rita buettner commentary
5 Lessons Pope Francis Taught Us
Weeks ago, when it became clear that Pope Francis’ health was failing, I thought I had come to terms with the possibility of him passing away. When I woke up to the news that he had died, however, I realized I wasn’t prepared at all. Yes, we knew he was elderly and battling double pneumonia. […]
Welcome home
The miracle of Easter shows that anything and everything is possible for God, and that even death does not have the final word.
The story of the melted bunnies
Weeks and weeks ago, I was walking down the seasonal aisle at the grocery store when I stopped to look at the Easter candy. I spotted chocolate bunnies who were posed as if they were taking selfies. I thought of my niece in college several states to the north. I knew she would be amused. […]
For Our Little Bird Hermione
This weekend, we said goodbye to one of our little zebra finches, Hermione.
Surprise! It’s a…giraffe!
A baby giraffe. A new little—well, not so little—life in the world. It was just the spark of joy this gray April day needed.
All that we offer
When I make beef vegetable soup, I am incapable of making the right amount for our family of four. We always end up with extra. So, after I made a pot of soup this week, I texted my sister to see if she’d like some for her, her husband, and their six children. Treasa wrote […]
A gender reveal party and the Annunciation
As the lunch came to a close, she brought out the gender reveal cake. I have never been to a gender reveal party, but I love any reason to celebrate a new little one.
The people who bring Jesus to us
I smiled the whole way back to my seat. After Mass, we chatted about how wonderful it was that I had been able to receive the Eucharist from him. What an unexpected surprise and delight.
An Unforgettable Lesson
Children will forget things at home—the trumpet, the lunch, the math homework, or water bottle. Sometimes you can’t fix it. But sometimes you can—and you will.
Button up this Lent
The other day, I realized I was running ahead of schedule on my way to school pick-up, so I stopped for gas. I slid the pump into the side of the car and then took a quick walk around the car. Dozens of years ago, my father told me that was a good idea, so […]