the years, other orphanages were started, but Sacred Heart continued to serve a small population.
For Kimberly, it had been her home from the time her parents had been killed in a car accident when she was seven years old. Against all stereotypes of hard discipline, lean living, and scary nuns, Kimberly found the Sisters at Sacred Heart to be warm, caring, and nurturing. It wasn’t the same as her parents, but she was still surrounded by love.
“I was just going to go for a little walk,” Sister Honoria said. “I would enjoy your company.”
She smiled, taking the older nun’s arm. “I’d love to go with you.” They walked slowly down the hall, and Kimberly peeked inside a few classrooms, remembering years gone by.
“There are very few of us still left, I’m afraid,” Sister Honoria said. “There are only two teachers that are nuns and two of us that are administrators. The orphanage dormitories are now used for boarding students since the Diocese and the Hope City Department of Social Services came together to provide a different location for the orphanage.”
“I remember this place fondly,” she admitted. “I sometimes miss the calm atmosphere.”
“Most of our children could not wait to graduate and go off into the world.”
Chuckling, she nodded. “And probably, like me, most found that the world was often a noisy, crowded, unpredictable place.” Seeing Sister Honoria’s sharp gaze land on her, she hurried to add, “I’m happy, but that doesn’t mean I don’t sometimes long for simpler times.”
Sister Honoria patted her arm. “The world sometimes seems to be less contemplative, doesn’t it? Although, that just means we have to find and take the time to be alone with our thoughts and God.”
They had left the school building, circling around the brick sidewalks that meandered between the trees. The large Sacred Hearts Chapel rose before them, anchoring one corner of the campus, and they sat on a bench, both staring up at the grey stone and stained-glass windows.
“What are your favorite memories of this place?” Sister Honoria asked.
Kimberly thought for a moment, her mind filtering through the past. “I remember Sister Grace threatening us with extra laps at PE if we didn’t pay attention in class. We knew she was only kidding, and we’d laugh, but still, we’d get quiet. I remember singing in the choir. Practice was fine in the school building, but then, when we’d sing in the church, it was awesome to hear the acoustics.”
“Oh, yes, lovely memories.”
“I remember when Father James would take some of us with him when he delivered food and gifts to some of the people with need. I used to help him even when I was in college but haven’t done that for a couple of years and miss it.” She sighed. “I started my job, moved into a townhouse, and I suppose it was easier to walk away from those in need than it should have been.”
“There is so much need in the world.” Sister Honoria’s gaze twinkled as she said, “Father James still goes there. He has a group that delivers some items to the homeless that are unable to get into shelters. If you ever want to help, just let us know.”
“I do,” she said, nodding with enthusiasm. “I feel as though I’ve lived very selfishly for a while. Is Father James around? I’d like to find out when his next delivery day will be.”
Sister Honoria chuckled and pointed to a side door of the church. “You’re in luck. He’s coming out now.”
She waved to him and smiled as he walked closer, recognizing her as he neared. He had come to Sacred Heart as a young priest when she was a child. Enthusiastic and fun at heart, the children had loved him. Now, the mantle of middle age had settled about his shoulders, but his smile was just as wide and his eyes twinkled just as bright.
“Kimberly, how lovely to see you.”
“That’s exactly what I said,” Sister Honoria added. “Kimberly came for a visit and has decided she would like to help you with your next blanket and food donation.”
Clapping his hands, he exclaimed, “You’re just in time! I’ve got a group going in a couple of days. We visit the Cardboard Cottages, underneath the 31st Bridge. There is so much need and suffering. If you’d like to come, you can help us hand out what we’ve gathered.”
“I’d love that.” After making the arrangements, she waved goodbye as he continued down the path and she and Sister Honoria began