There was a little note in the bulletin from Fr. M. Sample re: new ambo and Kevin responded by saying, “Wouldn’t that be a fitting tribute to your Mom, Dad and sister?” 

            The opportunity presented itself and we were more than thankful to be able to do this.  My Mom, Dad and sister  were given to me as my family and because of them my life and the lives of my own family have been “more” than abundantly blessed in so many ways. 

            Dad’s heart and soul centered a great deal around his and his family’s association with St. Michael’s parish, right from his earliest childhood.  He was born in 1913 and for almost all of his years until his death in 2001 at 88 years of age, he was a member of St. Michael’s. 

            He was proud to tell us that his Aunt Mary was the first organist after the opening of St. Michael’s in 1913.  Dad’s uncle Wilfred Traher was choir director for a time and his grandmother; Mrs. Sophia Traher was a member of St. Michael’s choir even at her age of 79 years. 

            Dad and his siblings all attended St. Michael’s elementary school and, needless to say, there were many stories regarding those days.  He would always share with “great delight”, his experiences involving both St. Michael’s parish & school. 

            Dad was quite active with the ushers’ group for a good number of years.  Mom, from 1950’s on, enjoyed participating in activities involving the CWL, bazaars, etc at St. Michael’s.  Mom was also, a very strong positive influence on our spiritual lives.  No matter the weather we walked to (and from) St. Michael’s for Mass on Sundays, First Fridays, weekday masses especially during Lent, missions, any special devotions i.e. forty hours, etc, etc.  There was no question about our attendance; it was our life, our faith and our parish. 

            Mom called St. Michael’s her parish home until her death in August 1998.  My sister Anne Marie and I also spent our elementary school years at St. Michael’s and Anne Marie called this her parish for many years too up until her death in September of 2005.  Mrs. Eva (Traher) Digou, Dad’s sister continues to be a member of St. Michael’s – a life long member as well. 

            As you can see St. Michael’s parish has always been a very integral part of our lives.  Kevin and I were married in the original St. Michael’s church in 1965, and have recently (2000) returned to call St. Michael’s our parish once again. 

            Speaking on behalf of Kevin & myself, and our family, we’ve been thankful for the opportunity to be able to give back to the parish community while at the same time doing so in honor of some very special people – “in our lives”, Mom, Dad and Anne Marie.