A Posting from Pastor Lindy

Hello Pilgrims,

This week, I’ve found myself trying to channel my anticipatory energy as my family arrives in Durham on Thursday. With a highly spirited 4 year old, ensuring that there is enough activity to wear her out is an overriding goal of schedule planning. That and balancing work and caring for my mom becomes an artful juggle that all are attended to. Factor in meals for 4 for 4 days, when one is used to solo dining for most of her meals, well, I’m needing to flex a few unused memory muscles. Meals, mind you, with a preferred palate of mac & cheese for any and all meals for a certain someone who will remain nameless. Relearning the art of food subterfuge ;)

Grateful for their visit and then my sisters will arrive consecutively over the following two weeks as we anticipate my mom’s 90th birthday. Sadly, not one she will knowingly celebrate, but wanting to honor this milestone nonetheless. With yet another downward shift on her journey, we hold her gently with utmost love and care. In this liminal space we wait as my mom sleeps more than she is awake. Is now noncommunicative, except to register pain. And with negligible food and hydration intake. In between can feel like a place of suffering for all involved. I love you and good-bye can feel like the same breath. We pray that when ready, my mom will slip away to God in peace.

My mom’s 90th turn around the sun coincides with a significant birthday of my own in which I am trying on, with some discomfort, what that specific age means in our world. At minimum, lots of changes that require a multitude of decisions, phone calls and paper work that have a ripple effect across the many facets of life. Like I said, I’m trying it on but my brain can’t believe it's actually real, even if my body screams there’s no denying it.

I hope throughout these next weeks I find space to hold the milestone that is before both me and my mom with God.

 
see you Sunday,

Pastor Lindy

(she/her)Pronouns matter