Saying Goodbye to Fr. Rick

Today, I had to say my last goodbye to Fr. Rick. He has been appointed the director of formation for the Order of Friars Minor (one of the orders of Franciscans) in Boston and today was his last day in Steubenville. I did special ministries for the youth conference this weekend, so I knew I'd get to see him today, which made me happy. I caught him right before he left. He hugged me, I thanked him for all he has done for me. I thanked him for all the hours of talking with me and all the prayers he's said for me. He knew that I wasn't expecting to make it to graduation when he first met me. He said that he has never been more proud of anyone walking across the stage. I started to tear up and he hugged me again. All I could say was "Thank you for saving my life." Then he started to tear up. Talk about a mess. Hahaha. 

The best thing said during our conversation was in response to me saying, "Thanks for whooping my ass into shape." He right away responded to "I didn't whoop your ass into shape. I prayed your ass into shape." It's only by the prayers of those who I love that here I am, 215 days clean, and leaving for Romania in exactly one month. He made me promise to love those kids in Romania like God made me to. I didn't even hesitate to agree :)

I wouldn't be here if it weren't for the constant love and prayers of Fr. Rick. He loved me when I needed it most. He helped pick me up when I constantly fell flat on my face. I'm really glad that the Lord used such an amazing, holy priest to be my biggest supporter at Franciscan.

Fr. Rick is going to be in Lourdes, France in October and I'm hoping to be able to travel there to see him. Please pray that can happen :)