Yuck!

We all suffered from the devastating storms that occurred on 8/11/26. Our prayers go to those still affected.

As the storm came, all kinds of debris flew through the air. One of the minor impacts of such a storm can be found in swimming pools. Our small, above ground pool, for example, was full of leaves and twigs that needed removal and the pool skimmer was loaded with material that had fallen into the water and then sucked into the skimmer.

As I was about to empty the leaves from our pool skimmer, I noticed something that appeared mushed up and was out of place being mixed in with the twigs and leaves. As I cleared the leaves in the skimmer with the tip of my finger to get a better look at whatever was there, I came to find out that it was a baby bat that had drowned in the skimmer. My immediate response to knowing that I had touched it was, “YUCK!” Although it was dead, it still creeped me out.

I quickly dug an 8-inch hole in the backyard and buried the poor bat. I then went into my house and washed my hands 2-3 times in a row. I then applied hand sanitizer to my finger, all the while saying to myself, over and over again, “YUCK!” I then added extra chemicals to the pool to sanitize it.

I told my wife about this disgusting experience but added that I was not bit or scratched by the bat and had only touched it briefly with the tip of my finger. My finger had no skin lesions, so I was sure I was okay.

When I told my daughter, she would have none of my nonchalant answer that I was “okay”, as I am presently a bit immune-compromised, recovering from an illness. I told my daughter that AI said not to worry with my limited exposure and with my skin being intact.

Again, my daughter would not hear any of it. She asked me as a favor to her to ask a physician friend of mine if he agreed with my thoughts (which he did.) He said, “You are fine”. With that, my daughter finally found peace.

All of this made me think that we should do the same thing in the confessional if we believe we might have done something sinful but are not sure. Instead of looking at the internet or coming to a conclusion on our own, please ask the priest. Why risk not seeking forgiveness when it might be needed? Doing so gives one peace of mind. When something is pulling at my conscience, I always think it may be the Holy Spirit calling me to conversion and repentance. What about you?

By: Deacon Tom Gryzbek