On another day in Medjugorje we listened to the visionaries tell of their
experiences and of Our Lady's requests for prayer, penance, fasting, reconciliation and peace. One
to whom we listened was Vicka. After the question and answering period was over, everyone slowly
dispersed. I was standing out of the way, just pondering everything. Suddenly I found myself looking at
Vicka and she was looking back at me. She smiled and waved. She had the most peaceful and beautiful
smile I had ever seen. I waved back. I often think of that moment and wonder if Our Lady was telling
Vicka about me, like - this one needs a lot of help - Maybe one day I will know.
Over the trip was very difficult for me, as it began to stir up many
emotions, feelings, and guilt. Where was I going, or being led? What was I going to do? How was my family
going to handle all of this? Where will I go to church?
My family all but alienated me. Even my eighteen year old son thought
his mother had become a "looney tune."
I purchased several Rosaries while in Medjugorje. I purchased them for
family and friends. Several I kept to put on crucifixes in my home. A few I put away. I kept
praying the Rosary and my conversion continued.
The first Rosary I had received from my friend eventually broke. It
became necessary for me to use another Rosary and I had wished secretly in my heart that this Rosary
would also turn gold. After a while, I began to notice some gold tone glimmer on certain areas of it. I
was so excited and thankful. But then something different occurred. Parts of the Rosary turned pinkish in
color and then became red, a deep blood red. I had no idea why, and am still not very clear to this day.
But the red reminds me of two things, suffering and love.
This Rosary I wrapped around the hands of a statue of Our Lady of Fatima
which I have. I proceeded to take out a blessed crystal Rosary I had brought back from
Medjugorje. I was hoping that this Rosary, too, would turn gold. Shortly afterward, it did. I was
humbled. I thanked Our Lady in prayer. I have a habit of talking to myself a lot. I also talk out loud to
God, Jesus, the saints and angels.
I talk to them about my problems, my happy times, my sorrowful times,
everything. I ask for help and pray for others.
But I was to part with this Rosary eventually. I had attended a Marian
Conference in Omaha. A young lady who sings the rosary was getting ready to go on stage when she
realized she was without her own Rosary. I lent her mine. It was the last I saw of it. I know I could
have located her and asked for my Rosary back, but I also know that God uses simple things to bring His
children closer to Him. I decided to let go of that Rosary. I didn't want to be attached to any "thing."
More of Kathy's story next week. Until then, God bless you!