Packing Up

I’m packing up my office, because I’m retiring from Columbia Lutheran Home after five years as chaplain. The most important things I’ll take with me aren’t in the things I’m finding in drawers or on shelves. The most important things I’m taking are the memories I’m carrying out of here in my soul. Here are 10 precious memories (among so many more):

1. The happy sounds of residents bowling in the Alder Dining Room on Tuesday mornings. Folks who didn’t think they like group activities loved this one.

2. Mother’s Day teas in Luther Hall, when we got out the special teacups and saucers that had been donated (and had to wash them all). The Sweet Adelines’ sang. The cookies overflowed.

3. Bill D. wheeling in to Luther Hall each day to play the piano. I sat in my office and listened to his familiar repertoire. He especially liked “I Don’t Know How to Love You.”

4. The little note from Pat C that said, “Pastor Mary, will you read to me.” Stacks of books covered her windowsill and she always had a list for the Bookmoblie.

5. Kaylin the Activities Staff Person could get people to talk who I thought were non-verbal! One day i heard a whole conversation between her and Jerry. He trusted her.

6. Helma shortened my blue pastor stole for me. Her 100-year-old eyes and fingers could still get the job done. Her lifelong seamstress skills were intact.

7. We gathered for worship on Christmas Eve 2019 and the snow started falling during our service. We looked out the windows and watched in awe as the snow blanketed the world.

8. Nurse Joan and I stood in one of the small unit kitchens just after the pandemic started and prayed aloud for each other.

9. The bedside vigil for Esther as we awaited her passing. Esther’s niece brought an old video of Esther singing in church. Her own singing voice was one of the last voices Esther heard.

10. Dona S. and I walked the neighborhood every warm day. She was such a great walker that we could go all the way to the Rose Garden. When Dona saw the flowers, she always talked about growing up in Singapore.

Thanks be to God for a special gift of ministry at Columbia Lutheran Home. May the memories imprinted in my soul remind me of God’s surprises and love. Amen

Thanks to the residents, families, and staff people who made this a special time.

God Bless You,
Pastor Mary