Until his last months, Anthony was an early riser. He told me that he typically wake up around 3:30 am, do Sudoku and perhaps doze back to sleep. But he would report into his basement office at Joseph’s House by 5:15 am and make coffee.
For about four years after his heart surgery, on Tuesday I would pick up in Lanier Heights (DC) at 5:45 am and drive him to Chevy Chase. I was thankful that he made my “To Go” coffee strong those mornings. So that we had something to munch on later, he would buy fresh bagels at Safeway (or stop at Dunkin’ Donuts).
By 6:15 am, he was reporting to the sanctuary at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church to be an acolyte for 6:30 am mass. Fortunately, daily masses were short and would finish by 6:55 am.
That gave us just enough time to drive around the “Circle of Death” (aka Chevy Chase Circle) at the start of Washington’s rush hours to arrive at All Saints’ Episcopal Church for the 7 am Mens’ Scriptural Study group.
Usually, the Mens’ Bible Study would end shortly after 8 am and we would head back to “the belly of the beast” in the height of rush hour. I have often joked that I took time off my purgatory not cursing at traffic on my way into town at that time.
While Anthony rarely (if ever) drove, he loved to back seat drive. He knew Rock Creek Parkway like the back of his hand, including every pot hole. I was chary about taking that route in the dark of the night, but it was OK in a guided tour when you get up before God. However, on the drive back, I learned to go my own way, much to his protestations and pointing out potholes.
Due to logistics, Anthony wanted to be dropped off at Joseph’s House, which is basically in the middle of the Northwest. Whereas I live on the north side of Capitol Hill. Between traffic congestion and dropping Anthony off, my seven mile 25 minute early morning outbound journey often took an hour and 25 minutes later in rush hour.
Perhaps I am not as much of an early bird but I needed some nap time around 2 pm on those marathon Tuesday mornings. But then again, 7 pm was not beyond my bed time, unlike Anthony.
Even though there was some strain and sacrifice in getting up before God and doing a Mens' bible study, I can discern two great benefits. The practice truly deepened my faith while being introduced to a wonderful band of committed Christians. The other gift was doing a mitzah (good deed) for someone who needed it. Granted Anthony was adept at utilizing DC bus lines. But the early morning pick up made it much easier for him and allowed for camaraderie. Perhaps it was hyperbole, but Anthony claimed that these scriptural studies were true enjoyment for him. If it meant getting up BEFORE the crack of dawn, so be it.
