The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

Seldom have I read anything as compelling as this first time novel of David Wroblewski. I simply could not put it down. I consider myself a slow reader so for me to finish a 500 page plus book in less than two weeks was an accomplishment. This is a wonderful story of a boy, Edgar, his parents, Gar and Trudy and his mysterious uncle Claude. But most of all it is about the amazing ‘Sawtelle’ dogs. The story is both unique and electrifying.

The setting is a farm in Wisconsin where Edgar’s family raises to yearlings their very special ‘Sawtelle’ dogs. These dogs clearly learn from as well as teach the humans around them. Edgar’s dog, Almondine, seems to be an extension of him as Almondine has been Edgar’s protector and companion since he was an infant. Edgar is a brilliant boy who was born mute and with the help of his mother perfected sign language and developed much of his own. He communicates flawlessly. But sadly there is one time when things go horrible wrong and he is unable to get help.

Every good story has a suspicious character and features the usual battle of good vs evil. In this case Edgar’s uncle, Claude, provides these elements. The barn on the Sawtelle’s farm is a character unto itself for this is where the dogs are born, cared for, trained and given that special treatment resulting in their uniqueness. The final scene in this dramatic story is played out in the barn as well as many other turning points in this remarkable tale.

It has taken me several days and lots of book discussion moments to finally accept the ending of this story. At first I was disappointed as it seemed to be so unfulfilling given how utterly taken I was with the story. Then, I was angry how could the author do this to his readers!?! I had actually closed the book at one point about 50 pages from the end and contemplated whether to finish it. Imagine being that emotionally involved that you just didn’t want to confirm the ending you feared.

I will not forget this novel and I can only hope to read something else this outstanding sometime soon.

Ordination and Celebration of Women Priests

Two weeks have passed since I attended an extraordinary ordination. Yes, three remarkable women felt the call to the priesthood one as early as six years old. This elevation to the Roman Catholic Priesthood took place at the Church of the Covenant in Boston, MA. The ritual included the calling, the presentation, the examination and the election of the candidates for ordination to the priesthood.

Family and friends provided witness to the calling while the candidates were presented in turn one by her husband, another by her daughter and the third by a friend. The election included the laying on and anointing of hands as well as the investiture with stole and chasuble. There were two presiding bishops – one from America and the other from Germany.

I truly never thought I would witness such a powerful ceremony. These three women finally had the support and affirmation to answer their faith and love filled calling. All of the women will serve in the United States outside of Massachusetts.

In the early days of the Church many women bore witness to the Christianity Jesus Christ called them to spread and participated in priesthood as well. In fact the first person Jesus appeared to after His Resurrection was Mary Magdalene. It is no coincidence that the ordination took place on the Sunday closest to her feast day of July 22nd. I felt privileged to be there on the historic moment when three amazing women answered the call to ministry. The celebration was wonderfully heart-felt. May every grace, good wish and God’s blessings be theirs, Amen.