Note: I posted this on my FB page, but something like this belongs here as part of My Story.
In memoriam.
Today is Wm. David McKenna's birthday. He would have been 89 this year. He was my boss when I was 17. When I was 18 we were in a relationship. That was 1967. I was blamed for seducing him - he was 13 years older than myself. I lived with that. The work environment turned toxic, so I transferred to the Downtown Store - St. Paul was considered part of MPLS and not a branch - my reputation was shot, although I was too dumb to realize that at the time. We remained 'lovers' for 3 years. It wasn't a good situation. He had other young friends I wasn't aware of at the time. He was always very kind and protective to me though.
Years later I found out he was ill and got back in touch with him. Darold had worked for him at one time as well and they were good, professional friends. I was able to help him - from a distance, he lived in Seattle - get back to the Church. I called the parish he lived in and so on. He found a place there. He 'unfriended' us - though it wasn't a term back then, because we voted for Bush. LOL! Anyway, he passed away in 2004.
I have Masses said now days, especially for those people who despised me. I didn't realize for many years he and his associates didn't like me. I reflect on that sometimes and it is extremely helpful for deeper self-knowledge, while being an opportunity to grow in charity.
Anyway, thank you McKenna (that's what I always called him) and may you rest in peace. Prayers for eternal salvation.
Remember when you polished my shoes and ironed my clothes that first morning? Then breakfast with a sweet roll, eggs, bacon, toast? No one ever did that for me in my life before that. Thank you.
