From Nashville to St. Louis: A Day of Reunion and Revelation.
Today we said farewell to Nashville and journeyed to St. Louis — but little did we know this day would leave such a deep imprint on our hearts and minds.
Our first stop was a reunion with my friend Loretta, a former colleague from my Citibank days. We hadn’t seen each other in over 40 years, but the moment we embraced, it felt like no time had passed. We had a great meal at The Peacemaker and caught up with each other. Loretta and I had lobster rolls, while Ray indulged in a poor boy of fresh oysters. Great food, even better company — it was excellent.
After lunch, we took in one of St. Louis’s most iconic sights — the Gateway Arch, even just driving by, its sheer scale was very impressive.
The true highlight of the day came at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. I’ve had the privilege of visiting some of the world’s most renowned cathedrals — Notre Dame in Paris, Sacré-Coeur in Montmartre, and St. Patrick’s in New York City — but none compare to this spiritual masterpiece. The basilica is adorned with one of the largest collections of mosaics in the world. The altar was nothing short of magnificent, the Stations of the Cross were among the most beautifully rendered I’ve ever seen, and the Pietà left me completely fascinated.
As we sat in the quiet stillness, in prayer and meditation, surrounded by such beautiful art, something shifted in me. I was very much in awe, and my breathing was labored. I can only describe it as a spiritual experience.
Tomorrow we are on our way to the National WWI Museum and Memorial and the Truman museum. There ain't no rest for the weary.
