LOSS Program Office
721 N. LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60654
Main Line: (312) 655-7283
Fax Line: (312) 948-3340

Our Choice

Three years ago while finishing my feeding frenzy at the Drury Lane Blossoms of Hope Brunch I reached across the table to replenish my water when my hand hooked onto a card.  As I read the card it asked for volunteers to assist the committee in working on the Brunch.  The speaker portion of the event began and the volunteer question stayed with me.  Was I ready to give to this LOSS group?  Did I have anything to give ;  I was just beginning to experience some energy and joy.  What did I know about working on a committee that produced such a huge event?  The request card stayed in my lap.  The heart-felt motivational speech ended, winning numbers were projected onto the screen, the silent auction was complete and I stood.   The request card fell from my lap.  As I reached down to retrieve the card, a moment of courage made me pick up the pen and fill out the information.  Time passed; April turned into summer, summer into Fall and my job as a school teacher began .  Then, I received a phone call about a September meeting.

So someone really did pay attention to those cards. Now what ?  Decisions, decisions….and then I decided.  Why not go to the first meeting and see what this was about.  If it wasn’t right for me, I wouldn’t continue.   If there was nothing I could do, no way I could help, so be it.  No harm in trying.  So the first meeting in September started by sitting in a hard folding chair at a rectangular table.  Folks arrived with a hug, a smile and a plate of food.  I knew no one…did I miss the note about food?  What was I doing here?  Then Fr. Rubey arrived and my comfort began.  He saved my life seven years ago when my son Mike took his life while he was away at college.  Seeing this man, Fr. Rubey, always made me feeI better, hopeful.   I had done an eight week group, a bit of follow up groups in the community but not much else through LOSS.  Mike’s Dad, his sister and I would attend the LOSS brunches as they were a fund raiser for this wonderful organization  that brought Fr. Rubey into our lives and provided life saving service  to many. 

 
We have all become members of this LOSS family; certainly not by our choice.  We do have a choice now though.  How we live our lives, where we place our hearts and how we use our energy; it’s for us to choose.  Should you have the time, the willingness to serve others and the desire to learn ways to use your talents, this committee could sure use your help and your ideas.  As I drive home from each committee meeting, I’m reminded of my Mike’s smile.  Sometimes I’m tearful and sad.   Sometimes I’m tearful with a smile.  Sometimes I’m just smiling.  Whatever immediate reaction during my thirty minute commute from the meetings, I’m left with a sense of purpose in my ability to give back.  Give back to this organization which has helped me heal in ways that enrich my memory of my Mike.  I’m glad.   It would be my pleasure to speak with you about the committee or feel free to contact Elizabeth Atchason at Catholic Charities to join this ever-changing group.   We all will be grateful for your help.  Thanks and may God Bless.