It's now been two weeks since I started my sabbatical and today is the 2nd Sunday that I've not been in the pulpit at North Chevy Chase Christian Church.
Over the last two weeks have traveled over 2,500 miles visiting family -- first in Tennessee
where I got to see a great-nephew for the first time; then to Oklahoma for a Tatham family reunion, where the weather was HELLISHLY hot! Lots of Tathams and their off-spring present. -- even had a couple of "Tatham Family Bands" as part of the experience (Brother Ron on spoons on far left)
In all of the driving, I've reflected on the bitter-sweet feel of this trip as it's probably the first time in my adult life that I've done the "family trip" without one of my parents with me. I realized I've got unreleashed grief over the loss of my parents, both events happening as I was immersed in major church stuff! Mom's death occured while I was in the midst of my doctoral work and doing interims; Dad's death occured in the midst of Thanksgiving and Advent events at the church -- no time to grieve! So, I am doing that now, and it is a good grief as I have so many incredible memories of time spent with my parents.
From Oklahoma, headed to Ohio where I went through the final storage elements from my Dad's apartment -- brought home more than I probably should have, but hey! I've got all summer to find a place for it!
NOW -- into the rest of the summer!
Over the last two weeks have traveled over 2,500 miles visiting family -- first in Tennessee
where I got to see a great-nephew for the first time; then to Oklahoma for a Tatham family reunion, where the weather was HELLISHLY hot! Lots of Tathams and their off-spring present. -- even had a couple of "Tatham Family Bands" as part of the experience (Brother Ron on spoons on far left)In all of the driving, I've reflected on the bitter-sweet feel of this trip as it's probably the first time in my adult life that I've done the "family trip" without one of my parents with me. I realized I've got unreleashed grief over the loss of my parents, both events happening as I was immersed in major church stuff! Mom's death occured while I was in the midst of my doctoral work and doing interims; Dad's death occured in the midst of Thanksgiving and Advent events at the church -- no time to grieve! So, I am doing that now, and it is a good grief as I have so many incredible memories of time spent with my parents.
From Oklahoma, headed to Ohio where I went through the final storage elements from my Dad's apartment -- brought home more than I probably should have, but hey! I've got all summer to find a place for it!
NOW -- into the rest of the summer!
Thanks for sharing,
ReplyDeleteThe Washington metropolitanians Will surely miss you till you return.
Jean de Dieu
Your presence is truly missed.
ReplyDeleteDorothy
Thanks for keeping us updated. I'm so glad you have this time (which will go all too fast for you, I'm sure) to nurture yourself.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Dolly