On December 29, 2024, my husband Stephen celebrated my 80th birthday in Seattle, Washington, with my children and their family. 
​      Mari Odette-Kanotz (my oldest daughter)--with her husband Chad Kanotz,  treated us to a fine dinner at the Hilton. My son Walter Avillanoza with Mari's son Keenan Becker made the party most delightful. Keenan took the group photo to the right.

     Early Spring of 1981, I experienced a spiritual break through. Exhausted from a relationship of two years, I stood on my bed and shook my fist toward heaven -- angry at God for 37 years of one disappointment after another. 
     "Why, Lord, can't I talk with you like a friend?" I was at a non-denominational church that my boss invited me to. The congregation were raising their hands, singing praises and loudly thanking....worshipping God. 
     A Catholic since my birth, such behavior was foreign to me. Yet, I felt humbled while adjusting to the spiritual awakening in my soul. I stepped up to the front when the pastor invited anyone for the elders to pray for us. 
     On the way home, I wasn't sure about how my life would look like going forward. The Lord had drawn me to recognize my sins of lust for love. It was for a love of love--a need to be loved by anyone.
     True love, faithfulness and trust were absent!
​ A new chapter to follow. . .