Thankful

On Sunday afternoon, I was at my mother’s house trying to fix her washing machine when my daughter called to tell me that she was in excruciating stomach pain. Long story short, she had to have emergency gallbladder removal surgery. She stayed in the hospital until Tuesday morning when I drove her home and helped her take care of her toddler Henry. It was wonderful to be able to work remotely and to feel the support of my congregation and staff as I juggled family and work responsibility. I was thankful for Zoom meetings and texting that kept me looped in and yet able to be a help for my child. Even though she is an adult, and a mother, I knew that she needed me to be MOM. And it was nice to be able to step up when needed.

I was reminded at the hospital of how many families we hear of through Family Promise who become homeless because of one person getting sick or needing surgery. The bills haven’t come yet but I can’t imagine how much expensive this trip and stay at the hospital will be. But luckily my daughter has insurance and family and we rallied around her during this difficult time. It would be awful to face this uncertainty alone.

So today I am exhausted but thankful. Thankful for the surgeon who did the surgery. So grateful for all the wonderful and kind nurses who cared for my daughter. I didn’t allow myself to worry, because I was immersed in my assurance that everything would be ok. Thankful for the wonderful people at Faith who sent affirming supportive words and prayers. I was reminded this week how easily it can all go away. I was reminded that we need each other and that we are not alone when life gets hard. So lean into each other Faith. Share your stories and your lives with each other. Life is too short to wait.

See you Sunday,

Pastor Heather