Consubstantial

Consubstantial: of one and the same substance, essence, or nature.

Those of you who are Catholic know that there have been changes to several of the prayers in the mass. We have been told that the changes are a more accurate translation from the original text. When I first read the changes, aside having a negative attitude to the changes, I was most disturbed by the word, "Consubstantial" which is now a part of the "Apostles Creed." As I started to recite the new translation at mass I decided to find out the definition of the word instead of being annoyed by the change. I found that he word is an interesting one and I found that kind of like it. I began trying to use incorporate it into my vocabulary. It became sort of funny as I did, often making Sue laugh of shake her head at me.

One of the uses of the word has occurred when comparing my kids behavior to mine. When Maggie or Thomas do or say something that resembles my personality or behavior, I will say that the two or three of us are consubstantial.

The other night was a difficult one for me. I felt like depression had then control during the day, but I was managing it decently. While skimming through the TV channels to find something to watch, I found, "Mrs. Doubtfire," one of my favorites. Maggie and I were sitting together and I immediately told her what a good movie it is and we should watch it. The movie had just begun. I hit record on the DVR so we could have it for the future. We enjoyed watching the movie together. Maggie especially enjoyed Robin Williams' jokes, which she now repeats throughout the day!

At the end of the movie, Robin William's character is in courtroom fighting for joint custody of his children, he speaks the following monologue:


"the moment I looked at them,
I was crazy about them. Once I held them, I was hooked. I'm addicted to my children, sir. I love them with all my heart. And the idea of someone telling me I can't be with them, I can't see them every day..It's like someone saying I can't have air.
I can't live without air,and I can't live without them."

Although the monologue had to do with divorce and custody, I and I think Maggie connected this to my serious health situation and the unknown to come. At the end of the movie, MAggie began crying. She shrugged her shoulders when asked what she was crying about which means she didn't want to tell us. I just held her and we hugged as hard as possible. Not only was she crying, but Daddy became very emotional as well. At that moment, we were sharing the sadness, the fear and the question of why this has to happen to us. Our connection at that moment was as strong as ever and yes, we are consubstantial.