“Love Each Other…”

Dear Friends,

Here we are almost two years after I first penned “Candee Calling”. What began as a way for me to stay in touch with you during our time of separation has continued throughout weeks, months, and now, years! I had no idea it would go on this long but I’m grateful for the opportunity to have shared the Word, a bit of my faith, theology and some thoughts about life, death and everything in between. Thank you for taking the time to read what I wrote, offer comments, engage in conversation, and show your appreciation. In doing so, you reawakened within me my love for writing, but the best gift was that I came to know more about you!

This past month, I’ve been thinking about some of the moments that have given me reason to pause, smile, laugh and give thanks for all that you’ve done for me, shared with me, and given to me while I’ve served as your pastor of congregational care. One of the funniest moments I recall was when I brought my son’s cockatiel, Ozzie, to church. Ozzie was supposed to be a surprise for the children’s sermon. However, even though he had been caged, draped, and hidden under the altar, once he heard the first few notes of the organ prelude, he could not keep from singing! And whistling! And chirping! LOUDLY! And there was nothing I could do but pray that he would stop. He didn’t! Mortified yet amused, I watched people turn to their neighbors in the pews, whispering and wondering as to what was going on! Later, someone told me that they were upset with “whomever the parents might have been” who would allow their child(ren) to bring a whistle to church!

And then there was a rather prophetic Sunday when retired Pastor Roger Schwarze and his late wife, Jeanne, were excited to show me a newspaper article. “Have you seen this?” they asked. “Have you heard about ‘death doulas’?” I told them that yes, I had. “Well,” Jeanne said, “Roger and I can see you doing this (ministry).” I thanked them for the paper, their positive words and later that day, knew that at some point in my life, I would indeed become a death doula. 3 years ago, I completed the training through INELDA (International End of Life Doula Association). End of life doulas help the dying live their best life possible not focusing on the quantity of days remaining but on the quality. I believe that when we can see death as a natural part of life we live with greater intention and experience more joy and peace than when we avoid death due to fear. You can read more about death doulas at www.inelda.org.

In leaving, I encourage you to find reasons to sing and praise God everyday no matter the circumstances. Look for what is good and right and beautiful in the world and thank God for your many blessings. Remember that life is a gift and our time on earth is temporary. Make the most of it. And above all, “Love each other as the Lord God has loved you!” John 15:12

With gratitude and love in Christ,

Pastor Candee