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

619265

CONTENTS

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Glossary

I dedicate this book to the Sisters of Notre Dame who taught me in elementary school. They made my formative years special with their sincere love and dedication to teaching children. Although there is no connection to them in this book, it is completely fiction. This year, in May, I will become an Associate member of the Sisters of Notre Dame having come full circle with them.

Also, to my husband, John for his patience and love as I work on the computer daily. I love you! His quote, Let Go… Let God, says it all.

And finally, my dear granddaughter, Ashley Dillon, for proofreading, making corrections and tearing my book all to hell… all for this great masterpiece she helped me get to the print stage.

Thank you, my readers, for continuing to read my books and Xlibris for publishing them.

God Bless You.

CHAPTER ONE

Ann held her mother’s hand as they strolled into the beautiful cathedral of Our Lady. A faint hint of incense drifted about and vigil lights illuminated the side altars. Her mother wanted to arrange Ann’s First Communion which Ann was looking forward to with great anticipation. Her mother genuflected, bending her right leg and putting her knee on the tiled floor. She made the Sign of the Cross, touching first her forehead, In The Name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. She proceeded to cross herself, one shoulder and then the other.

Ann watched her mother intently then followed her into a highly polished mahogany pew. She was always in awe of the statues and pictures she saw along the walls. She could hardly hold her excitement back, with reverence she knelt on the padded kneeler. Her mother’s head was bowed and her lacy mantia covered her head and fell to her shoulders. Her rosary was slightly swinging in her hands. She tapped Ann on the arm to signal her to quit gawking about.

In a few minutes, Ann heard a creak and a door opened just off to the right.

That is Father O’Neil her mother whispered to her.

Ann crouched behind her mother as the priest approached. He nodded to them and his smile warmed Ann. His thick, white hair was parted and swept to one side. He wore a black cassock with buttons down the front and shiny black shoes which Ann noticed first.

Ann followed her mother and is on cue, stood to shake his hand. Ann stood on the pew to get a better view of this patriarch. She imagined he must look like God.

You must be Ann. His soft voice reflected his calm demeanor. Let’s move to the rectory where I can get some information… he trailed off as Ann and her mother followed him out the side door.

Well, I will need some information before we set up some instructions for Ann. When is your birthday? he began.

Ann was tongue tied, she knew what he asked, but couldn’t get the words out.

May 15th… her mother began when Ann blurted out I’m five years old."

Father O’Neil smiled at Ann and began asking more questions, writing down the information that Mrs. Grey gave him.

I think Ann would be able to begin instruction on Saturday, if that is convenient for you.

Oh, yes Father. We just live a block away.

Fine, Ann be here at 10:00; Sister Noel will be your teacher. The class lasts about an hour and will last six weeks. With that Ann and her mom rose from their polished wooden chairs and exited to the street. Ann was excited and began asking questions as they walked home. The air was warm and the scent of flowers followed them; her daffodils were tall and lined the sidewalk leading to their front door.

Mommy, how soon can I go to communion like you?

After your instructions, so you must pay close attention to what Sr. Noel tells you she responded.

Why do you call her sister?

She is a bride of Christ and has devoted her life to Him. She is a teacher who helps prepare you for the sacraments. Now go play while I go in and fix dinner. Your Dad is already home.

Ann had so many questions but found her jump rope on the porch and began jumping. "Cinderella dressed in yella’, went upstairs to kiss a fella. How many kisses did he get, one, two, three… .

Ann, come wash up!

She was hungry and her dad was already seated, helping himself to the stew which was steaming in his bowl. He barely smiled at her.

The week went by quickly and Ann was anxious to get started with her classes and meet Sister Noel. She could hardly finish her cereal and quickly put on her sweater as she raced down the porch steps, taking two at a time. She waved to her mother; cautiously crossed the street heading to church, skipping and kicking a stone from time to time.

She was one of the first to arrive and met Sister Noel who gave her a book; they would use it in class. Three more girls and a boy also became part of the class and Sister Noel began with a prayer. Everyone was silent.

Good morning. My name is Sister Noel and I will be teaching you until the time for you to make your First Holy Communion. Would each of you please say your name and tell us a little about yourself.

No one spoke up. Everyone seemed shy. Finally Andrea spoke up, she was timid and one of the older girls.

I’m Andrea and want to make my First Holy Communion soon. I go to Our Lady of Sorrows Church and school there also. She sat down as quickly as she stood up.

Thank you Andrea for going first. Now let’s have Cathy tell us about her reason for being here today.

OK, see I’m Cathy. All my brothers and sisters go to Our Lady’s school and I’m the last to make my First Communion. That’s all. She sat down nearly missing her seat which caused the others to giggle.

Children, it is not nice to laugh at others, let’s have Patrick introduce himself.

I’m Patrick O’Malley and I am going to be a priest someday so I need to make my First Communion… and he shrugged his shoulders and sat down.

My name is Jane. My mother made me come to this class. I’d rather be roller skating. She was not happy and plopped heavily onto her seat.

Well Jane, I’d rather be roller skating too! Sister Noel began, but, I have to teach you about Jesus so that you will be able to receive him for the rest of your life. Now let’s hear from Ann.

Oh, well I don’t know what to say she began.

Well, just tell us about you and why you want to receive Jesus.

"That’s easy. My name is Ann and I don’t have any brothers or sisters. I go to church with my mom but I can’t receive communion until I learn