(This letter is from Aldona Gurskis, a parishioner on our Circle of Caring Homebound list, and her sister, Lucille Mielcarek.)

March 22, 2003

Dear Father Creedon:

I have been on the sick list for quite some time now and am patiently waiting for a surgery date.

I want to tell you and all the members of St. Charles how the Circle of Caring has helped keep me cheered up.  I have been receiving many cards and letters and phone calls and visits.  I get calls asking if I need transportation to my medical appointments or to the store for groceries or maybe even to the beauty shop.  Well, I did accept help to the beauty shop for a well-needed hair cut that gave me a lift.

On Valentine's Day someone surprised me with a real big hand-made Valentine.  They wanted to bring me some sweets but since I am trying to stay away from them they brought me a loaf of my favorite whole wheat bread and strawberry jam.  The Circle of Caring cared on that very special day, and that made me very happy.

Some of the 5th grade children wrote me the first letter they ever wrote.  The penmanship was great.  They told me about the progress of the new Parish Center -- with a gym room in it -- and how many basketball games they won.  Thank you to their teacher for having them write these nice letters.

I appreciate and am very grateful for all the kindness shown to me.  Thank you all again.

Aldona Gurskis and Lucille Mielcarek

P.S.: I hope the Circle of Caring membership grows.  We really need them.  They brighten lives especially in times like these.  We should all be proud to belong to St. Charles.