By Fr. Justin Fulton
Nebraska is turning 153 years old this weekend. If you grew up in Nebraska, do you remember around the fourth grade when we would learn about Nebraska history? Names like J. Sterling Morton, Willa Cather, George Norris, and William Jennings Bryan. Do you remember dressing up as pioneers? Do you remember square dancing? I sure do. I thank God every day there are zero pictures of me square dancing in existence.
Let me tell you about a direct descendant of Nebraska’s second governor, William Furnas.
Allison (Furnas) Hayes is a dynamic woman from Brownville. Brownville was a capital of Nebraska and Governor Furnas is actually buried there. Allison and her husband Marty are lifelong family friends who used to watch all of us grow up, play sports with their kids, and are like parents to all they meet. Allison and Marty are genuine Nebraskans—good folks. They still send personal, handwritten notes and cards. They will clip an article out of the paper and send it to you for your scrapbook. They will laugh with you. They will cry with you. They will always love you. Marty and Allison are parents, grandparents, and apostles of care and love.
A couple of weeks ago I had a chance to get to Auburn to check on Mom and Dad. And wouldn’t you know it, there on the dining room table was a card from Marty and Allison. It was a Valentine’s card telling Mom and Dad that Marty and Allison were thinking about them. It was simple yet profound. I know it lifted my parents’ spirits. In a world of emails, texts, and instant messaging a regular card and a handwritten note goes a long, long way into the soul.
Also a few weeks ago a group of students from Pius X High School in Lincoln wrote personal letters to the women and children of St. Gianna Women’s Homes. The students were in the presence of Jesus in a Holy Hour of Adoration and were inspired to write these women and kids to lift up their spirits. They showed their love and support for women and children they may never even meet. It is one of the highest forms of love when one shows compassion for another they may never meet. With some time, some ink, and God’s grace pouring forth from the Eucharist, Christ was able to work through these young students and His love flowed to the women and kids of St. Gianna’s in the form of handwritten letters.
If your CCD class, peer group, students, friends, Bible study group, or yourself would like to lift up the spirits of others by writing some letters, let Volunteer Coordinator Jeremy Sousek know at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Let us remember the Bible—God’s Word—was never texted or emailed—it was written. And handwritten letters deeply mark our souls.
Thank you for your prayers, support, and your faith in Christ. May God bless us all!
