“Eric was just like any other student on Ash Wednesday (2-13-02). He attended Mass at school that day and received ashes to his forehead. But, Eric had also made a conscious decision to be more giving. It was something he decided on his own, not something I said he should do. He was a big candy lover. He always gave up candy for Lent, so I took his Lenten promise that year to be more of a life changing effort on his part, not just something you do for Lent and forget about. Eric lived his faith. In a religion paper he wrote in 2002 he felt it was most important to live by the Golden Rule, and to treat others the way you, yourself would want to be treated.”

– Mary Molnar (Eric’s Mom)

God is astounding.

Eric died by hitting a walnut tree. I discovered the following just the other day:

“In Christian culture in general, the image of the walnut, with its three parts, is associated with the Trinity. Saint Augustine … asserts that the nut may be considered a symbol of Jesus Christ. According to this interpretation, the outer hull represents the flesh, the wood shell stands for the cross, and the kernel alludes to Christ’s divine nature. Generally speaking, the image of the walnut in art should be read in this light. (Stephen Sartarelli, trans. Nature and Its Symbols, 172)” (Catholicmom.com)

A ladybug landed on a family members shoulder at Eric’s funeral. It was just a handful of years ago that I discovered the following:

“In Christianity, the ladybug (or “Our Lady’s beetle”) symbolizes divine protection, good fortune, and faith, linked to the Virgin Mary; its red color represents her cloak, and its spots symbolize her sorrows or joys, stemming from European folklore where they saved crops from pests. While not directly in the Bible, ladybugs are seen as messengers of God’s care, embodying humility and spiritual growth, with sightings offering comfort or reminders of faith.”

-AI

The ladybug follows our family and shows up just when we need it. The walnut continues to guide me wherever I go. Love.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.