May Drinking Companion
I decided to do things a little different today in tribute to my 42nd birthday. I’d like to first write about a personal secular saint of my own who greatly influenced my life growing up, number 42, Jackie Robinson. I’m fascinated how he has influenced my life in many ways, first in my youth with his superb character, later in life for us both as men of coffee. His tombstone quote, is tattooed on my arm as a reminder to my calling in life.
I’d like to begin with the early influence. Growing up in Queens, NY I used to throw garbage out as a kid to make a couple dollars. One of the people I served was an old Jewish man that lived across the street from me, Bob Solomon. He was always a fun guy to spend time with in his smoke filled home. He had his moments, but he always treated me kindly and told me stories of the Brooklyn Dodgers growing up. As I grew older, I began to learn more about Jackie Robinson, and in 1997 they began to honor him by retiring his number at Shea Stadium in Queens. I’ll never forget seeing President Clinton’s motorcade passing by on the then Interboro Parkway near my home. He was on the way to the ceremony. They later renamed it Jackie Robinson Parkway. During this same time I began praying for the same character as Jackie.
Growing up I had a really poor attitude, it became worse later in life when I was on my own and as a successful manager that was asked to be the clean up guy. No matter what your politics, I always tell people I empathize with Donald Trump’s mentality for years, because I was from the same Queens business minded attitude. It’s just how we are no matter what race you are, when you’re in business you have to do things that are displeasing to others at times, and even come across as offensive in your pursuit of success. The thing in the back of my mind that always bothered me however was there must be a better way, this was my Catholic guilt. Jackie always showed me humility was that key to over come these obstacles. Later in life I would learn it was his Christian faith that gave him this grace and courage.
Jackie was disliked during his time. All he wanted to do was the right thing, and he did despite all the obstacles and hate. He was no social justice warrior, just a man with values he believed in, and a country he loved so much that he honorably served in the military. It was this reason he was chosen to break the color barrier. He never had as much talent as many other players in the Negro Leagues, but he had the most character. This character eventually led to not only a World Championship in baseball, but it also led him to become the first black vice president of a corporation during his time. He was VP for Choc full of Nuts coffee.
This has become a fun nuance for me to reflect on in my 42nd year. Just as my childhood role model, I continue to grow in character through my Christian faith, reflecting hope in a challenging world at times. It’s humbling that I finally began to understand what made Jackie so special. It does sadden me today however that many truly stomp on his grave and accomplishments with the violence and rioting in the name of justice. Jackie proved to me, this is not a healthy way for society and will only divide us more than it unites us. Our country is showing that very clearly as we disrespect all the things America truly stands for, Jackie understood this clearly despite the circumstances of his time. Jackie proved to me anyone can make it in this country if you just try and have faith. No matter what the obstacle, in his case there was literally systemic racism at the time (it doesn’t exist in any law today). Jackie overcame all of that in humility.
I would like to close with a soon to be Catholic saint as well. Her name is Blessed Miriam Teresa, future saint of New Jersey. The reason why I share her, is because her feast day is my birthday, and like Jackie, she came into my life in a special way. I was in Philadelphia for a Vietnamese festival in 2018. It was this festival that set the stage for me to go to Vietnam, but that day as well I was asked to give a nun a ride back to her convent. On our way to Convent Station in Morristown, N.J. this sister asks me if I ever heard of Blessed Miriam Teresa. I replied “No”. She began to say I need to come visit the tomb of the saint of New Jersey. Upon arrival I saw her picture commemorating her life. As I looked at her day of passing, it said May 8. I was excited to think this saint’s feast day was my birthday and sure enough it was.
In close she too like Jackie has become influential in my life. Many know I was supposed to begin seminary studies, before a group abruptly changed their mind and rejected me after previously approving me. Less than a month later I met my wife, and the rest was history. Everyone thinks since then I’ve given up on priesthood since I am now married with a child, but I’ve learned God works in mysterious ways. Ironically my spiritual director of 5 years has become a married Catholic priest shortly after my rejection. It was God’s gentle way of reminding me, the vision still needs time.
I say all this because Blessed Miriam had a similar situation as my own, she was devoted to St. Therese like me as well, the reason for my daughters name and birth. It was also God’s gentle way of giving me another saint to inspire me to keep perusing the path before me, and No Matter What, Trust God it’s all going to be OK. Continued Blessings and say a prayer for me on this day. Thank You.
Taken May 8, 2018 after I attended mass for her day of memorial.