Happy New Year!

Posted on December 31, 2019 by M. E. Murray

It is that time again. The end of another year is fast approaching, and a lot of folks are probably making New Year’s resolutions but not me. Fibromyalgia controls my life. For example, my husband and I were supposed to spend Christmas with our relatives in San Antonio. From there, I hoped to visit my family in Brownsville. Unfortunately, two days before Christmas, something happened to my right hip. The pain was unbearable. I couldn’t take a step. (I can only imagine how Lady Gaga, who has fibromyalgia, must’ve felt when she fell on the stage during one of her performances.) Anyway, my husband brought me my walker, and I gradually made it to the bedroom, squawking from pain each time I took a step, to lie down with hot packs that he strategically placed around my hips. Needless to say, we canceled our trip.

Regarding of how I feel, I will continue writing. I will use every minute, wisely. Quitting is not my style. With God’s help, I will finish my children’s book and illustrations, and even if I didn’t get to see my sister, who is exhibiting signs of dementia, I know that I will see her next year and that she will be okay because God is taking care of her.

Twenty nineteen hasn’t been very kind to us. My husband experienced some serious medical problems, but he is a private individual, and I cannot elaborate on his ailments. I, on the other hand, am very outspoken when it comes to discussing my medical condition.

In addition to our medical problems, our beloved Kitty, Klyban, was diagnosed with lymphoma. He passed away June 26. He was being treated by an oncologist who did not listen to us. He was just supposed to see Klyban for a checkup, but he went ahead and gave him chemo. He was supposed to call us but didn’t. In my estimation, the doctor killed our Kitty. I say this because we had a rescue cat a few years ago that also had lymphoma, but he was treated with prednisone and enjoyed a happy life for a year.

There are more unpleasant things that happened to us, but I don’t want to bore you with negative thoughts. New Year’s Eve is meant to be a happy occasion. And I am more than happy to leave 2019 behind. Regardless, of the year, I am always thankful that I am alive, and that my husband, our pets, and relatives are okay.

Happy 2020! May it be a wonderful one for you, your family, and ours.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Posted on December 12, 2019 by M. E. Murray

The Huffpost is the source of the following information.

Who is the Virgin of Guadalupe?

The Virgin of Guadalupe is the patron saint of Mexico. She is depicted with brown skin, an angel and moon at her feet and rays of sunlight that encircle her.

When did she first appear?

According to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to an indigenous man named Juan Diego on Dec. 9, 1531. The Virgin asked that a shrine in her name be built on the spot where she appeared, Tepeyac Hill, which is now in a suburb of Mexico City. Juan Diego told the bishop about the apparition and request, but he didn’t believe him and demanded a sign before he would approve construction of the church.

On Dec. 12, the Virgin reappeared to Juan Diego and ordered him to collect roses in his tilmátli, a kind of cloak. Juan took the roses to the bishop and when he opened his cloak, dozens of roses fell to the floor and revealed the image of the Virgen of Guadalupe imprinted on the inside. The tilmátli with the image is on display in the Basilica de Guadalupe.

What influence has she had on Mexico and the world?

The appearance of the Virgin of Guadalupe to an indigenous man is said to be one of the forces behind creating the Mexico that we know today: a blend of Spanish and native blood. Her dark skin and the fact that the story of her apparition was told in the indigenous language of Nahuatl and in Spanish are said to have helped convert the indigenous people of Mexico to Christianity at the time of the conquest. She is seen as having a blend of Aztec and Spanish heritage.

Her image has been used throughout Mexican history, not only as a religious icon but also as a sign of patriotism. Miguel Hidalgo used her image when he launched his revolt against the Spanish in 1810. She could be seen on the rebels’ banners and their battle cry was “Long Live Our Lady of Guadalupe.”

Emiliano Zapata also carried a banner of the Virgen of Guadalupe when he entered Mexico City in 1914.

Pope John Paul II canonized Juan Diego in 2002, making him the first indigenous American saint, and declared Our Lady of Guadalupe the patroness of the Americas.

How is the Virgen of Guadalupe celebrated?

The day of the Virgen de Guadalupe became a national holiday in Mexico in 1859. Thousands gather each year on Dec. 12 at Mexico City’s Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe to celebrate the patron saint’s birthday. Over 800,000 people gather around the Basilica and bring candles and offerings to honor her. They also sing the famed “Las Mañanitas.”

The Immaculate Conception

Posted on December 8, 2019 by M. E. Murray

Saturday December 8, 2018, Catholics and other Christians celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception. It is our belief that the Virgin Mary was conceived without sin. December 8 is a holy day of obligation which means that many Catholics should attend church and hear mass to honor the Blessed Virgin, and to thank her for all the things that she has done for us.

Pearl Harbor

Posted on December 7, 2019 by M. E. Murray

Matthew Diebel of USA Today is the author of the following information.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 2019: What happened during fateful attack 78 years ago?

“December 7, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy,” President Franklin D. Roosevelt famously proclaimed.

On Saturday, Americans will mark the 78th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

The surprise raid on the major U.S. Navy base near Honolulu killed more than 2,400 Americans and, in short, brought the United States into World War II.

According to the National Park Service, Congress designated Dec. 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in August 1994. Remembrance events are held every year at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

Here are some facts surrounding that fateful day in U.S. history:

What happened during the attack on Pearl Harbor?

Just before 8 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, hundreds of Japanese planes made the surprise raid on Pearl Harbor. During the attack, which was launched from aircraft carriers, nearly 20 American naval vessels, including eight battleships, were damaged or destroyed, as well as more than 300 aircraft, according to the History Channel.

A letter to Benjamin Isaac Castaneda Floran

Posted on December 5, 2019 by M. E. Murray

Blessed Virgin/www.memurray.com/wordpress.com — Blessed Virgin Mary, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Brownsville, Texas

Dear Ben,

Thanksgiving week my invisible illness (fibromyalgia) started attacking me. The only time I watch TV is while I eat. I was eating breakfast. (My husband always prepares it.) I was watching the news, when I heard about your tragic death. The devastating news was even worse when I heard that you were a member of Fort Worth’s North Side High School Mariachi Band, a group that I love and admire.

Ben, I did not have the pleasure of knowing you, but the numerous folks who have honored you and your family with beautifully expressed condolences, tell me that you must have been a wonderful person. You are in Heaven now with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Jesus, and all the saints. You are probably entertaining them with your music. If it’s possible, please alleviate my sadness by playing and singing, ”El Son de la Negra.” It is my favorite song.

Please forgive me, but I don’t know if I can attend your funeral services Friday morning. The cold temperature will worsen the fibromyalgia pain. God bless you and your family!