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SISTER ALLAN KENZIG, CSA
It was January 28, 1933 when the doctor,
carrying his black bag, entered our house on West 100th Street in
Cleveland. My brothers and sisters, Chuck, Ray, Connie, Bernice and Betty,
were waiting anxiously to see if they would have a new baby brother or
sister.
My aunt told me that my mother, as she was in labor,
kept saying, “das alles,” which meant “that’s all” in German. A short time
later, Alice (alles – that’s all) Kenzig was born to Charles and Eleanora
Wurstner Kenzig. However, it turned out that I was not the end of the
line. A year later my brother Don was born, followed by my sister Rita.
While not without typical bickering and sibling
rivalries, we were one big, happy family. We prayed together and played
together. We sat down to meals together and we communicated with each
other. We were assigned household chores and were not allowed to go out
and play until they were completed. There were no boy’s chores or girl’s
chores. Everyone took their turn helping.
It seemed we were always celebrating birthdays, Baptisms, First Communions,
baby or wedding showers and other events at our house, singing, eating and
playing games with our aunts, uncles and cousins. We all loved sports and
music. Everyone in the family, except dad, played some type of musical
instrument. We all were given piano lessons and the house frequently
reverberated with song.
On April Fool’s Day, 1943, I was cutting through a neighbor’s field where
there was a smoldering fire. I heard someone scream at me, “You’re on fire!” I
panicked and ran for home. I spent close to seven months in St. John Hospital,
lying on my stomach with a metal frame over my back so nothing could touch the
burns. My mother came to visit me twice a day. My father, brothers and sisters
came as often as possible. I was very conscious of the scars on my back and
legs and it took a long time for me to feel comfortable wearing shorts or a
swimsuit.
Religious and parish activities were an important part of our family life. We
all attended 8 a.m. Mass every Sunday at St. Angela Merici. Every Friday, my
mother would scrub the church floor. During our free time, we kids would help
her by dusting the seats and kneelers.
My education included eight years at St. Angela Merici and four years at St.
Joseph Academy. After graduating in 1950, I worked as a secretary at Central
Greyhound Lines, but something seemed to be missing in my life. Then I read a
book titled God Goes To Murderers Row, by Rev. M. Raymong OCSO. It was about a
nun who helped a man be at peace with himself while waiting execution. The
thought came to me that maybe I should become a nun.
I was familiar with Parmadale, a home for children, because my aunt and uncle
fostered three boys from there. I finally decided to join the community of
sisters who ran Parmadale so I could help care for the children who resided
there. When I informed my family of my decision, they were very supportive,
but my father said I wouldn’t last six months. I bet him $5 I would.
I entered the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine on September 8, 1952 and was
clothed on March 19, 1953. When novitiate days were over, I made my first
vows. For me it was final vows.
My first assignment was St. Joseph School in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. I soon
learned that teaching had its challenges, especially when it came to answering
students’ questions. One girl asked, “Sister, where do babies come from?” As
we did not have sex education at the time, I was pondering my response when
another student piped up, “From a special act of love between parents.” The
girl was satisfied with the answer and I was relieved.
I was permitted to go home once a year for a family visit. So in June 1956, I
decided to celebrate Father’s Day with my family. We had a wonderful time. My
brother, Don, was being married the following Saturday. The Thursday after my
visit, my father died while at work. Dad always said, “You laugh at funerals
because your troubles are over and you cry at weddings because they are just
beginning.” The wedding went on as scheduled and the wake and funeral
followed.
While at St. Luke School, I made the decision that at age
fifty I would retire from teaching. Since I enjoyed mathematics, I decided to
take up accounting. I attended evening classes at Cleveland State University,
studying basic accounting. Then one of my dreams came true, I attended the
University of Notre Dame.
I completed business courses for three summers and, after graduating in 1983,
I began working for the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine Health System. I
am now responsible for payroll and all functions associated with it for over
fifty employees.
During those times when I am working to solve problems, my family, sisters and
co-workers are there to provide assistance and answer questions. We have met
challenges together, shared the laughter and tears that come with the good
times and bad. They have prayed with me and for me. They have celebrated with
me and have shared their lives with me. I have truly been blessed.
Sr. Allan Kenzig, CSA
November 20, 2007
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