A Better Experience

 

Light and dark in the Advent sanctuary

Now for happier experience

although it began darkly 2 a.m. Saturday

woke up severe unrelenting abdominal pain

no sleep only pain

then unending nausea and pain into the day

called retired elder who was out of town

please fill in for me tomorrow

it’s just song service and reception

okay she said we’re coming home tonight anyway.

 

Afternoon found me at urgent care

waiting waiting waiting

finally given magic pill

to take away nausea

go to ER they said

no I was emphatic

having been regaled by church member

who spent 11 hours there three days previously.

 

Ran some tests

oh this is what it must be

here have a painful injection then prescription

if severe pain returns take ambulance to ER

could be something much worse.

 

Felt so much better Sunday morning

went to church for singing service

two verses of called-out Christmas carols

don’t forget to call out hymn numbers!

except one woman wanted to sing

verse two of Because He Lives

I know it’s an Easter hymn she apologized

but it IS about a baby

we gladly sang it

love that hymn love them all

always get choked up 

verse three Away in a Manger 

silly sentimental carol.

 

We gave musician jar stuffed with cash

told her you are a joy!

all this followed by lovely reception

magical sparkling scrumptious

exhausted I went home sorry to miss it.

 

Here’s what I know from 20 years of this

God always takes care of me

when I am in the pulpit

always and in many ways

making divine self known to me

thank you Lord.

It's Just Time

 

Window wreath at Massey's Chapel

Text from DS I just saw your intent to retire

wanted to check it wasn’t because of our conversation

you can call me if you want to talk.

 

Our recent conversation was about Massey’s visitor

who I could not remember

called her to complain

after he saw newsletter notice

of grief support group

for folks who struggle to get beyond election

they are experiencing

grief fear anger estrangement

some people obviously excluded from this group

he told her

he never emailed or called me I said

there have been no complaints from members.

 

He apologized for calling her

was thoughtful in speech

complimented my pulpit presence

he is son of a DS she said

which explains it

I didn’t say.

 

No one has complained about me to DS in 20 years

I said aware that might seem defensive

I’m sorry I don’t remember him

I said about five times

then

three visitors are joining this Sunday

so clearly I remember some of them I didn’t say

(more defensiveness)

let me see if I have a visitor card for him

why yes here it is

he attended on Easter

is member of big UMC which I named

I’m sorry I don’t remember him

some visitors slip out before I can greet them

more defensiveness just shut up Cheryl

she did not reply.

 

DS told him to contact me

if he has problem with the group

Judi would have told him that first

then hung up I mused

he will not call me I almost laughed.

 

I responded to DS text

I turn 65 in a few weeks

it wasn’t our conversation

it’s just time.

Family Scrapbook

 

Thanksgiving 2024 at our house: descending order:

Jonathan, Katherine, me, Michelle;

Eric, Rachel, Keith, Zach

Watching Duke football at a nearby sports bar November 2024

It was so hot in Gatlinburg in July! 

Kat and llama near Gatlinburg

Eric and Zach, October 2024

Kat's birthday July 2024

Michelle spring 2024