On Friday the 13th of March 2020 we entered our pandemic lock-down and I was diagnosed with a type of leukemia. At 250 pounds, I was over-weight, had a lowered immunity system because of the leukemia medication, and was 75 years old. All three of these are major mortality risk factors from COVID. I could only do something about one of these risk factors, my weight. At first, I began a very dedicated program of portion control, no snacking, and no desserts. Under that approach I was losing 3 pounds per month – not great, but measurable. After six months my motivation increased greatly and I began a serious daily walking program – morning and afternoon. Trial and error (and blisters) convinced me that I needed to walk on the flat sidewalks of Toro Park. For the next six months I walked a two-mile circuit twice a day. Even on the rainy days I either carried an umbrella or walked between shower bursts. I knew that if I started making reasons not to walk, I would find more and more reasons not to walk and would not reach my goal.

It took somewhat of an iron will. I had to approach it with the dedication of someone quitting something cold turkey. If I had blisters, I bandaged and padded them. When I developed a corn, I padded it and used a corn remover pad. But I kept on going. There were so many reasons not to walk, but I managed to overcome all of them. In the six months I only missed one day of walking. I found that listening to music on the walk helped the distance melt away. Now, 13 months later, I have lost 50 pounds and am much healthier. I have received my vaccination shots and no longer fear the COVID. However, I have other health benefits too. My doctor has now ceased my high blood pressure medication and I am no longer borderline diabetic.

I am still maintaining my walking, but not quite as far. I have also continued my portion control with eating – I eat until I am satisfied, not until I am full. And I enjoy small desserts from time to time. All in all, I feel very good about where I have come to.

Memorial Day 2021

Here we all are, another Memorial Day to honor our military heroes who have devoted much of their lives to making sure our country and our citizens remain safe. Some have given a part of their lives, some all of their lives, and some their life itself, helping ensure that the United States remains safe and free. As retired military and citizens of the this great country, we have spent much of our lives reaping the benefits of what our comrades have helped preserve, for us as well asl our children.

We have been living in our RV and traveling numerous places in the country reminding us of what a grand country our ancestors have provided for us. We visited buildings and battlefields reminding us of the contributions of citizens to the successful resolution of the Revolutionary War, like the battlefield at Fort Necessity. We have visited places like the battlefields of Gettysburg and Fredericksburg where so many of our own US citizens and family members gave their lives. The memorials in Kansas City WW1 Museum are a grim reminders of the loses of our heroes helping bring that Great War to an end. A visit aboard the carrier USS Yorktown in Charleston Harbor, SC and toured the spaces with its numerous reminders of the world turmoil in WWII. Additionally spent several minutes at the somber memorial to many of our fallen space heroes within Kennedy Space Center located in our military’s new Space Command. Finally as we visited several military installations in the Eastern US we are reminded of the countless numbers of citizens that have sacrificed much to provide freedom for us all.

Camp Kesem is the largest national organization dedicated to supporting children impacted by a parent’s cancer at no cost to families. It holds a special place in my heart, and I'm sad my time as a student leader is coming to an end when I graduate. I've been involved with Kesem for four years in numerous roles at both the chapter and national level. It has been incredible to work with such passionate and hardworking folks from across the country dedicated to servicing kiddos affected by a parent's cancer.

Kesem is special for many reasons. But the aspect that has touched me the most are the kids themselves. In my time at Kesem, these kiddos have taught me more about vulnerability, resiliency, and optimism than I could have ever imagined. They are kind, funny, and so open about their experiences. At the end of the day, us counselors just encourage them to be themselves and facilitate the camper camper relationships that make Kesem so special for the kiddos.

I think Kesem is also extremely special because it attracts a certain type of person. Student volunteers who join Kesem have huge hearts, a camp counselor spirit, and a passion to make a difference in our families lives. The energy created by Kesem student leaders is on a different level, and creates a safe space for you to just be yourself. It's something about singing camp songs and dressing up in the wackiest of clothes that make you forget about all insecurities.

Kesem is a feeling that is unmatched. It's a feeling of comfort, love, welcoming, safety, and empowerment. I'm not sure how they do it, but once you experience it, you can't ever leave. For the last four years, I've had the privilege to work with the most amazing kiddos and student leaders who embody the Kesem spirit so well. I'm so grateful for the opportunities Kesem has given me, and I will continue to be involved with the organization in any way I can (camp nurse, perhaps?).

Working with kiddos for the last four years in Kesem and as a babysitter/nanny has pushed me to pursue a career in pediatric nursing in Seattle, WA. I'm hoping to start as a pediatric nurse or work my way to being one. Next steps include graduating, running our session of Camp Kesem, and passing my nursing boards exam!

I talk QUITE A BIT when I talk about Kesem.

I get great joy from helping and supporting those in need and doing kind things for others. My understanding of this amazing joy I receive came to me at a young age.

My first recollection of my concern for others was when I was about six years old. I needed a medical procedure in the hospital which required an overnight stay or two. When I could move around, I was told of the children’s playroom that I could go play in. Upon entering the room, I was saddened by seeing a bunch of broken toys and torn written in books for the children to play with. My father said they depend on donations for those kinds of things.

Soon after I was out of the hospital I was fundraising in the neighborhood for toys and books for the hospital. What I found in this small journey of bringing new toys and books to the hospital was how I felt afterwards. The joy I felt when the nurses allowed me to bring in the few toys and books into the playroom for the children has never left me. There is no doubt about it. The moment you step out to serve and help others, God changes your heart or in my case that is when my journey started, I believe. I felt like I was going to be a blessing to this hospital and the children, and I was a little but what I found was I felt like I was the one receiving the bigger blessing. Joy had totally overwhelmed me. My dad held me in his arms and asked why I was crying so hard, and I remember I said I was so happy, and it just made me cry. God’s always working all around us and in us.

As I am now beginning to enjoy my retirement it comes with plans of how I can continue to grow in my journey of love and kindness. So, I thought it would be nice to start a Helping Hands committee/group at Good Shepherd. I am hoping to draw some parishioners’ and friends’ interest to be a part of Helping Hands. When friends and family are ill or unable to complete daily tasks for one reason or another the Helping Hands group could be called upon. This would include our wonderful meals we already do for those in need, but could also be things like, walking a dog, a drive to the doctor apt., doing a sink full of dishes, handyman work, lawn mowing, electrical work, trucks for moving etc. It would be wonderful if we had a list of people who could be called upon to help our community in need, including the youth for community service hours. If you are interested, please contact the parish office, and see if we can get a Helping Hands list started.

In my case, I like to go out for long walks through town. Occasionally I get the chance to help people. I once rescued a dog who somehow snuck out of his gated community home and delivered him back to his owner during one such walk. Helping that way makes me feel good, because I know how much I love my pets.

I tend to smile or give friendly waves to strangers while I’m out, because everyone needs a smile. It’s a way to show respect and kindness by acknowledging that you see them.

On occasion, I have given food to some homeless people that I encounter. It’s been some time since I last gave food to a homeless person but helping them like that makes me feel better. Everyone needs a little help now and then.

Being humanitarian like that helps me realize that this is the kind of person I think Jesus wants me to be. Just smile and wave - it goes a long way!

Click here to watch BG recite the 23rd Psalm.

These good folks cooking in the hot heat and raising money for ministry! Thanks to Stan Brusa, Susie Saunders Brusa, Timothy Knapp, Priscilla Henry, Reg Henry, Jon McClean , Alice Knapp, Peter Albano, Anne Albano, Brian Merrill , Jim Copeland, Deborah E McFarland , Allen Brandt , Diane Kulow, Foxy Produce , Tom Nunes , Crystal Davis-Gibbs.

The flower guild welcome's its newest member, Michelle Zimmerman. Thank you Michelle for your time, talents and offerings.

Additionally, we are grateful for all our flower guild members: Ruth Mitchell (Leader), MaryEllen Jensen, Joan Madden, Peg McIntosh, Susan Paoli & Marcia Weber-Olsen.

As I hold the note, one third of Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey's final chord of the first act of this musical, that familiar, tangible feeling of elation washes over me, my fellow actors, and, if we are successful, the members of our audience.

This sensation is not merely the appreciation of the harmony in a pretty melody - it is positively pentacostal. The Holy Spirit, who can be called a mysterious, unifying force, or the presence of an intangible muse in the context of the performing arts, fills the theatrical space and reveals to the people within it basic human truths, also called drama.

Identifying that sensation, which the mechanics of our eyesight and hearing cannot account for, to my fellow actors in a specific, Christian context, puts words to the enlivening feeling we may have experienced, but not had words for, since it surpasses human explanation. So, yes, a guy in a donkey costume takes the opportunity to begin his witness organically, in the context of the art he and this company of actors are creating together. "I believe that wonderful feeling we all share, that mysterious energy, is a force with a name - the Holy Spirit." I initiate the conversation with my colleagues and explain why I arrive (almost) late to our 12 pm Sunday rehearsal.

https://www.pacrep.org/shrek-the-musical