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Hello All, One of my past hobbies was Volksmarching, basically hiking on a 10KM hike over hill and dale through the German countryside. Every weekend my wife and I tried to go on a different one. It cost a couple of dollars but it was well worth it. The paths were marked out and you could walk through parts of Germany that you would normally never be able to see. Along the way there were rest stops where they would have tea for you and at the end of the march you could buy bratwurst and pomes fritz and pastry etc (beer too of course). It was not a race. You could start anytime between a wide range of open hours. For us it was a time for husband and wife talking and communicating - it actually strengthened our marriage - two hours of communication walking in the countryside. It is also good for your health too of course. Two years ago I had bladder cancer and learned that I had a 40-60% chance of dying. That sort of news really concentrates one's mind. Ever since I have looked at life more in terms of eternity. I became a deacon for the Archdiocese of New York in June 2007. I am not sure about whether I can make it back for the reunion. The time seems good and I would definitely like to come. I am getting more and more involved with my various ministries. My main one is alcoholics and drug addicts. I work at a hospital two days a week, provide talks for them on spirituality and counsel them and also provide a Eucharistic Service on Sundays an All Faiths service. I love getting fallen away Catholics back into the church. Almost every week I sign up 10 or more people to go to confession, most of them haven't been since they were children. It is a joy. I also have to provide clothes for the ones who come in right off the street. So I am always out scrounging for clothes for them. We have them for 28 days and then they are gone back to the greater Metropolitan NY area. Once in awhile I see some of them in stores or in the mall and it is so wonderful to see how they have been able to change their lives. Of course, many also relapse. At any event, what I am trying to say is that my first priority is my people. If I can get away to Minneapolis I will do my best to do it. Regarding the photos, it is your choice. I do love the one that has me happily waving because that is how I really felt. I will never forget that day. As the procession began down the South Aisle in St. Patrick's cathedral with the acolytes in the lead, dozens of deacons and priest following and the nine of us ordinandi following with the Cardinal and the bishop behind, I heard the choir strike up a familiar song and my eyes started to mist over and my throat started to constrict. I said to myself, "Oh no, I'm in trouble, we haven't even gotten to the main aisle and I am already in tears. I've gotta get control of myself". May God bless you all and your families. Dennis |