Courier & Press article,
Father Joseph Ziliak, Saturday, June 14, 2003
It was refreshing to be away for a few hours. It seemed as
though it was a thousand miles from home and yet it was close by.
The New Mexico magazine contained an article, "A Chat
with Tony Hillerman," that was warmly delightful. Somehow I
don't get around to reading such things when I'm at home. So much
wants to be done or looked after. Hillerman spoke to a convention
several years ago. I had read several of his mystery novels, invariably
set in New Mexico.
I observe people walking along the Ohio River bank at Newburgh
from my new window on the world. Some walk early in the morning;
some late at night. Reminders of the different schedules that people
follow. Some are obviously spouses or special friends. Some are
families, pushing little ones in carts or walking together as groups.
Some jog; some walk purposely as an athletic regimen.
Some more or less graze their way along the riverfront -
stopping wherever they wish, checking out flowers or pointing out
debris or boats on the river. The river is up now - near flood level.
Trees, logs, pieces of wood, buckets - you name it - many objects
are rushing down river. When the waters are on the rise, the debris
is close to shore. When the river is falling, the objects head for
the current center.
Mothers with their children go in and out of the library
from early morning through the afternoon. Sometimes classes visit
the library for story time. Even littler ones are brought there
by their caregivers. Some groups stay safe and together by holding
on to a rope.
Homeowners along the riverfront care for the frontage with
a variety of flowers or shrubs. They are shrines of pride. Benches
dot the river frontage areas allowing walkers a place to rest and
meditate. Some stay longer having brought a book to read. Family
pets come along as well. Often, individual walkers have big dogs
on leashes. At times it is not clear who is leading whom.
Retired University of Evansville economics professor Dr.
Ray Arensman gives an enthralling presentation of people who have
come past Newburgh and Evansville since the advent of our European
forebears in this part of the nation. The Ohio River was the common
mode of transportation. One who may be named a saint within a few
years, Mother Theodore Guerin, foundress of St. Mary-of-the-Woods
College and the Sisters of Providence in America, writes in her
journals of passing Newburgh and getting off the ship at Evansville
to begin the trek northward to Vincennes and then further north
to Terre Haute.
Many people will take longer or exotic trips and vacations
during these summer months. Others will take advantage of nearby
entertainment destinations. For some, maybe a day or two will be
available for a getaway time. For some just a few hours will present
themselves for refreshing reflection, or places away from home and
the normal routine.
Some find great joy in being alone for a time away; others
will want to be with family or a group. The pull between the solitary
and the community is universal. However long, however brief, find
ways to be renewed, refreshed and re-created in body, mind and spirit.
Time and days are presents and gifts for retreat and reflection.
Give thanks for the occasions that are yours. Let's each continue
to find little ways to recognize the power and goodness of our God
at work in our world.
Father Joseph L. Ziliak is pastor of St. John the Baptist
Catholic Church in Newburgh.
