I tell people what I am thinking

I started telling people what I was thinking.  Amazingly, nobody is surprised. (that surprised me).  My dad loves the idea.  My brother called me and we talked for 45 minutes (that was a record length for us).  He who-has-not-been-in-a-church-for-30 years is very supportive.

Some people think that I am talking about the diaconate.  They seem a but surprised when I say, "No, the priesthood", but then it clicks for them.  I'm widowed now.  I can do that.

My two best friends at church, a married couple, P&A are also very supportive.  These two folks have acted as my spiritual advisers, in an unofficial capacity, for the last 25 years.  I have come to respect their knowledge and opinions.  That they see this path as a viable option for me means a great deal.