The Circle of Life

Even as our concern grows about the condition of our Aunt Eleanor, Sr. Benedicta, we are reminded of how the McCorry Clan continues.

My cousin Brian McCorry sent these photos tonight from his visit to Chicago Sunday, Sept. 21, to see Sr. B and our Aunt Rita, Sr. Acquinice.

Earlier in the day, Brian met for the first time his sixth grandchild, Maura Frances Koesterer, who was born on Sept. 20 to Brian’s daughter Lizzie and her husband Phil Koesterer, who were married in 2010 and live in Chicago.

In the photo in the hospital room, Lizzie and Phil introduce Maura to her big brother PJ, who takes to her immediately as you can see in the other photo. If you click on each of the photos, you can expand them.

As I’ve reported to you before, Sr. Benedicta has recently taken a turn for the worse and is in hospice care at Mercy Circle facility. Brian wanted me to point out the little welcome gift he brought that’s in Sr. A’s hand. ;) Just a small bottle.

Brian shared the photos by e-mail with his immediate family before sharing them with me. In the responses, David McCorry remarked that “The juxtaposition of the pictures of Sr. Benedicta and Maura makes me pause. Two lives at opposite ends yet they both seem so similarly helpless and innocent.”

Both are receiving the best of care as well.

Brian’s sister Maureen Drabik replied that she had the same reaction: “Two people at opposite ends of life .... 95+ years difference in age.”  

Thanks to Brian for the photos. I told him that if the McCorry Family USA Blog had a budget for freelancers, he'd get a big payday.

Enjoy the photos, keep Sr. Benedicta in your prayers and welcome little Maura to the world! 

Keep Sr. Benedicta in Your Prayers

To All,

I've received reports from a few of you about Sr. Benedicta's condition. She suffered a fall late last week at the Mercy Center facility where she lives in Chicago. She moved to Mercy Center in August to be at the same campus as Sr. Acquinice. Reports since the fall indicate that her situation has deteriorated and that she is in hospice care. David Schield e-mailed me today that he heard from Sr. Acquinice that her passing may be near. "It won't be long," Aunt Rita told David. "Aunt Teresa was there yesterday and A said B did recognize folks and was following the voices around the room, however today it is mostly sleep," David wrote.
It's been six years since Aunt Eleanor's stroke and she's received great care from her medical providers. If any of you have additional information about Sr. Benedicta's condition please write it in the comments section below or e-mail it to me and I can add it to the post.
Your prayers for her will greatly appreciated.
Robert Mullins