Wedding anniversary story brings reponse

The article on Saint Paul TODAY on the wedding anniversary of Jim and Jean Vonndemkamp brought a nice response from a friend in Chicago who noticed it. Here it is:

Dear Jim and Jean,
To read of St. Paul TODAY on line is sheer joy. I left the parish in 1963, and'
have been living in Chicago since 1967. No matter where I go, however, the
community of St. Paul remains in my heart, and after all these years is still home.

Jean, when I saw your picture on line for your wonderful anniversary I could see
your mother's face, Susan. She was such a lovely person. I was also at your
dad's wake in the late forties, if I remember correctly, when we treasured the
experience of bringing our beloved home in the hours of final tribute. I suppose
we could spend a long time remembering Uncle Patrick Dempsey and Aunt Katie,
or even your nun aunt in the old country. All of them were wonderful.

I am Tom Hull, the son of Bella Duffy Hull, and nephew of Elizabeth McCann. So
often when I came to Akron for a home visit the two of them would talk about
both of you, and how kind you were to them. Until a year before they left home,
neither seemed to age, and enjoyed life, as well as a good cold beer. How they
loved Frs. Koegel and Jenkins who made a fuss over them, especially at bingo.

Over these many years I have been a part of many parishes, but no place comes
close to the caring and community of St. Paul- of course, I am wee bit biased.

Please know of my personal appreciation for all you did for Mom and Aunt
Elizabeth, and all that you do in my favorite parish, as I often note on line. May
our loving God continue to bless both of you and give you many more years.
Most especially, may our Blessed Mother always remember you and hold you in
her loving arms.

Tom Hull

PS Please give my love to the McAvoys.

See original wedding anniversary story.