Did you hear the one about...?

Once upon a time, the convent at St. Mary's parish in Glens Falls was located on Church Street. As registration in the school increased, however, and the number of teachers rose, the convent became inadequate.

The new building, on Maple Street, was a short distance away, so the superior proposed that the students help move the sisters' belongings from the one house to the other. Each child carried a small box or plastic bag to the new convent after school each day. Neighbors became accustomed to seeing the lines parading down the street with the sister at the forefront and the children following.

One day, at the intersection of Glen and Church Streets, a box of Chinese Checkers dropped from a plastic bag carried by a second grader. There are dozens of pieces in the game, and all of them scattered -- east, west, north and south. The policemen of Glens Falls were the sisters' friends, however, and the officer on duty immediately stopped four lanes of traffic while the children recovered all 60 pieces and returned them safely to the box.

That story is recalled by Sister Mary Rita Moody, CSJ, a resident of St. Joseph's Provincial House in Latham. We share it as a way of urging you to do two things. The first is to read our special section, which focuses on the importance of storytelling -- in families, businesses, community groups and personal relationships. The second is to make sure that you take time this summer to tell stories.

Standing around the barbecue, sunning yourself at the seashore, driving to grandma's house or relaxing by the pool, take time to tell stories to one another as a way of strengthening family bonds and deepening connections.

The leisure hours of summer can be put to good use simply by sitting back and saying, "Did I ever tell you about the time....?"

(07-15-99)

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