Dear Reader:

I have had one reoccurring dream since I first laid my eyes on St. Jude’s Chapel of Hope in Trust, North Carolina. I imagine myself standing in front of it in the snow.

Several years ago a magazine photographer apparently did just that… Admiring this beautiful scene-I can smell the snowy pines and smoke from a nearby campfire, see red cardinals playing in the snow and hear the beautiful melody of Greensleeves or What Child is This?

I always wake up just as I open the door to the Chapel pulling me into its comfort and joy.

I have a feeling that the one time I am allowed to stay inside that little Chapel filled with glorious music, light, and warmth… it will be at the end of my passing… awakening this time in my new home.

A God Wink… I ” randomly ” discovered a very special message from Bill Barutio ( builder and owner of St Jude’s Chapel) It was sent to me about a year after starting the post. I was so nervous reading it-afraid I might, in my zest to tell the chapel’s story, overstepped boundaries or offended someone-instead this is what I read.

Dear Becky

Last month I searched ” Trust, NC” on Google to try to get an update on events in that special spot that we called home for almost 20 years. I was directed to your blog, read the archives, and was inspired to contact you. Thank you for your eloquent and heartfelt entries that describe the sense that Beverly’s spirit of hope and courage are palpable in the little Chapel and its setting.

I was saddened to read that, as Beverly used to say, the ” annoyance of cancer” has altered your life again. Please maintain your positive attitude. My wife, Nancy, and I are praying for you. We will also ask our friend, St. Jude, to intercede on your behalf.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any help.

Thank you for your tributes to Beverly and for your promotion of the Chapel. Beverly always believed that the Chapel would have a ” life if it’s own.” I am sure that she is smiling down on your efforts to assure that it does.

With thanks and prayers for a speedy recovery.

I remain,

Very Truly Yours,

Bill Barutio

……………………………………………….

Even now, a decade after Bill Barutio, Beverly’s husband and partner in building St Jude’s Chapel of Hope-wrote this ” Blessed Assurance ” note to me… it remains in my heart and soul.

So until tomorrow… ” One kind word can change someone’s entire day” ( This message sure did)

Today is my favorite day. Winnie the Pooh

Don’t forget to say ” Rabbit” ” Rabbit” on the first day of the month-especially December! We all want a joyous celebration of the birth of Jesus-being watched and adored by a loving Rabbit!