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This morning does not differ from my usual schedule—thank Jesus I made it to another day; take my medication, get dressed, make the bed. Ahead the bedroom door is closed. It used to be open so my Kitty (Klyban) had access to the bedroom, food, water, and his litter box. I try not to sadden myself because I no longer have him, but I have his brother, Marty.

Prayer is part of my daily schedule, especially today, because it is St. Francis’ feast day. I ask him to take care of my husband, sister, Marty (our cat), and Twister, (our dog). Furthermore, I pray for animals and people who are on their own. They need our help to survive during these tough times. I finish my prayers asking Jesus for the usual things, and then I try to do some work on the computer. These days computer work mostly involves trying to help my sister who has Alzheimer’s and lives with us.

Breakfast time comes around so I open my bedroom door with thoughts of visiting my website to tell the world that today is St. Francis’s feast day. With the help of my Rollator walker, I head to the kitchen to make breakfast. Along the way, I visit with Marty for a few seconds as he scurries to the bedroom for food and water. Meanwhile, I fix cereal and oatmeal for my sister. (My husband has a different meal plan, his own.) As I eat breakfast Assisi, Italy, comes to mind. Yes. I was there. For a few hours, I treaded on holy ground. A feeling of holiness drifts into my body as I realize that Jesus walked around that holy city, too.

I don’t have a picture of St. Francis, but I selected a few pictures of my former and present pets. I’m sure St. Francis played a part in their care and in my life. He helped me learn to use my time more efficiently in spite of having Fibromyalgia. I’m not perfect. Because of the pain, I have my moments, but Jesus, St Francis, and their friends have helped me through some very rough times.

Here are the prayers that I daily say to St. Francis and Jesus when I wake up in the morning.

Prayer to Jesus

Dear Jesus, thank you for letting me live another day, and please help me make today a beautiful day.

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Have a nice day! Stay safe, and thanks for visiting my website.