I have not attended church since Barry died and especially since the pandemic began. With my chemical sensitivities, churches filled with perfumes, flowers, and chemical products trigger respiratory problems, even asthma for me. But I am still a member of that church and Bob and Linda keep a close watch over me. I have received poems and cards from Linda when she knows I am not doing well or just to brighten my days.
I am sure Bob calls all of his small flock and especially those who are not well. It is comforting to know someone cares and I welcome hearing his voice.
Today was especially comforting because I met Bob and Linda at the church, just the three of us. Linda knits prayer shawls for anyone who is going into the hospital or needs special comfort. Because they know I am going through some medical issues and will likely be going to the hospital before long, Linda wanted me to have a prayer shawl.
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| Glenda in the prayer shawl |
I was excited to meet both of these caring and authentic people I have talked to and emailed with for years now. They are just as lovely in person as I knew they would be. We talked for an hour and they presented me with the shawl, wrapping it around me while Linda read a prayer.
I was so deeply touched that I began to weep. That surprised me. I will take the shawl with me when I have to go to the hospital and stay overnight, but I will also have it with me at home when I need some extra assurance that I will be fine.
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I have the most wonderful memories of my time at HPC when Barry was alive. He was a one-man welcoming committee and because of him, many people joined the church. He loved singing in the choir and eventually became the choir director. We made good friends there and I miss those times. Part of the reason I don't go back to church is I can't deal with the emotions I feel, the memories of Barry, and the happy times we had there. I would probably cry all through the sermon.
Even though HPC is very small and most of the members are older, it plays a big part in the lives of those who attend and hear the sermons by Linda and Bob and know that their church family loves and cares for them.
COVID disrupted the church as it did many things over the past two years.
Some people didn't want to wear masks or social distance. They were virus deniers. In my thinking, they didn't care about protecting others who might actually die if they caught this disease. I am proud of the session and the pastors who are doing all they can to keep those older people safe. With another surge of the virus in this area, I was told by my doctor's assistant that I should wear a mask anytime I was out in public, and even today Linda, Bob, and I wore masks.
Isn't life interesting? Each day brings possibilities that can change us or make us think and be grateful. Tonight I am very grateful that I finally met my friends, Linda and Bob. I am so thankful for the beautiful, soft shawl that I will cherish and use again and again and I will always be grateful for the little Presbyterian church that made us feel welcome in the community and gave us the opportunity to make dear friends.
