Miracles All Around Us

I am truly starting to believe in the power of miracles, and the scarf brought them to me in abundance. I first received the scarf from Emily who works in the library. Throughout our chat I found that we had so much in common, especially in terms of our love for books. As I mentioned that I’m conducting an Honors Thesis about electronic publishing, she started to talk about her experience with electronic texts and gave me some wonderful ideas for my thesis. That, along with finding out that UD actually has a rare books room with books from the 15th century, were definitely one of the many miracles of that day.

Then, after attending two classes and basking in the beautiful sunshine, the scarf and I attended the welcome luncheon for the Busy Person’s Retreat on campus. This lasts for a week and participants meet with a spiritual guide for 30 minutes and then pray individually for 30 minutes daily. To my surprise and joy, my spiritual guide happened to be the woman that passed the scarf along to me last year. Another miracle!

I end my Mondays with Concert Band, a wonderful respite after two intense language courses in a row. I have played the saxophone for 12 years, and after taking a break for six months I returned to music this semester. Unfortunately, a joint in my right hand has become inflamed because of this six month break. Usually I wear a glove to relieve the pressure of the saxophone on my hand, but I forgot my glove that day. Fortunately, the scarf was there. I wrapped the scarf around my hand to support me, and you know what? My hand has felt infinitely better since that moment. Yet another miracle.

Tuesday filled me with joy as I wore the scarf on the most beautiful sunny day the city of Dayton has seen in a long time. Students flocked to KU field, and the campus felt so alive. I ran into many friends who noticed the scarf immediately and wanted to know its story. The consensus was that the Sisterhood of the Traveling Scarf was a “genius idea.” I, too, believe this to be true!

On Wednesday I passed the scarf along to Shannon who was such a pleasure to meet. She works in Communications and writes for several newsletters on campus just as I do! We could relate to each other’s experience. I think the most beautiful part of the conversation was when she came back to tell me that she is 15 weeks pregnant! The sheer joy on her face was beautiful to see – Congratulations Shannon! That, too, is a miracle.

The point of my blog post is that miracles are all around us. These miracles do not have to be large and monumental. Miracles can be the little things said or done or seen that bring a sense of joy or peace to the day. This semester I started keeping what I call a “miracle journal” where at the day’s close I reflect upon the “miracle of the day.” I urge each and every one of you beautiful women to become aware of the daily miracles that surround your lives. In the midst of our busy schedules, this kind of positive thinking will bring you more joy than you could ever imagine.

Peace and Blessings to all!
Kristina DeMichele

Reflections on a Traveling Scarf

My excitement built as I caught glimpses across campus and among my colleagues in the Libraries. It was as if the light shone a little brighter the moment my fellow “sister” entered the room. Smiles quickly followed along with an explanation for those around us about the scarf’s significance. I was excited to take my turn.

I regret that Christina and I had little time to chat during our handoff since I was in the middle of a meeting. We made the exchange quickly and then she was gone. The unanticipated consequence of the timing of this swap was that my colleagues in the meeting were curious about the scarf and its story was again shared with others.

I wore the scarf over a hoodie the following day as I read articles and worked on an upcoming conference presentation. It was a rare quiet day and I worried that I had let my sisters and the scarf down by not having a more eventful day.

Monday morning I hurried to the Blend to meet Kristina and hand off the scarf. We got coffee and chatted about so many things. After Kristina hurried off to class, I smiled because I knew that the scarf was in for wonderfully busy and exciting day--one very different from mine. Not better or more important, just different.

Emily Hicks
Associate Professor
Director of Information Acquisition & Organization
University Libraries

Blog Entry for Sisterhood of the Traveling Scarf

I wore the scarf for one day. What a beautiful, pink scarf to wear! It was one of those warmer days yet still windy, so a perfect day for a scarf. The scarf itself and meeting with Crystal to pass on the scarf made me feel special and part of a community. Having a support system of women is very important to me and I am glad we have resources to connect with each other. Thank you for this experience.

Katy

Katy Kelly
Communications and Outreach Librarian | University of Dayton
105D Roesch Library | 937-229-4274 | kkelly2@udayton.edu  

Rich with sisters

"Sisterhood" may mean more to me than most because I have eight older sisters from the same parents.  However, moving to Dayton this past August means that it's an 8-hour drive to the sister who lives closest.  I miss my sisters who still pass their clothes down to me, now shipping them in boxes.  Sharing the opulent scarf was a sisterly blessing for me; I was reminded of this by Mt. 23:8, that with Christ as our one teacher, "...you are all brothers and sisters," the Gospel reading at Mass the last day I had the scarf.  Working at a Catholic and Marianist institution prompted me to reflect that my sisterhood with all people is rooted in having God as my Father and Mary as my spiritual mother.  The scarf provided the opportunity to draw two UD staffers to the Marian Library for the first time, and for me to get to know two of my UD sisters--Mary Niebler and Christina Smith.  We shared stories about our work and families.  I have been enriched knowing two more wonderful women who I wouldn't ordinarily have the opportunity to meet.

"Traveling scarf" it was!  Due to Spring Break, the scarf went many places with me for five days.  I explained the scarf's meaning to my husband, UD co-workers, and my Legion of Mary brethren at St. Albert's Church.  I wore the scarf as I served as secretary at one meeting, president at another, and then as a parish visitor.  Wearing the scarf to vote and happily putting my voting sticker on it, I thought of how women have the right to vote in this country.  We are privileged to live in the USA.  "To whom much is given, much is expected" (Lk. 12:48).  The scarf reminds me to live this spirit of equal sisterhood first in my own community, where I am happy to recognize the scarf.  May God bless us all as we build this spirit at UD!

--

Gloria Falcao Dodd, Doctor of Sacred Theology
The Marian Library/International Marian Research Institute
300 College Park
Dayton, OH 445469-1390

USA
(937) 229-1431
S.A.G.

A Story To Tell....Scarf-Wearer Yaimarie

As I was in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Scarf Reception, I realized that I was the only person my age. This got me thinking of the journey I have been through and the journey ahead. I come from an interesting woman line: my grandmother did not get past the 8th grade, my mother never finished college, my oldest sister dropped out of high school and my other sister got kicked out of high school. Needless to say, I am the woman in my family that has gone the farthest in education at my age.

It is kind of funny to say that me and all my sisters, who are forty and thirty, are all in different paths of our college education at the same time. I have come to realize that I am blessed with my intelligence and willingness to overcome. My mother has always told me to study hard so I do not have to go through what she went through, but seeing her raise me and my sisters with no education inspires me. Every time I have a rough time with school I think of her. I always say that I do things to make my mother cry; that sounds horrible, but let me explain: my mother cries out of happiness every time I make her proud.

Now thinking of the future; I am a sophomore Marketing and Entrepreneurship major at the University of Dayton, a little far away from my hometown in Puerto Rico. I have no idea what I am going to do when I graduate, whether I’m staying in the United States or going back to Puerto Rico. However, I do have set goals for my life. Whatever I end up doing, I promise myself that I am going to be the best at it. I want to find a husband and start a family, I also want six kids. I have two mottos in my life. The first one is “You need to make mistakes to learn from them," and this is what I’m doing right now in college. The second one is “Live in such a way that you will have stories for you grandchildren." This is especially important to me because I am very family oriented, and that is why I want a huge family. I crave that Thanksgiving holiday where we have more than 20 people ranging from babies to old people and everyone is screaming, throwing jokes, bickering, but having a good time. That is the one thing that I miss about being home, so wherever I end up, I want to create my own version of it. And on my last moments, I want people to have to fight over who stands next to me, because that is how many people are there. Also, the other ultimate goal that I have is to change someone’s life. However, I still don’t know how I am doing that yet haha.

For now I don’t know what I’m doing, but I am making it up as I go along. All I know is that I’ve done a decent job at educating myself and taking advantage of the various opportunities that are offered to me at this university. Hopefully in a couple of years I will look back and tell this story to my children and grandchildren.

Scarf Wearer Jennica

I decided to join the sisterhood this year to meet people on campus. I have worked at UD for six months and have been looking to start making connections. When I met with Maureen to get the scarf, we sat and chatted for a bit, talking a bit about ourselves and things to do in the area. It was great to get to know her a bit. Since taking the scarf, I have been reflecting on how something so simple (though pretty and sparkly, too!) could aid in forging a connection with others. I realized that I often do not take time to connect with colleagues or friends in meaningful and enriching ways. It made me wonder how many others share my experience. It seems easy to get lost in daily routines if you’re not paying attention to it happening. Wearing the scarf gave me a new appreciation for feeling connected and doing something different. I hope to continue paying more attention to who’s around me, so I miss fewer chances to feel a part of something.

--
Jennica Karpinski, Psy.D.
Psychology Resident, Staff Therapist
University of Dayton Counseling Center

February 23, 2012-February 27, 2012 By Eileen Maloney

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Scarf
February 23, 2012-February 27, 2012
By Eileen Maloney


Thursday
I was sad that I could not meet with the person delivering the scarf to me. We missed our time slot, and so it was left on my chair. But soon, I removed the jacket I had worn and draped the scarf across my shoulder (front to back and secured with my stretchy belt). I was wearing what I call my uniform, black slacks white blouse and a jacket. The rest of the day people commented on the scarf. When I explained that it was the “traveling scarf” conversations flowed freely.

Friday – Coffee and the Scottish Pirate!
I found a festive nail polish that I would normally only wear during the holidays – it was glittery and matched my scarf perfectly. I decided to use the holiday polish today (and not wait until next year). Both the polish and the scarf started several interactions. Early Friday, I stopped at my neighborhood coffee shop. I saw a woman whom I see occasionally. While we know each other as familiar faces, and avid walkers, we don’t know each other by name. She had commented on the lovely scarf (this time across my body like a sash and down the back, again secured with a belt.) When I said the scarf made me paint my otherwise bare nails, the woman said you have to live each day to its fullest. I am a firm believer in that too. She continued to tell me that she had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma (a leukemia-type cancer) 2 years ago, and has fought it well. It seems the scarf empowered her to talk freely with me – and I knew about this same cancer as my father had it too. And now, I know her name!

When I got to the office to begin my first duties of the day (make coffee for the staff), I was met by my peers in the suite next door. I had tucked my slacks into my boots, as I felt they were too short for these shoes. My peers wanted to hear stories and I shared them. Then one person said I was wearing the scarf like a Scott. Someone else in the room said they thought I was going for the pirate theme. Before I left the suite, I was dubbed the Scottish Pirate.

Saturday and Sunday
Since the person I pass the scarf to was out of town until Monday, I continued to escort the scarf with me. I am in a running club (who drinks coffee after we get our miles in). I took the scarf in for coffee and the mixed group of men and women all seemed interested in what is it, why would I bring it to running, and where does it go next. I told them that the scarf would go with me to Columbus to attend a Ceili. Ceili {kay lee] is a Gaelic (Irish) word that means party; specifically one with live musicians, dancing, or general merriment.. In this instance, a dance school was hosting the event as a fund raiser. At the table with siblings and cousins, the story continued. I was thrilled to share the story and to see my cousin and niece dance for fun instead of competing.

Monday
I passed the scarf on to the next participant, who graciously let me take her photo. I hope it opens conversations with more people and places. Thanks for adapting this program to increase diversity and peace at work and in the world.

Pictures from the Opening Reception