We finally got official confirmation that our dear friends did perish in the explosion and fire in San Bruno on Sept. 9th. A memorial service was held for them on Sept. 24th, and was attended by probably 1,000 people. It was truly amazing. Our little church couldn't possibly hold that many people, and we were blessed when 1st Pres. Church Burlingame offered to host the service for us. The Bethany community provided most of the content - including all the music - and several former pastors came to share their memories with us. As difficult as it was, it was also a truly healing experience. I've thought a lot about what constitutes a "normal life", and am really starting to dislike that word. What the heck is normal?? Our lives are what they are, and we just gotta do the best we can with what we have. Thankfully, I have a LOT of wonderful support -- I'm sure I'd be way past cracked by now if I didn't.
There are a few things to look forward to. Our director of music at the church has set up a retreat for us in November - a weekend away to read thru music and start to get ready for Advent and Christmas. I really am loving our music director, and I think everyone else in the music program does too! We'll have a blast!
The weekend before THAT retreat, I have a workshop to attend in SoCal -- with the Welcoming Church Task Force! I'm really looking forward to this. With the recent news of at least 5 suicides of young, gay men, I feel more strongly than ever that our church should publicly and LOUDLY proclaim that we welcome everyone - and extend a special invitation to the LGBTQ community. Our LGBTQ youth need safe places, adults and mentors who love and accept them, a community who will support them as they grow into the adults they are meant to be. AND a church who will tell them, over and over again, that they are beloved children of God. I want to be one of those churches.
And I'm knitting. Got "commissioned" to knit two hats, and am working on another pair of sox. Found a couple of cool patterns for neck wrap thingies -- might be nice instead of a scarf to wear to work this winter. Oh - also knit a couple pair of hand warmers for friends. Yup, knitting is good therapy.
So life goes on - and I'm trying to trudge thru it as best I can. Still find myself feeling depressed, crying, eating crappy junk food -- all signs to me that I'm still working thru this grief process. And yet it's nothing compared to what my dear friend S. and her daughter J. are going thru, after losing family. My heart hurts for them.
1 comments:
wow, all I can really say is - me too. I am so glad we can hold onto each other as we ride this roller coaster life!
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