Fall foliage brings back a vivid memory of the Spring 1969 for me. This memory preserves an awesome reminder of God’s love as demonstrated through the people we meet along the way.

In the Spring of 1969, I was in my Senior year at Trinity College. I was a full-time Biology major. I had been married for a year and a half; had an 8-month son (Brad); and, a 20 hour/week job at the University of Vermont as a research lab technician. Rich had a full-time job as a management trainee at a local bank.

With the wisdom of age, I can see that this was quite a full plate. However, I had a positive attitude. I asked for no advice and none was given. My life began to unravel in February of that year as pressures began to mount in school, work and family life. Everyone noticed it but me.

My seminar topic was about photosynthesis and leaves. It required hours of library research. I had copious notes on little 3 x 5 index cards-all organized and ready to be put into a cohesive and impressive oral presentation. However, I could not gather my thoughts together and put them on paper. I tried several times; sitting at the kitchen table in our little apartment. The notes didn’t make any sense.

Finally, on the morning of the presentation, I put Brad into his high chair and I sat down at the table and spread the index cards in front of me. I was immediately overwhelmed with despair and anxiety. I could not do this. I began to cry in loud sobs. Brad began to cry in louder sobs. I was all alone with no one to comfort or help me. What could I do?

It had to be God’s love and concern that gave me the courage to call the head of the Biology Department. Sister Helen Folinas took my call and gave me the support that I needed. Not only did she console me, she called Richard at the bank; she cancelled the seminar; she got into a taxi cab and came to my home and held me, literally held me in her arms, until Rich could come home.

She didn’t lecture me about how foolish I was to think that I could do all that I had set out to accomplish. She assured me that I could do the work when I had the time to rest and revive. She gave me the physical manifestation of God’s love and grace.

With a little break and a big boost to my confidence, I completed my assignment the next week. Brad was in the back of the room during the presentation sitting on Sister Helen’s lap. Sometimes, I think that it may have been pity that got me through my last year of college, but I know that it was God’s loving grace in the form of a wise woman that really helped.

Even now, as I write about this event, I am overcome with strong emotions of love and respect for this wonderful woman who reacted with love and not condemnation or reproach. Her life was dedicated to serving the Lord and she did.

So, as the leaves start to change their colors here in Vermont, I am reminded of a very special person, Sister Helen Folinas. The memory reminds me that the God she served so selflessly, loves me and you and everyone in the whole wide world. How wonderful is that?

Remember, He loves YOU unconditionally!

Terri