On a brief stop in the Arizona desert country, I remember the game we played of trying to remain upright when standing on sand that was constantly shifting beneath our feet, moved by changes happening both below the ground and above it.
For some of us, the rapid changes in family relationships during COVID-19 have created a similar disequilibrium and we are scrambling to steady ourselves. Our pastoral team is aware that many are dealing with illness, treatments, early or worsening dementia, or deep depression in yourselves or with a spouse or partner, or parent.
Just having a safe, quiet space to talk to and say prayers with another person can go a long way toward easing the burden that you carry.
We have arranged three different outdoor spaces for such gatherings: the garden in the columbarium, St. Francis Garden, and the shaded lawn outside Fr. Stuart’s office.
Please feel very welcome to contact Stuart, Cheryl, or me to schedule a time to come by and just lay your burdens down for an hour in the peace of this place. And be assured that what is shared there will be held in confidence.
Cynthia+
Somehow a word, a thought, a memory
Joan L. Huff, Women’s Uncommon Prayers: Our Lives Revealed Nurtured Celebrated.
Crosses my heart and leaves a bruise.
The pain it causes is sometimes deep and
Lingers to color all my days.
Who can ease this pain that binds me?
I can –
By letting go.