Back in October I was wandering up Beechmont looking for my first Beechmont Story. Nervous and unsure, I started walking near Wolfangel and made it all the way out to Cherry Grove without talking to a single person other than myself. Practically defeated, I stopped inside Harbor Freight to run an errand. I figured I might as well make the best of the trip. At least I saved some gas money I thought.
I was looking for latex gloves. We had just bought a hamster for our daughter and my wife wanted a barrier between her hands and the hamster waste hidden throughout the bedding. We were hamster rookies then. R.I.P. Cuddles.
An employee saw me eyeing an end cap with limited size options for gloves, so she directed me to a wall at the opposite end of the store, and that’s when I heard his voice. It was a deep voice; loud and proud with nothing to hide.
I recognized it as the same voice that sang hymns behind us at Saint Veronica when our family started going back to Church almost two years ago. We had been away from the Catholic Church for a while, but for our children’s sake, we found our way back.
It was Christmas Eve Mass and many things stood out to me that evening of our return to Church, like newly ordained Father David Doseck’s Homily (we miss you Father David!), Paul Bresciani’s beautiful version of Lamb of God, the snow that fell as we walked back to our cars, and the bearded man with a bellowing voice who sat behind us.
I peeked around the corner in Harbor Freight and saw his face. That’s him I thought. That’s definitely the man from St. Veronica. You can’t forget a face like his, with his long wispy white beard and curly mustache. And the voice of course. He was talking to another man in the store.
So I stood there with my camera in my hand and I thought this must be who I’m supposed to use for my first story. Something must have brought me all the way out there. Something made him stand out to me by drawing the connection to our return to Church. It all made sense, so I engaged him in conversation and Peanut ended up being my very first Beechmont Story.
If you remember Peanut’s story, he was going to be honored as an exemplary caregiver in November by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati for the care and support he provides for his sister who suffers from dementia.
That Mass was this Sunday and it took place at Saint Peter in Chains Cathedral downtown. Thankfully my family and I were able to attend and I was able to get a couple pictures of Peanut’s big day.
The White Mass
The White Mass is named after the traditional white garb worn by physicians and nurses. In the Church, white symbolizes hope and comfort to the ill and hospitalized. Peanut was provided a white rose and a white sash to recognize his exemplary care.
Saint Peter in Chains Cathedral was crowded and hot. There were dozens of other caregivers being honored and their extended families filled the pews. The priest apologized for the heat citing some difficulty with the temperature control.
We sat behind Peanut where I was able to observe his reverence during Mass. Quiet and still, Peanut appeared to pray often. During the Homily he cupped his right hand behind his right ear and subtly leaned forward, then shifted his head slightly, appearing to tune in to the words he was having trouble hearing. His hand stayed up to his ear the entire time and it made me wonder if it was a technique inspired by the Native Americans he respects and studies.
After Mass, Peanut invited my family to a reception held in the Cathedral undercroft, but I had a shoot scheduled in the afternoon and was running short on time. I think a serious man like Peanut is unlikely to earnestly accept the “I’m too busy” excuse, so I hated to have to give it to him. However; he politely nodded, shook my hand, and thanked me for coming when I told him we had to leave. He also told me he really enjoys my stories. I truly regret not having the time to stay for his reception.
We’re all too busy, but we don’t have to be. Is there a word that defines being too busy? Overworked? Swamped, I guess, but those words describe how it affects an individual. What is the word for being too busy for others? We need a word for that. I imagine the idea of being overly productive at the expense of friends and family would be included in the definition. Whomever comes up with it should add it to the list of seven deadly sins to make it eight. Being too busy for others, especially for those close to us, is fast becoming an undiagnosed illness for our society.
In the end, Peanut seemed genuinely proud and excited to be honored by the Church. It is clear how important his faith and the Church are to him. All in all, I’m glad I was there for at least the Mass and I’m so happy Peanut was my first story.
He’s an impactful man and a lot of people either knew or recognized him when I published his story. A reader who knew Peanut commented that it was a small world that she recognized someone featured online, but I don’t think it’s so much that the world is small as much as it is Peanut’s presence that is so big in the world.
Congratualtions Peanut!
Did you miss Beechmont Stories: All you have to do is Keep your Mouth Shut? Check it out, here.
Again, beautifully written. Peanut’s faith walks before him and inspires others.
Thank you Brian for such a caring and thoughtful story. Peanut is truly a God-Inspired man and the world truly needs more men like him. You, my friend, I would put into this same category as Peanut. You stories and pictures provide hope for others going through different situations in their lives and that is your God-Inspired talent. Continue to write and gives us, your audience, that hope to make it through another day, whatever that days may bring us. 🙂 God bless you as God has blessed us with you and your stories. 🙂
Wow David! Thank you for the inspiration and the kind words! I will certainly keep the stories coming!