Thank You to Knights of Columbus, Erma

To the Editor:
This past Sunday I had the privilege, once again, to attend the Erma Knights of Columbus’ monthly pancake breakfast. Its always good, eggs anyway you like them, pancakes and sausage too. All served by smiling members (volunteers) of the club. I truly have to say that whenever I attend any of the functions I always feel welcome, even more so I feel I owe a debt of gratitude to them.
A few years back my mom retired to North Cape May, after many years with the school district of Philadelphia. It had always been a dream of hers and my father’s (a Philadelphia police officer) to do so. Unfortunately, my father passed away before they could live out this dream together. My mother, steadfast and determined not to let a little thing like death stand in her way, marched on and carried out the dream for both of them. My mother is a strong woman, always has been (being a cop’s wife I guess you have to be).
The reason I feel the debt is this: the people of the Knights – whether they know it or not – create a wonderful sense of community. They go above and beyond by organizing charity events through out the year that benefit locally. This has been a great benefactor to my mom, the Knights (always in need of someone to volunteer) have tapped into a great recourse, my mom, Joan McCann (a woman who needs to be kept busy). She has told me, in many phone conversations, she is so happy that she became a member of the Knights because they make her feel welcome. In one particular phone call, she said, “Jimmy, you’re not gonna believe this… I am the new commissioner of the shuffle board league, they call me the Commish.” I just started to laugh. I laughed because I was happy for her, just so happy for her and I know it’s selfish, but a little bit happy for me too. Living over 100 miles away and loving my mom so much, I, like any son, worry. However, knowing the community the Knights of Columbus has established puts many of my fears to rest. For that reason alone I am forever grateful.
So, my hats off to you Knights of Columbus, Erma chapter, keep up the great work. People do notice the work you so tirelessly do. Whether it’s for a charity or just to keep a son’s mind at ease knowing someone’s watching out for his mom.