I first met Fr. Al's sister Mena on 9-11-2006. It was my first time to the Chapel, but not the first to Shanksville. God had put some special things on my heart, but in His own way, only let me know some of them. Like in Scrabble, He gave me the letters, the words would come. But He had also prepared me long before we went.
It was the 2006 Torches Across America ride, and we were planning on being in Shanksville for 9-11 this year. Fr. Al and I had been corresponding by e-mail about the day's events, when God put on my heart to ask about food. Shanksville has no places to eat, the Chapel is even farther from Somerset, and the Impact Site another 4 miles. They had some basic food available at the chapel for donation, but not what they wanted. So God placed on my heart to send money, and with help from a few other CMA chapters, we sent him a check-not big to us, but overwhelming when you have nothing. And so food would be available. Two loaves and five fish in today's terms. On to Shanksville.
Per custom, it rained, and after I spoke, and we had the bell ringing ceremony, I went down to the tents where the food was. There were hot dogs, donuts, hulaska, and sausage, onions, and pepper sandwiches-Mena's. As I stood in line, I heard the women talking about some Christian bikers who had provided money for food-they were blown away how someone they had never met, over 3000 miles away would do this, but of course this was another miracle of the Chapel. As I stood there, I didn't want to call attention to myself, this was God's plan, I just obeyed Him, but I wanted them to have a face for what was done, so I identified myself. And the tears started to flow. They were so glad to meet me, and soon I had introduced others to them. One of them Shirley, would be very special to Theresa.
It took hours until the families from Flight 93 arrived from the impact site, along with them the employees of UAL from Newark-friends of the heroes. And they were starved, and were able to eat! Mena's sausage and peppers! Over 500 ate that day based on the simple gift God told us to give. With some left over, sound like a Bible story? Soon the word spread because the servers shared about our gift, and we were able to show them love among the hugs and kisses. Some stewardesses even were in tears that anyone would care about them, our cheeks were wet with the tears of joy. One man, Leroy Homer's brother in law came up, Nattily attired, he looked like Neon Deion, he embraced us in tears, the love had touched him too. Maybe there was more to the loaves and fishes that day with Jesus, just like there was for us. Such appreciation, for such a simple gift of love via obedience. Leave it to God to bless many with very little. And to me, the sausage and peppers would always remind me of that special time.
Remember Shirley, the lady special to Theresa? Seems her son had been killed in a car accident, and was buried across from the chapel. As she and Theresa talked, Shirley said he had died on August 20th, my son's birthday. And she took her over to the grave, and got to minister with her, I will never forget the sight of them praying together at his headstone. And I was so glad I introduced myself when in line getting food. All credit and glory be to God.
Two weeks ago Mena made her last trip to the Chapel. Her body full of cancer and in pain, she wanted one last trip to the chapel to make her sausage and peppers. Her last act of love for the heroes, on the tenth anniversary of their heroism. Her two sons did most of the cooking, and when they were done, she wanted to go home. She knew God had kept her alive for this one last trip, and now He was calling her home. His house. Heaven was closer the day she died than her home on earth, and God told her "come, let's go to mine. No more cancer, no more pain. Your job is complete here. It's time to rest." And she knew, and that was why she wanted to go home, God was calling. Mena then knew her job was done. She was at Shanksville as a surprise to her brother, and against the doctor's advice. But not God's calling. And the next week she passed into eternity-home at last!
I was the last e-mail Fr. Al sent before he took off for Downingtown to have her funeral. He said Mena was appreciative of all the love, support, and prayers. So thanks to all who prayed. You will see her in heaven.
So after a short period of grief, I wanted to do something to support my friend and to honor her. I went out and had a sausage and pepper sandwich. Not as good as hers, and it took longer to eat through the tears. It seems it had a salty taste to it. Strange, I thought. But then I realized it was laced with tears. Mine. Tears of sadness for my friend. And how hers was laced with love. That was the difference. As in life, as in cooking, Jesus' love still makes a difference. The one ingredient only He can add to any food, occasion, or relationship. Love.
"Just another sandwich," you ask. And I suppose your God is just another God. Make sure it is a special relationship based on Jesus. For just like Mena's sandwiches, He fills them with love. And just like life, He makes it worth the living-just because He lives!
Another Chapel miracle, and another reason to visit there-soon. I can smell the peppers already. Tell Fr. Al "Mena's friend Mike sent ya."
love with compassion,
Mike
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