DO WE CHOOSE FEAR OR HOPE?

This evening, I saw a commercial on television that was sponsored by Homeland Security. The commercial began with the announcer saying, "In the case of a terrorist attack, do you have a plan"? Then the commercial showed a series of children, each one asking, "Am I going to be safe"? "Are we safe"? And, "What do we do if there is an attack"? I was horrified that the fear mongers were now targeting our children. It is bad enough that we are constantly told that the "other " is dangerous, not wanted, or will take away our job, but that we are supposed to pass that fear down to our children is unconscionable.

I remember as a child, we had atomic bomb drills. We would hide underneath our desks, or we would go out into the hallway, where there were no windows, and on our knees face the wall and cover our head with our hands. We now know that were there an atomic bomb, all the drills we did were nonsense and would not have saved us. As a child, however, we didn't know the drills were useless, and so we were often afraid that we might die on a beautiful and clear, sunny day when we were in a places that were supposed to be safe, our homes, our schools, and our neighborhoods.

I thought how blessed my children were that they didn't have to grow up and worry about cosmic fear. If they were afraid at all, it might be a fight in school, a bully on the playing field, or later on the dangers of alcohol and drugs. They are grown now and I am thankful they are not children worrying about their own lives ending in some horrendous, cataclysmic event.

Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was part of a Trinity Church, Wall Street panel discussion September 11, 2001. After the plans had crashed into the World Trade Center buildings, and the first building had toppled, he came out onto the street. He was struck by the dust floating all around him, especially the dust that coated the cars parked on the street. He wrote a book about his experience that day. He called it "Writing in the Dust". The cover had words written on the front page as though a child had written on the window of a dirty and dusty car. In the book. he says, in terms of response to the attack on the World Trade Center, our leaders had a number of possibilities. He mentions two. The first was that we could immediately do nothing, but take a step back and try and understand what had happened and why it had happened. Not taking the burden of the responsibility for the event on ourselves, but recognizing that events are shaped more then just by one side's position. Or, he says, we could immediately find someone to blame for the attack and set about a revenge response using a military response. He believed that the second response would lead to a culture of fear in this country.

He believed, however, the first response allowed our leaders to assure the people that they were safe, and that their leaders were taking time to understand what had happened and how best to respond to it. He didn't say that a military response was not reasonable, he just felt that time was required to understand the issues that underlined this event.

We know now that the second response was the one that was chosen. On the East Coast, immediately after the event, the highway signs that lit up when there were icy conditions on the road or an accident ahead, now stated "If you see anything suspicious, immediately call the authorities." If you see anyone suspicious, immediately call the authorities. They didn't detail on the signs what an event or person who was "suspicious" looked like, but in the newspapers and on the television there were constant pictures of middle eastern men and women, with swarthy complexions who would instill fear in us if we saw them.

As time went on, especially men, who looked middle eastern, were taken into custody and the jail at Guantanamo Bay begin to fill up. We became wary of people who looked different and talked differently.

I have struggled long and hard with this particular blog. Because I wanted to be careful of how people may perceive this, and the fact that we have many military retired and active in the parish and I do not want to insult them or hurt them in any way. As a priest, I feel strongly that, at times, events call for me to challenge what may be the prevailing mind set. I am not against war, however, I pray that our leaders will always take slow, deliberate discussion and thought prior to entering into any armed conflict, especially where the lives of our young men and women are at jeopardy.

I ask you to reflect on what I have written. If you wish, I hope you will share those reflections with me. I ask that we pray for wisdom for me, our leaders, and each other.

God bless from me ...and Charlie!

Rev. Pat

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETT

I arrived in Boston last Friday. The weather was beautiful. I had heard there had been a lot of rain and that the summer had been brutely hot. Friday and Saturday were beautiful, but it is hot again and will probably stay for the week. I leave on Friday and can't wait to get back to Oak Harbor and St. Stephen's.

Friday, my youngest son Bryan and I went to a meeting a Sherrill House where my husband Gus is a resident. The first floor, Alzheimer's unit had a BBQ for the families and residents. It was really nicely done. I had time to sit with Gus. My sister=in-law and brother-in-law also came with us. At first Gus didn't really know who I was. The longer we sat together and I talked quietly to him, there seemed to be a recognition of me. I said "It's your sweetie" and he said, "Yes". We walked around the patio and looked over the edge at a beautiful garden below. As we stood there with our arms around each other, he laid his head on my shoulder and I laid my head on his. We stood there for quite a while, and when we looked up, he reached down and kissed me. There are moments of grace in all situations. God is good. All during Gus' illness, there have been those moments when he seems to be aware of me and reaches out to me. I treasure those moments and know that it is God's gift to us.

As we were leaving the patio, the Monkey's song "Day Dream Believer" came on the radio. That was one of our favorite songs, and Gus started to move his hands and feet as though he was dancing, so did I. It was lovely - again our moment of grace. There are so many of those if only I can realize that they don't have to large, over the top - but moments of grace are personal, intimate, and truly a blessing of little gifts.

We had a meeting afterwards with his team of Social Worker, Doctor, Nurse, Psychiatrist. They are concerned that he has been displaying much different personality actions. He has always been nonaggressive, easily managed, but he now seems to be agitated, walking quickly up and downt he corridors, pushing at doors, trying to open outside doors, and setting off alarms. They say he seems angry. I said, "I bet he is, I would be too." Of course, because this is unusual, they are concerned that something else, besides the dementia is going on. I told them, previous doctors had clinically ruled out all other types of dementia, Picks' Disease, Frontal Temporal Lobe, etc. They were concerned there might be a brain tumor. They want to have him see a Neurologist and get a Cat Scan. Then if nothing else is wrong, they will change his seizure medication and that might calm him down. Please keep him in your prayers.

We had lovely news yesterday from my son's girlfriend. They are on a vacation to Russia, Sweden and Paris. My oldest son Will, while on this trip was going to ask her to marry him. She emailed that she had said "Yes", and sent a picture of the lovely diamond ring he had bought her. We are all really happy because she is a lovely young woman and they are great together. Well I'll sign off for today.

Don't forget Wilma Patrick's 91st Birthday tomorrow. Happy Birthday, Wilma!

I THINK I'LL FLY - BY PLANE

My youngest son Brian, has been sky diving but I think I'll take a larger conveyance for my journey to Boston! I leave tomorrow. After driving 14 hours, 10 hours one day and 6 the next, I arrived back in Oak Harbor. As I drove over the Deception Pass Bridge, I shouted a loud YEAH, I'M HOME! Oak Harbor really does feel like home. It was nice to sleep in my own bed, make a cup of tea and just relax quietly. Charlie did really well on the trip. He's a great companion, I just wished he'd say something, or at least laugh at my jokes - oh well maybe in the next life.

Charlie is staying home this trip. He's going out to George and Vickie's north 40 with Brandy - George's dog. They get along well so I think Charlie will enjoy the vacation. He'll be able to run free, play with a friend, and get spoiled by George and Vickie - I hope he behaves himself.

I'm looking forward to Boston. I'll see Gus, and Bryan. Will is in Russia. Christie, Will's girlfriend has always wanted to go to Russia. He bought an engagement ring and, while they are in Russia, he is going to ask her to marry him. The younger generation certainly does things in a big way. Gus asked me to marry him in the Dedham Mall, in Dedham, Massachusetts, as we passed a jewelry store. Looks like we'll have a wedding in the future. I won't get to see Kathryn because she's in Philadelphia and I don't think I'll have time to go down there. She is moving out here to Eugene, Oregon in November, which is only 6 hours away from Whidbey Island.

Travel is exciting, exhilarating and tiring. I'm going to make sure on this leg of the journey that I spend one day sitting at a beach, reading. See you soon!

I DIDN'T LEAVE MY HEART IN SAN FRAN BUT ON OAK HARBOR

I'm here in Palo Alto, California just south of San Francisco. The weather is about the same as Whidbey Island so I feel right at home, overcast in the morning, sunny with a slight breeze in the afternoon, and cool at night. My kind of weather!

I had a great trip down. It was longer then I realized, 14 hours, but an easy ride. I went down most of the way on I-5. If your traveling down that road, there is a lot of construction so expect delays. The scenery was tremendous. Each part of the journey was very different. When you get into Oregon, your in the mountains with tall spruce and pines. Lovely lakes each turn of the road. California has the rolling, yellow gold grass hills for miles and miles, and then you come into a low valley with cattle and sheep farms, and fields of vegetables, and fruit trees. I stopped at a stand and bought peaches, pears and plums, plus "Washington Cherries". Had to come 800 miles for what I could get at home, oh well!

It is wonderful to see my cousin Barbara. She has been very ill this year and is recovering. She is an amazing person. She is a very special person, loving, giving, and has tremendous strength of character. She has been through a lot but doesn't give up. We have been close since we both were children. Her brother Chuck was my best friend growing up, and we all spent time together. Family is so important. I don't have anyone left in mine except for my cousins, and I cherish Barbara as my family. God gave us our families to help us to be truly who we are meant to be and to some times challenge us to be humble and forgiving. These are two attributes, I think, that are difficult but filled with grace.

Barbara is a middle school teacher, and we will go into her school this week and set up the bulletin boards. I remember helping teachers do this when I was in middle school. Should be fun! I like being teacher's pet, don't you.

We have Allison, Barbara's daughter's wedding shower on Sunday. I'm looking forward to meeting all her friends and family I haven't met before. It's been a long time since I went to a wedding shower.

I hope all is well at St. Stephen's and I am keeping you all in my prayers.

SERVING GOD'S PEOPLE

This past week was really wonderful! I had so many opportunities to see St. Stephen's parishioners in action. One of the first conversations I had with this congregation was about the many ministries the congregation individually and corporately support both in the Diocese of Olympia and overseas. This past week I had an opportunity to see both individual outreach and our corporate outreach.

Wilma Patrick was kind enough to invite me to The Whidbey Hospital Auxiliary picnic and BBQ. The work this group has done is truly amazing. Forty years ago, they started with 20 volunteers. Over the years, the volunteer numbers have grown and they continue to encourage many to join. They have built a hospital, financed important medical equipment and programs and they are now beginning the work for a new hospital wing. Whidbey Hospital has become an important gift to Whidbey Island and their satellite facilities have added a much needed local resource. They need to expand their ability to serve this community and I know we will want to support that work. I learned a lot about the work of the hospital, and was treated to the auxiliary's hospitality. They were extremely warm and welcoming to me and I am grateful to Wilma for giving me this opportunity to meet them.

Saturday, I had another wonderful experience. I went down to our "Apostle's Build" for Habitate for Humanity. There I saw many of our parishioners working away. There were others from the community also helping. They were putting up wall board that day. On Sunday, many of the workers came to church with arms raised to praise God from holding up wall board. I also met the new owner of the house. What a wonderful woman. She has helped on many other houses, and now she will have a new home for herself and her two sons. God is good!

I leave for vacation this Friday and I will take with me the many gifts I have received from this parish. I will take my pride in the services people offer to others. I will take with me a sense of being home on this Island and in this congregation. I will also carry all of you with me and keep you in my daily prayers as I know I will be in yours. I'll take Charlie with me for the first leg of the journey, but he will be staying at the "North 40" of George and Vicki Churchills from August 25th to September 3rd. Give him a hug for me while I'm gone. SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER!

FOG SURE BEATS SMOG

Last week, I decided I wanted to go see West Beach. I had driven on West Beach Road, but I had never stopped along the way. Charlie and I set off in the morning planning to spend the day at the beach. As we turned off Swantown/Crosby Road onto West Beach Road, we were met with a wall of fog. It stretched all around us. I couldn't see ahead of me, and I knew the ocean was to the right of me, but I couldn't even hear the waves. We seemed to travel in a bubble.

You know how quiet it is when you are in a fog bank? There was this lovely sense of Charlie and I being the only two creatures in the world. I could see fairly well, but I still drove slowly. I drove slowly because I didn't know what was up ahead, and I drove slowly to prolong the sense of quiet and isolation. Everything looks muted in the fog, almost like a impressionist painting, where the colors blend into each other and experience takes over from form. You're not sure what your looking at until your almost upon it.

Along the way, we pulled into a private cul de sac. There was a rocky beach, Charlie and I walked along the rocks for awhile. He went down on the wet sand but didn't seem to like the waves that came close to the shore. There was a bench right at the edge of the rocks and we sat companionably enjoying the quiet. As I often find myself doing here on Whidbey Island, I thanked God. I thanked God for the beauty of the fog, for the peaceful time to reflect on God's gift of weather, and for an hour to do nothing but meditate in the quiet. Lunch time came and I hadn't brought us anything to eat, so reluctantly we moved off our bench and headed home through the lifting fog into the bright sunlight of Harrier Circle.

CHUCKANUT WANDERINGS

When my children were small, we use to pack everyone into the car on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon and go on an adventure. After the children were on their own, on my day off, Gus and I would head out North, South, East or West to see what there was to see. We didn't call it going on an adventure, Gus named it "Piddling". I'm not sure where he got the name but it stuck. Even now when the children visit and we go off on parts unknown, we'll say we are "Piddling". To "Piddle" usually means you will see something you haven't seen before. You don't worry about destinations, it's always a work in progress, and when you come home, you feel blessed that you saw whatever it was that came your way.

So today on my Sabbath, I went Piddling. I saw the street sign "Chuckanut Drive". I thought what a great name! It must lead to someplace interesting with a name like "Chuckanut", and it did. The drive took me through farm fields with the Cascade and Olympic Mountains bordering my views. Then up a hill we went, which seemed to become more of a mountain. The road wound around with beautiful Madrone trees on the waterside and huge cliffs on the inside passage. The smells were lovely. I think there was lavender and other fragrant wild flowers and possibly the Madrone trees give off a lovely musty odor. As I traveled along, I would catch a glimpse of the San Juan Island. (I didn't know that was what I was seeing, but I asked someone later.)

When I came to the top of the Drive, I found myself in Fairhaven, a quaint town along the coast. There was a sign that said, "Ferry to Alaska". I didn't know you could leave this area and go to Alaska. It made me aware of in what a new place I live. There was a bookstore so, of course, I had to go in. It really had quite an extensive list of books and a very nice cafe, where I whiled away an hour or so. I also went into a "funky" kitchen store and saw more "gadgets" then even I could possibly need. You can get rubber poached egg cups. I can't imagine why it would make poaching a egg easier but who knows. Also, they had a fantastic garlic press for the nifty price of $50. I think I'll continue to bang the garlic cloves on the counter. The one item I did buy, because I have always wanted one and they were always too expensive. This was an "on sale" item and a smaller example of the standard ones, it was a "gurgling pitcher". Only $12, and I thought that was a bargain. You always need at least one of those - don't you? I finished my visit by walking down one side of the main street and up the other. It's a lovely town and I know I'll go back again some other time.

On my way back, I stopped and got my car washed, and so all in all it was a profitable and well taken "Piddle". I wonder what direction I'll try the next time? Any suggestions?

Summer Hurrying On

I was talking with my daughter today, she said that now she is older (30 years old) time seems to be really moving fast. I told her I knew what she meant - it certainly does seem to move quickly. Even this week went quickly. I was looking forward to Sunday, and now it's all over. What a wonderful Sunday this was for us at St. Stephen's Episcopal. We had two visitors from Virginia. What a lovely couple. The wife had just moved her mother to Regency. I told her we would visit and make her mother feel at home. Welcoming is what we do very, very well. When I think, I just moved here 5 months ago, yet I feel as though Oak Harbor has been my home for ever. This is because the parishioners at St. Stephen's Episcopal just gathered me in. You said, "We are so happy you are here to worship, serve, and preach the good new with us". The "with us" is the operative word. We are a community that serves together. How blessed I am!

I was also talking with Betty today. She asked about everyone and told me she misses all of us. She also said she felt as though this had become her church home and felt such love for each of you. She called me on "Skype". Skype lets you see the person with whom you are talking. She has her first dog. She picked up a lovely puppy. Of course, he's a cockapoo like Charlie. He's all black with a white beard and tummy. He is 11 weeks old. She is already madly in love with "Clancy". Clancy is the name she has decided to call him. Perfect, don't you think, for an Irish lass? So next March when she comes back, Clancy is coming to see his pal Charlie.

This week is a busy week. Our Wednesday evening Bible Study group is taking a field trip to St. Paul's in Mount Vernon to hear a talk about Jesus in the first century. All are welcome to join us, just meet in the parking lot at 5:00pm on Wednesday evening. The more we know about the Bible the more it becomes a wonderful tool for our spiritual growth. Please take time to read and discuss the bible in the weeks ahead. If you chose reading the Bible as a summer project, remember time is flying and it's never too late to get started. Come and join us also to discuss what you are reading and learning.

Don't forget the next Sunday is "Bring a Guest to Church Sunday". If you love St. Stephen's give others a chance to love it also!

Week of July 12th Proper 10C

Computers...computers...computers. I'm sure the first pilgrims to Whidbey Island didn't worry about how to communicate. They just shouted loud enough and their message was carried on the wind. God bless Virginia Wagner who has spent most of her time this morning showing me how to "blog". Charlie is completely disgusted with me, he's even groaning because it takes me so much time to do things on the computer. If he only had a thumb - he could do it instead! The cruelties of life for a dog!

This week is starting out lovely. The sun came out yesterday and word is it is coming out today. I'll be sure to spend time at my favorites place down at "Flintstone Park". You can see the marina and all along the harbor from that vantage point. There's a bench where Charlie and I sit and meditate small and pleasant thoughts about what it is like to live here.

On July 18th, I will be here five months. What I have learned in the five months is that Whidbey Islanders are warm, friendly, love to tell you about themselves and hear about you. The Island could use a good coffee shop cum bookstore with couches, good coffee, and lots of reading material. The Whidbey Island Coffee is the best! There is more to do on the Island then you have time to do it and there is something for everyone.

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church parishioners are the best on the Island. They have great sense of humors, amazing faith in God, the fellow parishioners, and life in general. They are fantastic to the Rector and to the Rector's roommate "Charlie". Couldn't find a better church to share "amazing grace" with.

Hope your week is starting out as well as mine. Blessings.

Welcome to my new blog

Welcome to Whidbey Island Walks with Charlie and me. We are delighted to share our musings about his wonderful place where we live and anything else that strikes Charlie's fancy.