Sr. Elaine went out shopping again this morning, as she often does on Saturdays (or when need arises around here).

As she was about to take the items out to the car, a man (store employee) who appeared to be in his mid to late 30s approached her, saying: “You look like someone who could use some help…Can I help you?”

She decided to be gracious and politely accept the kind offer. The man helped her carry items out. She opened the trunk with the remote control from the key ring she was carrying. Sr. Elaine noted how shocked he was that “this old lady would have a modern car.”

When everything was successfully placed in the trunk, he offered: “Would you like some help getting into the car?”

By this time, though, enough was enough for poor Sr. Elaine. She did not want to be taken for an invalid. She graciously declined the offer, assuring him that she would be fine.

Sr. Elaine returned back to St. Anne’s and had to share a good laugh with our nurse on duty. Before sharing this with her, however, she asked her: “What do I look like?” After they shared the story and a good laugh, the nurse confessed that Sr. Elaine bore a resemblance to a ‘cat burglar.’

Not sure what connotations such a title might hold (not being too familiar with the phrase), a little research was done on Sister’s behalf here in the main office.

We found that a cat burglar is any of the following:

a burglar who is adept at entering and leaving the burglarized place without attracting notice

a burglar who breaks into buildings by climbing through upstairs windows, across roofs, etc., especially with great stealth and agility

a thief who steals from houses or other buildings by climbing up walls

These activities, though not morally sound, are not so vulgar as to make such a reference inappropriate to share. Therefore, we have printed the picture for Sr. Elaine, the cat buglar, to use in her annual greetings.