Photo was taken at Grace Dieu Retreat Housse, near Tramore, Co.Waterford, (Irl)

A huge sycamore tree stretches and bursts with new life in lovely sunshine with the blue sky creating a perfect backdrop.

Thought on Wednesday – May – 11/05/2011

The following prayer was found on the body of a young soldier, killed in action during World War 1

Look God, I’ve never spoken to you before, but now I just want to say ‘hello’. They told me you did not exist but like a fool I believed them. But last night I looked up at the sky from a shell hole. When I saw the beauty of the stars and thought how big the universe is, I knew they were telling me a big lie. I wonder will you shake hands with me when we meet? Somehow I feel you will understand all my failures. It is strange how I had to come to this horrible place to get to know you. What was I doing before this? There isn’t much more to say but I’m sure glad I got to know you today. I feel the zero hour will be here soon. This is going to be a horrible fight. Who knows but I may come to your house tonight. I’m crying now. Fancy me crying! I never thought this could happen to me. I have to go now. Strange, since I met you, I’m no longer afraid to die.