Yesterday was one of those remarkable days that reminds one of how important relationships are, and how easy they are to rebuild (but also slip away). The youth group of my youth — almost 50 years ago, gathered together at Glenview United Methodist Church for a reunion. For me, it was not a day of pining for the past, but one of seeing possibilities for the future. In this day and age of fear of what might be coming — yes I am terrified of the possibility of another Trump presidency (if you are not read; the the Project 2025 agenda or the comments of economists of his economic plans) — nor am I excited about Biden — but what excited me yesterday was the possibility of build new relationships with old friends.
I am in a good place in my life (and one that is getting better and better each day). I am loving retirement, and finding more and more outlets for my time. I have become a platelet donor – and even though I usually come home and say “I will never do it again,” because sitting still for two+ hours is a real challenge for me — I keep signing up to do it again. I just gave my fourth donation of the year and plan to do at least that many more (working around travel is a challenge). I am getting less and less critical of just attending church (my clergy friends would understand) and happy to fill a need when necessary. We help with the coffee hour at the church we attend once a month and are glad to serve in such a behind the scenes way. I am getting to read books I want to read (not JUST religious books) and I have read close to 40 already this year. My youngest daughter got married a little over a week ago, and we now have three wonderful son-in-laws! And best yet, it seems like our kids like us and enjoy doing things with us. We will be heading out to Oregon in a few weeks to visit Lindsey and Alex, it is going to be a great trip.
Best yet, Nancy and I are in the best place we have ever been in. We love doing things together, enjoy bumping into each other during the day, and love traveling. I have not always been the best partner (hard when you work 24/7) but I am learning how (slowly). If you are not familiar with the Jimmy Buffett song “Coast of Carolina” (it is the follow up to “Come Monday”) it has become my (our) song. After 38 years, I think we are finally hitting our stride – and I am so thankful that Nancy didn’t give up on me (she had plenty of reasons).
This was a long way of saying how thankful I am for yesterday and all the wonderful souls who were there. Tom & Sue Harmon (wish you could have been there) and Steve and Mary Howland were and continue to be such a huge influence on me and I think I could safely say all of those that gathered. One of the favorite comments that was made yesterday in a variety of ways and by numerous people was that our time in the youth group was a “magical one”. My parents always referred to their eight years in Glenview as their Camelot. I always thought of that in terms of my ministry and the churches I served. But yesterday, it hit me, they were right – it was a mystical, magical time! Carl Orr best summed it up when he said, the best thing about us talking about those special years, is that we realize it. Yep! We were blessed having that opportunity growing up, and are even more blessed to still be connected by that bond.
While I am worried about the future of our nation (putting more $ in my pocket is not worth it for the destruction of our democracy), I am excited about building these relationships in new ways. And together, we can weather the storms that come our way. Thanks Laurie (and Nancy) for encouraging me to write more.
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