Catholic Schools and the Common Good

Posted by Andrew J. Coulson

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One of the first things you learn when you start to study the comparative performance of school systems is this: on average, Catholic schools are much more educationally effective and vastly more efficient than state-run schools. And then you learn that their impact goes beyond the three R’s. I wrote a little about these facts a few years ago, while I was with the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, and my Mackinac friends have resurrected the post for Catholic Schools Week. I’ve appended an excerpt below, but you can read the whole thing here.

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It’s nice to see the positive contribution of Catholic Schools recognized. Shame that we Catholics no longer have First Amendment rights in the USA.

“What!”, you say.

Guess you haven’t been paying attention. Notice that Catholic Schools are disappearing. Why do you think that is?

Because a pay for service can’t compete with the Gooferment, when that Gooferment gives away the same service for free.

And, if you think that is an “unintended consequence” then you are … let’s be charitable … naive.

The Prussians invented the school system to: (1) make good soldiers (i.e., cannon fodder) for the Army; (2) “reliable” factory workers; and (3) citizens who were easily led by the elite.

Doubt it? Where do politicians send their kids to school?

What should you do?

Probably too late. But, you could contribute your attention, time, talents, and money to an inner city school.

Good Shepherd school is fighting back. The Administration has reached out to its alumni and they are giving back.

Perhaps, if everyone fights really hard, then we can overcome the Laws of Economics.

Politically, we might be able to have the Separation of School and State?

All depends upon you.

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Sports Amid Tebow-Mania, a Quiet, Dream-Come-True Gesture Reveals Another Side of Quarterback’s Impact
Posted on January 14, 2012 at 11:53am by Dave Urbanski

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With each dramatic, down-to-the-wire win, the unlikely legend of Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow increases.

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But amid the media hype over his on-field successes—and press-conference declarations of faith—Tebow‘s charitable work and plain ol’ expressions of kindness don’t grab nearly as many headlines.

Like his pregame meeting last Sunday with Bailey Knaub, a Loveland, Co. high schooler who was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease when she was 7 and has since undergone 73 surgeries, including the removal of one of her lungs.

“[Tebow] just came over and said ‘Hi Bailey. It’s such a great opportunity to meet you.’ And he gave me the ball, and I was so excited,” she told CBS Denver.

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“Here he’d just played the game of his life, and the first thing he does after his press conference is come find Bailey and ask, ‘Did you get anything to eat?‘ He acted like what he’d just done wasn’t anything, like it was all about Bailey.” Tebow even added extra star power, calling over receiver Demaryius Thomas (who caught the game-winning touchdown) and uber-iconic John Elway to meet the enthralled 16 year old.

“It was the best day of my life,” Bailey said. “Tim Tebow gave me the greatest gift I could ever imagine…the strength for the future. I know now that I can face any obstacle placed in front of me. Tim taught me to never give up because…today might seem bleak but it can’t rain forever and tomorrow is a new day, with new promises.”

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[JR: That's a class act. In a day when too many of those physically gifted individuals forget "there but for the Grace of God". I'm not a big fan of the MP4B (i.e., “Millionaires Playing For Billionaires”). This story convinces me that at least one of them has his head screwed on straight. ]

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Everyone in Your Life Is You
by Julie Hoyle

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“You validate people’s lives by your attention.” ~Unknown

When my husband and I lived in New Providence, the capital island of the Bahamas, we rented a charming wooden cottage with a sweeping vista of the ocean from a sweet, elderly man who was 88 years old.

Our landlord Leslie lived alone in an elegant house next door to our cottage and I made it a habit to visit him each day, after arriving home from teaching at a local high school.
Leslie was lonely and my heart would ache for him. Having lost his wife a few years earlier, he was a sad, wistful figure, who would spend the day sitting with the front door open, gazing out at traffic and wondering where all his friends had gone.

While I felt sorry for his situation, I was acutely aware of why people had stopped coming by. Leslie could barely hear a word anyone said and, as a consequence, my visits would consist of raising my voice to the highest level possible, which would leave me hoarse and physically drained.

One afternoon after making tea and settling down to attempt to communicate, Leslie started by labeling himself “a silly old fool” and then related an incident I will never forget.

Over the years I have recalled it many times as a way of highlighting the importance of being attentive and present.

As the story goes, Leslie flew to Grand Bahama Island to spend the weekend with his son Derek. When it was time to leave, Derek took Leslie back to the airport, checked him in, and said goodbye.

In the departure area, Leslie was unable to fully hear an announcement. Rather than making inquiries, Leslie followed a group of people moving toward the gate and, relying on a steward to correctly check his ticket, he boarded the plane.

However, much to his acute embarrassment and dismay, Leslie later realized the plane was touching down in Miami, rather than New Providence.

At different times in my life, I have been each character in this story, deaf to what others have been trying to tell me, unable to articulate my needs, and woefully inattentive and distracted.

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This story hit a nerve. My Maternal Grandmother RIP was too vain to wear ANY of the many hearing aids her daughters bought for her. Despite being badly deaf. She was over joyed when ever my late wife would come to visit. Frau Reinke would literally scream, using her basketball coach voice, if that’s what was needed to have my Grandmother hear her. And, she knew when to turn up the volume because my Grandmother would just smile when a response was required or say some non sequitur. Frau Reinke put a lot of effort out to communicate with her.

Funny story: we visited Grandma’s sister, who looked like Grandma. During the visit, Aunt Marion went to the head, and I said to Frau Reinke that she didn’t have to yell at Aunt. Her hearing was fine. When Aunt returned, Frau Reinke apologized profusely. Aunt laughed saying she absolutely understood and knew how hard it was to talk to Grandma.

So when you visit with old folks, remember Grandma and being pridefully deaf.

I’m sure my fellow alums don’t need this instruction, but maybe the lesson is not to be too pig headed about vanity. At least, not to the point, where others have to scream at you.

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The Good Sheppard is Healing Our Heroes’ Homes

“Seldom do we hear stories of people who give.  We always hear stories about people who take.  Meet the good Sheppard and learn something.” 
by Ken Smith

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I got an email from someone who knew someone who knew something that they thought might be important to me.  ”You wantta hear a story about how a combat wounded, disabled Marine in California had repairs done to his house by a group of 50 college students he asked?”    Sure I said, what’s the story?   Read the email I am about to send to you.

50 San Diego Students Volunteer 24 Hours of Labor to Renovate the Home of Purple Heart Marine Veteran for Embrace H3 Nonprofit Program on December 10th

Over $30,000 worth of labor and donated or purchased materials went into the restoration of disabled Marine Sgt. Jason Swofford’s Oceanside home

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[JR: Why don't these stores get more coverage. As opposed to the politicians and bureaucrats who "support the troops"? A good deed is its own reward. ]

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Heroic Passers-By Jump Into Icy River to Rescue Children From Crash
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 5:33am by Mike Opelka

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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Former police officer Chris Willden didn’t hesitate when he realized children were trapped in an upside down car in an icy Utah river. He pulled his handgun, pushed it up against the submerged windows and shot out the glass.

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But he turned to see up to eight other passers-by had scrambled down the embankment to help after coming upon the accident along U.S. 89 in Logan Canyon on Saturday afternoon.

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[JR: Now there is "greater love hath no man"! You look at the picture and can see that this was far from a riskless endeavor. Maybe not as obvious as a burning car, but everyone's well aware of the danger of "swift water". Looks cold too! Now I'm sure my fellow alums could tackle such. I otoh would prefer nothing that large. But you have to admire physical courage and a great result. I do. P.S., note the use of a gun as a tool. Without it, there might have been a very different outcome.]

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Faith ‘Santa’ Saves Man from Burning Pickup — But That’s Not the Whole Story…
   Posted on December 23, 2011 at 12:00am by Christopher Santarelli Christopher Santarelli

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Incredible video caught one good Samaritan this past Tuesday pulling North Texas man out from his crashed pickup truck just before it was consumed by flames. After the rescue, the good Samaritan directed traffic around the accident until help came. What makes the rescue even more astounding is that the good Samaritan, Brad Luddeke, did it all this while wearing a Santa Claus costume on his way to deliver gifts to needy children.

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[JR: "Greater love hath no man than ...". Clearly "risking it" it not as high on the mitzvah scale as "sacrificing one's life for another". But saving a stranger, on first blush, from a burning pickup requires far greater huevos than I have. I hope all my challenges are more in line with my minuscule abilities; lest when tested, I'm found wanting. OTOH I'm sure my fellow alum can handle any size challenge. But the picture says a thousand words. Most of us don't get he chance to demonstrate physical courage. Let alone while subbing in for the real Santa. ]

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A daughter keeps her word, as her husband takes it one step further

By Kevin Kelly

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Kansas City, Mo., Nov 24, 2011 / 01:19 pm (CNA).- Hollywood used to write love stories like this, but a cynical world stopped believing them.

It was around 2 a.m. on June 9, 1944, when 15-year-old Mary Michler and her friends, who had taken the wrong bus on their way home from the movies, walked into Pops, a Kansas City hamburger joint at 44th and Prospect.

Charles Cahill, was celebrating his high school graduation that night, fell in love. At first glance. For both of them.

“I knew the girl she was with, so I had her introduce me,” Charles said. “I told my best friend the next morning that I met the girl I was going to marry.”

What followed was 67 years of love, not just that between a man and a woman, but also between a father and daughter, that survived through hurt, torment, rejection, before finally coming to a place of acceptance and peace, and love between a people and a church always willing to welcome home.

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So he took one more step. Charles told Father Davis that he wanted to join Mary as she resumed her practice of the Catholic faith.

On Sept. 27, 2011, 66 years after they stood before a less-than-sober justice of the peace in Paola, Kan., Charles and Mary Cahill received their sacramental marriage.

On Nov. 6, 2011, Charles Cahill was baptized and confirmed during the 11:15 a.m. Mass, then he for the first time in his life, and Mary for the first time in decades, received Holy Communion.

“It’s wonderful,” Mary said. “It’s been a wonderful life with him, even before I made the promise to my father. And it’s wonderful now.”

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[JR: A great story. And, for New Year's Day, when we get a chance to restart with new beginnings, this has so many lessons for us on many levels. One of which is that you can wait 66 years to get a new start. Dona Nobis Pacem ]

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LOOK AT YOURSELF AFTER WATCHING THIS.mp4

[JR: It speaks for itself. If you watch this and don't feel motivated, there's no hope.]

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TED Blog
TEDxWomen: A truly global conversation
27 November 2011
Living beyond limits: Amy Purdy on TED.com

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When she was 19, Amy Purdy lost both her legs below the knee. And now … she’s a pro snowboarder. In this powerful talk, she shows us how to draw inspiration from life’s obstacles. (Recorded at TEDxOrangeCoast 2011, September 2011, in Boulder, Colorado. Duration: 9:37.)

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[JR: Mandatory 10 minute video that really is quite emotional and inspirational. And, makes you what to check for that bacterial meningitis vaccination. For all those countries who put "their" women in burqa, under a "glass ceiling", or unbelievably abort or murder them, take a look at this dynamo. We here in the USA should be unstoppable! At whatever these gals put their minds to.]

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Judge Napolitano: Why Taxation is Theft, Abortion is Murder, & Gov’t is Dangerous

[JR: A ½ hour, but contains a well spoke argument about "abortion". Made me feel that I was back in High School where a Christian Brother, who's name I've long forgot, told some young hormone ravage boys to wise up. "It's not all kissy face and pressy body! Actions have consequences. Now when is it ok to kill? A man, a child, a baby, prior to birth?" This is what passed for sex ed in my school. I vaguely remember the line "If you don't dip your pen in some girl's inkwell, then you won't have anything to worry about." But, I can't swear that was in school or basic training. Anyway, the Judge makes a strong case, I'm not sure if I exactly agree. Having had the Christian Brothers, you might be able to make a case that "rights" inure to the person when they can take them and fight for them. In that instance, there are some people who never reach that age. Ever. I found the Judge's riff on when and how it flows from either Natural or Moral Law most reassuring. Hope you find it inspiring as well. I liked his allusion to Aquinas' argument of conscience. We've forgotten that, I fear, in this country.]

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High school football player dedicates senior season to his late mom

By John Shaughnessy

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Indianapolis, Ind., Nov 5, 2011 / 01:16 pm (CNA).- He thought of his mother again on Senior Night as he walked across the football field with his father.

When his accomplishments as a high school student-athlete were announced to the crowd, he knew that his mother would have hung on every word as she also held onto his arm.

Indeed, if he could have had one wish granted in that moment, he wouldn’t have hesitated in making his choice. It would have been for her—his biggest fan—to be there with him and his dad.

“It was hard,” said Casey Moorman, recalling the Senior Night on Sept. 30 for the football team of Cardinal Ritter High School in Indianapolis, Ind.. “I tried to stay focused on the game, but I definitely was thinking about her a lot that night.”

He thought about the story she told him about his birth—how he was born without a hip socket on his right leg, and how doctors told his parents that he may never walk.

He recalled how she had always been there for him through the surgeries, how she had always encouraged him to never give up, and how she always had cheered loudly in the stands for him and his teammates.

He also remembered Feb. 3, 2011, when Shiela Moorman died unexpectedly in her sleep a few days after the mother of three had undergone surgery.

And just before he ran on the field as a starting linebacker for Cardinal Ritter’s football team, the 5-foot, 7-inch, 175-pound Casey did what he has done for every game this season: He dedicated the game to his mother

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[JR: The positive part is not that a boy honors his Mom. It's that the boy is a shining example that the doctors don't know everything. And, that if the Culture of Death succeeds, we'll become like Sparta putting "defectives" out to die. What gives us the right to make these decisions? And, what if we've already aborted the next "Penicillin" Fleming, Mother Theresa, or even President Obama. Examples like this show us what's possible. And, demonstrate the limit of our understanding.]

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Pope Pius XII personally saved Jews from Holocaust, researcher believes
November 04, 2011

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An American Jewish researcher has uncovered evidence that Pope Pius XII went under cover on personal missions to save Jews from the Holocaust.

Gary Krupp of the Pave the Way Foundation cites a letter from a Jewish man who escaped from the ghetto in Rome and was taken into the Vatican for safety. Much later, upon meeting Pope Pius XII, the man recognized the Pontiff as the man who had—dressed as a simple Franciscan friar—escorted him into the Vatican.

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[JR: I’ve read the diatribes in the “Secular Progressive” media that slams various Popes. Those type of stories get huge headlines; this nothing. One has to imagine that the truth will come out eventually. One would like to believe that even if the Devil became Pope that the Office would change him into a saint. For my part, I keep reflecting “Judge not; lest …” since I doubt I’d have that kind of courage. And, when I pray, I ask for small challenges in keeping with my modest abilities. However I know my fellow alums are up to the big ones. Donna Nobis Pacem ]

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An Irish family pleads for their baby’s life
Only an operation in Boston can save little Elie
By The Madden family, Estie, Eddie and Emie, IrishCentral.com Special Report
Published Sunday, October 30, 2011, 8:17 AMUpdated Sunday, October 30, 2011, 9:40 AM

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Our current target for fundraising is 30,000 dollars.

This should cover accommodation, living and transport expenses for 4 months in Boston. However, should the outcome of Elie’s surgeries not go to plan, we may need to stay longer there with her. We will keep you updated at all times on our target.

Many thanks for your continued support.

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http://www.eliemadden.com/Site/Home.html

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October 25th Update

We are two thirds the way to our goal. This is super and we thank you all for your donations. We have been in touch with The Childrens Hospital in Boston and await news of dates for the surgeries.

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[JR: Ahh, true charity, it’s a beautiful thing. Maybe Jaspers can put a few coins in the basket. Maybe a Boston Jasper or two can reach out a hand when they’re local. It’s got to be tough to be in a strange country with a “foreign” language. Amazing what pre-Obamacare has been able to do. Sad that we’re going to throw this excellence all away based on the promises of politicians and bureaucrats that a different system will be better and cheaper.]

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Dutch sister’s online vocation efforts bearing fruit
By David Kerr

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Rome, Italy, Oct 21, 2011 / 06:13 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Sister Elvira Maria de Witt, DCJ, is an opera singer turned nun who has found a new way to win vocations to the religious life—by going online.

“The Netherlands had a lot of missionaries. I didn’t come into this congregation, give up my whole career as a singer – and I was really good – to let it die. Come on Jesus!” the feisty, young Dutch religious sister told CNA while visiting Rome.

“But I asked myself, where should I find new people?”

So, after considering going to bars and soccer games to find young people but concluding “I don’t think I can go there,” she came up with her bold broadband plan.

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“The Netherlands is a good example of how things shouldn’t work: there is no catechism in the Catholic schools, there are no Catholic schools – only in name – but inside you see nothing,” she said.

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This is a “positive” in that the Church is reaching souls over the internet. Grasping the latest tech to extend. Since folks are reachable via this new tech, it makes sense to go where the eyeballs are. Vocations? Is there an app for that? That’s where the next spurt will come form. imho!

It’s a negative “endnote” in that comment “no catechism in the Catholic schools”. That just reinforces that the “war” (against “Secular Progressive” Gooferment Skrules brainwashing children) on that “front” is lost. This opens up a new “front” that bypasses politicians and bureaucrats.

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One of Mel Gibson’s Hidden Acts of Charity Revealed
via LewRockwell.com Blog by Lew Rockwell on 10/16/11

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“[Robert Downey, Jr.], who had well-publicized bouts with drinking and drug abuse, said that by sticking up for Gibson, he was simply returning the favor. After his imprisonment and arrests on drug charges made him uninsurable and thus prevented him from being hired in Hollywood, it was Gibson who stepped up and paid his insurance bond on the 2003 film ‘The Singing Detective.’

“‘He kept a roof over my head and put food on my table,’ Downey remembered.

“He said that all Gibson asked in return was that Downey do the same for another person who was struggling.”

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[JR: Here's a lesson in the old "judge not; lest you be judged" and "do your charitable works privately". I'm very careful of forming opinions of folks especially were substances are involved. Everyone has flaws. Have to reserve criticism for those that hold themselves out as an exemplar or a leader and then are found to have very clay feet. Gibson has some strange beliefs but obviously has charity in his heart. I hope that all those with substance problems find their way to peace. Donna Nobis Pacem]

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Irish tot Boston bound for life changing surgery
1-year-old Elie Madden needs operation to save her life
By MOLLY MULDOON, Irish Voice Reporter
Published Thursday, October 13, 2011, 7:54 AMUpdated Thursday, October 13, 2011, 10:25 AM

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After assessing her case, doctors in Boston are satisfied that Elie is a good candidate for the treatment. The process itself will involve three major surgeries and could take up to six months.

Luckily both the Irish Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Madden’s private health insurer have agreed to foot the bill for the procedure, but the cost of living and travel expenses still need to be covered. Doctors have advised them that they will have to remain in Boston for at least three months.

Eddie will continue working at home in Dublin while Esti and the twin girls will travel to Boston. The family are now fundraising for their living and transport expenses for their trip to Boston, while they wait to get a date for the procedure in Boston. “There is a lot in front of us so we are anxious to get there,” Esti told the Irish Voice. For more information or to donate to Operation Elie log onto http://www.eliemadden.com

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[JR: Amazing that the world has shrunk so much. Saving a life is a mitzvah. Where does life begin and where does our responsibility begin?]

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Do It Yourself Healthcare
Posted on October 9, 2011 by Donna Sturgess

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This new system, called NETRA (Near-Eye Tool for Refractive Assessment), is a project of the MIT Media Lab’s Camera Culture research group. A small plastic device—which currently can be produced for less than $2 (US)—is easily clipped onto a mobile phone screen. To use it, simply hold the device up to the eye, look into it, and use the phone’s keypad until two patterns overlap. This is repeated several times per eye, with the patterns at different angles. The whole process takes about two minutes, during which time software loaded onto the phone computes and provides the data needed to create a prescription.

The small size and low cost of the device makes it especially well-suited for use in the developing world. As many as two billion people worldwide have refractive errors of the eye, and according to the World Health Organization, these errors, left uncorrected, are the world’s second-highest cause of blindness. This is just the beginning of the many ways technology innovation will fill in the gaps in health service, placing our health literally in our hands.

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Wow, “second-highest cause of blindness”!

Detectible by $2 piece of plastic and a cell phone.

This is an impressive gift to humanity.

What is “society” waiting for?

I’m continually stunned at how smart some folks are.

That’s ingineering!

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“You can’t connect the dots looking forward. You can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will some how connect in the future. You have to trust in something.” Steve Jobs’ 2005 Stanford Commencement Address

The world has lost the services of a visionary. Only history will score him on the visionary scale. But, where will the replacements come. We’ve heard the old maxims: “in the world of the blind, the one eyed man is king”, “when you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you”, and “NO! … Try not! … Do or do not… there is no try.”

To this we have to add: “Stay hungry. Stay foolish.”

Maybe one of our fellow alums can step forward to lead us?

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Erik “Electron Boy” Martin   

SEATTLE (AP) — In real life he was Erik Martin, a boy with a constellation of severe health problems and a rare form of cancer. But in his imagination he was Electron Boy, a superhero who saved Seattle from the forces of darkness and evil one spring day last year.

Erik died Friday at home. He was 14.

In April 2010, hundreds of volunteers in Seattle and Bellevue made Erik’s superhero story come true, in an elaborately choreographed event created by the Washington chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Wearing a handmade superhero costume that he had helped design, and riding in a DeLorean sports car, Erik rescued the Seattle Sounders from Dr. Dark and Blackout Boy. He saved a Puget Sound Energy worker stuck in a bucket truck, rescued a group of people trapped on the observation deck of the Space Needle, and captured the villains, played to the hilt by Edgar Hansen and his sidekick Jake Anderson, both of Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch.”

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Three years ago, Erik was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer called paraganglioma, which spread throughout his body and was not treatable with surgery or chemotherapy.

When the Make-A-Wish Foundation offered to grant him his wish, Erik told wish manager Jessie Elenbaas that he wanted to do things he has never been able to do: to run fast, be powerful and help people.

“Everyone wants to see someone become a superhero for a day, especially someone struggling with as many issues as Erik was,” she said.

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[JR: “Everyone wants …”. Yup, you and I can be someone’s “superhereo” enabler. Just had lunch yday with Flynn, Bro. Gregory (MC1967) and he’s a superhero. He helps a couple of hundred children every year. I was playing an “enabler” trying to link him with resources at MC that can be a win win for everyone. The MC faculty and students can apply their “learnin” to the real world and those children in a rough life get the benefit. (And, yes, for those who find it hard to believe, I actually came out of my hole and it wasn’t groundhog’s day.) I’m sure my fellow alums don’t need my urging to do great things, but maybe this story will touch them as it did me. Everyone has a role; even if it’s just to play the villain.]

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Can’t We All Just Get Along?
by Eric Peters

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If you stop to think about it, this pattern repeats on other levels, such as the political. Most people would never threaten their neighbor with violence in order to force him to give them money. Yet the will routinely – casually – vote in favor of doing precisely the same thing, only by proxy. They lack both physical and moral courage to steal, but provided it is called something else and done by someone else, then it’s ok.

Admirable, even.

It’s the same with road manners.

Well, we need a wake-up call – and a remedial lesson, too. Nothing good comes of theft – or being a PhD Dick behind the wheel, either. You may think you’ve got the upper hand, that you’ve “taught them a lesson” – but in fact all you’ve succeeded in doing is ratcheting up the Hate, and that will come back to bite you in the ass one day, too.

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http://doortodoordriving.com/resources/prayer.php

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Driver’s Prayer

God our Father, you led Abraham from his home and guarded him in all of his travels. You guided him safely to the destination you had chosen for him. Be with us now as we travel and guard us every mile of our journey. Help us to be attentive, cautious, and concerned about our fellow travelers. Make our highways safe and keep us from all danger.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, guide us to our destination and help us to drive prayerfully and carefully. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.

Amen.

What is Reparation?

Reparation is the manifestation of love which is conscious of sin and endeavors to make up for the injustice done to God through sin.

What is Reparation Driving?

Reparation Driving is the effort of generous souls who, in addition to what is already their duty, seek to give to the Sacred Heart more love and honor, thereby making up, in some small way, for the inconsideration and recklessness of careless drivers.

The Reparation Way of Driving

* Make a simple “mental note” upon entering your car that you are offering this time to the Sacred Heart

* Prove your sincerity and love by driving to the best of your ability, observing all laws of traffic and courtesy

* Exercise the greatest charity toward others AND FOR OTHERS who are careless and thoughtless in their driving

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[JR: These two sites hit a chord. Frau Reinke was a "Sacred Heart" girl. I wish I knew why. But, she had some material from one of her charities. One item was about "reparation driving". I joke that with her eyes, she'd be doing her reparation if she didn't drive. Some how, she didn't think it was funny. So my "punishment" for being such an <synonym for donkey> was that when I was driving her, I had to make "reparations" for being mean to her about her driving. It became a standing joke. Of course, I cheated a little. Some of my fellow drivers may have received a special Irish prayer — May your pipe never smoke, may your teapot be broke! — as opposed to a true reparation prayer. But I tried.]

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