Valentine's Day, Sister Phil's Day

Sister Philomena Cassidy was born on the fourth of July and died on Valentine's Day.

One year ago this morning, Sister Phil passed away.  She was the nun at the little Catholic school where I worked for 3 years.  She was sweet and funny and wise and wonderful.  She had a quiet way about her that could be kind or disapproving or desperately funny, and always caring.  She had so many quarks, and what I realized when I reflected on what I knew of her was a great lesson:  her actions spoke much louder than her words.  A pat on the arm, a hint of a smile, a raised eyebrow.  They all said enough.  And when she did speak, her words were few and well chosen. She got her point across in a few sentences or even just one.  She often used one of her many Sister Philisms, which we all loved:  "Chocolate is to be eaten in bar form only."  "Boots are for walking dogs."  "Oh, to be wafted away."  "You're the best!"   "Not for eating."  And one of my personal favorites: "A face that could stop a clock!"  One time she told me, "Coats are to worn when your mother is cold."  hehe

Here is a look Sister Phil often gave me.  

I think what it says is: I'm trying very hard to disapprove of what you're doing but also I think it's funny.

PS: Sister Phil had beautiful handwriting.