In Catholicism’s liturgical calendar, Ash Wednesday begins the time in preparation for Easter. The symbolism of burning the previous year’s palm leaves distributed during Palm Sunday is what the ashes are derived from. In Jewish tradition, ashes were used to make one’s self appear dirty and unclean to represent their sinfulness. Today, Catholic use ashes in the sign of the cross on a person’s forehead to represent a time of preparation for Easter in recognition of our own impurities from sin and ultimate earthly return to dust (it’s quite the morbid expression – and so many Catholics really like this day). It is an odd celebration without context. Yet, this Ash Wednesday, I think of when I see ashes on almost a daily basis: from the ash covered streets of NYC during 9/11 to the more recent devastation from the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria to billowing black smoke of a derailed train to the destruction from the Russian military’s violent war in Ukraine. While I do live in a bubble of temporary naivety to the rest of the world, the ashes I wear are a stark reminder of my connectiveness to the fragility of the suffering in our world. I do not watch television, but I have been able to keep up with some national and worldwide events! The news has simply been sad. War, death, destruction, crime, and recession are just plastered everywhere. At times I am glad to be in this bubble in Morgantown but only for that reason what it shelters me from the ugliness that seems to dominate the news.
Weekly Review:
The biggest highlight of the week was Drew visiting me! Caring for Hank during his last few weeks restricted Drew from visiting Morgantown sooner. I was a nervous wreck, mostly since I wanted him to have a positive experience of visiting me in college…and he did. My week was much easier and uplifting for this amazing visit. He looked stellar and he wore the brightest smile. We had so much to talk about, especially since I am limited to talk about 10-12 minutes per day on the phone! The visit was a success! BUT, I experienced a bit of targeting as a result of the visit. What do I mean? When my last name had been announced over the loud speakers to report to the visitor center (or so I thought it had been called), I showed up about 30 seconds early. Well, I was actually given a stern, frank warning! Since I showed up exactly at the same time that Drew signed in, the head officer strictly advised me that he was justified to escort me to the Segregated Housing Unit (SHU) for violating off-limit boundaries. I assured him that I thought my name was called. Last names and units are primarily used by officers when making announcements. As it turns out, another guy in my unit has the name of Vaughan and had a visit the same day at the same time. Each officer mispronounces my last name, so I have just learned to respond to any similarity just to be safe. Once we concluded the wonderful 4 hour visit, I returned to a disrupted and messy bunk area. I keep my bunk extremely clean – on a daily basis my bed is near perfectly made, the floor is swept and wiped down, and every belonging that I have (books and toiletries) are meticulously stored in my locker. Well, now many these items were sporadically scattered on the ground and my bed mattress was turned over with all my bedding on the ground.
Initially I thought that I had been targeted for having Drew visit, since the officers made a bit of a fuss when Drew and I greeted each other. However, I realized that they were more concerned about how I was able to time it near perfect to when Drew arrived. In their minds, they thought that I probably received a text or call on contraband – a cell phone! To their disappointment, I had actually called Drew from the phones here and we planned an exact time. To add to the timeline for this occurrence, our unit was called to the dining hall for lunch. I stopped by, then thought I heard my name, and reported to the visitor center. Pretty clear cut. While none of the officers shared their suspicions, they tore my bunk apart. One guy commented that when they tear it up like mine was, it is because they had not found anything. For the rest of the day, a few officers would be in my proximity and constantly searching bins and trash cans. I did not think anything of it until the new day when a fellow commented that they were really on the prowl for a cell phone. I do not want to draw any attention to myself, but I was certainly front stage after the visit on Sunday.
We were fortunate to have Mass for Ash Wednesday. I was asked to play piano for the Mass, which I completely winged it. I had not played some of these songs in about 20 years, and oddly my memory was not too shabby. I have really been playing a lot of piano lately. I have received many questions about the kind of music the one band that I am in covers. Here is the playlist for an upcoming concert – By the way, I do not know any of these songs, and only recognize the artists. The songs are all acoustic, but they are rocked out:
My Eyes Keep Me in Trouble by Laurence Jones
Hey, Hey What Can I Do by Led Zeppelin
Breakin’ Up Somebodys Home by Shepherd King
Tush by Z-Z Top
Thorn in My Pride by The Black Crowes
Lord of the Thighs by Aerosmith
I Was Wrong by Chris Stapleton
Felony by Inmates (Original)
Do Your Worst (Not Sure Who Sings This)
Same Ol’ Blues (Not Sure Who Sings This)
Cocaine (Not Sure Who Sings This)
And a few other origin songs
The weather has been remarkably nice, especially the sunny weather we have been having in Morgantown. On these temperate days, I have been playing pickleball and shuffleboard. Of monumental importance (sarcasm), I completed the required Personal Finance course, so now I know all about bank accounts, like there is a savings account and another for checking!! The certificate of completion is exquisitely stellar with great photos of Morgantown (thank you, Tiffany, for uploading it)! Well, it was a good week for me! Thank you for all the continued prayers – please keep all those people suffering from violence, disasters, and war in this torrent world in your prayers too! Stay positive and have a miraculous week!