Author: SusannahDB

Would You Rather?

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This is modified from an inspirational call I led this morning for Coastal Hospice.

Prior to my time here at Coastal Hospice, I spent over a decade working with youth in a number of different churches. Youth ministry is a fun and challenging ministry that requires kindness, compassion, creativity, and lots of energy. We would often spend some time playing games or doing ice breakers as we got to know each other better. One of my favorite get to know you games is would you rather. Here’s how this game works. You have to pick between the two options. If you like both options, you must pick one. If you like neither option, you must pick one. One way to play is we could have everyone who picks option a move to the left and everyone who picks option b move to the right. Or we could raise hands with our preferred choice to have less chaos and movement. I would love to know how you will answer these questions as would you rather is best played in person.

Would you rather live near the beach or near the mountains?

Would you rather travel into space or under water in a submarine?

Would you rather only drink coffee or tea for the rest of your life?

If you could only have one for the rest of your life, would you pick catchup or mustard?

Would you rather watch the sunrise or sunset?

Would you rather find $5 on the ground or find all your missing socks?

Would you rather swim in the ocean or in a pool?

Would you rather be 6 or 16 again?

Would you rather go two weeks without a shower or a month without brushing your teeth?

Would you rather read a book or watch tv?

Would you rather every day was winter or summer?

Would you rather do a job you love for very little money or a a job you don’t enjoy for a million dollars a year?

You might wonder why I asked all these questions. Our lives are filled with so many choices. I wanted to start your week with a series of fun, funny, and challenging questions. So, blessings on this week ahead. May the choices you need to make be easier than a game of would you rather.

Pray with me.

God, each day we have many choices in our lives. Some easy, some hard. Be with us in this new week as we make many decisions. Guide us. Give us strength. Give us wisdom. Give us patience. May we start this new week with hope for the good work we will do. Grant us peace. Amen.

Prayer for the Beginning of a Month

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As we usher in a new month, I thought a prayer to welcome the turning of the calendar (if anyone still does that) might help us.

Loving God, Five months of this year have been completed. We start month six today. As June begins, open us to new possibilities. Where are you calling us to go? What are you asking us to do? God, what hopes do you have for this new month and how might our hopes align with yours? This new month gives a clean start, so give us courage this day as we expand our horizons and explore new adventures. Keep us safe while nudging us onward. Give us strength where it is needed. Ground us in love as we face new challenges. Be our constant companion as we start this new chapter today. Amen.

I Hope You Laugh Today!

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“Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, the Lord has done great things for them.” — Psalm 126:2 NRSV

My Dad is visiting me, and last night he got a phone call from his grandchildren. I could hear they were telling jokes, so I asked him to put the call on speakerphone. I love when children tell jokes. I love jokes that are well thought out. I love jokes that only make sense to the person telling them. I love to hear the delight in a child’s voice when they tell a joke.

My niece will be 10 this summer, and my nephew finished Kindergarten this week and is six. Their original jokes were as different as they are. And the common trait shared by every joke was joy. They wanted to make others laugh and have an extra excuse to laugh themselves.

Reid (age 6)-How so you make an Aunt Suz? With Slime (cue laughter).

Ella (age 9)-How does a cactus find stuff? It pokes around (cue laughter).

I hope your day includes at least one laugh. Whether you laugh with yourself (we do many silly and funny things), at a joke, at a story, with a friend or alone, I hope this day brings a moment of laughter for you. As a hospice patient who is in his late 90s said this week, “We all need to laugh.” I invite you to take his advice and find some humor in your day.

God of Laughter and Joy, We can take ourselves and our life too seriously. Slow us down and remind us to grin. Then push us to chuckle. When we are ready, give us an opportunity to laugh out loud. And when the time is right, give us a big laugh. Whether we laugh from deep in our bellies or loudly or silently with tears of joy streaming down our cheeks, remind us that laughter is a gift from you. Give us moments of laughter today, we pray. Amen.

Sisters sharing a laugh and big smiles!

Mother’s Day Without My Mom

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While 2020 was a hard year for so many reasons, it was also a year filled with time spent with my Mom. I saw her for her grandson’s birthday in January. In February, we flew to Florida to celebrate my Aunt and Uncle’s anniversary. COVID slowed down our time together until June when my family came to spend a week here at my house. Sadly while here, we learned that Mom’s cancer had returned. In July, my husband and I drove through the night to be with Mom when she decided to spend some time in the hospital…that stay went into August as I wouldn’t leave until Mom was back on her feet after daily treatments for an infection. I didn’t see her in September as things were going okay. Then in October we learned that her body could no longer handle the treatments. Despite COVID restrictions, the kind staff at the hospital let my Dad, sister, and I all be present with my Mom when we told her this news. She cried because her daughters were crying. And then she spent the rest of her days doing what she loved…spending time with her family. In November, my husband and I spent a week with Mom who was feeling good because she was done with treatment. We made her favorite foods, talked, played cards, and sorted through her book collection. In December, we wore matching pajamas on Christmas and made good memories. 2020 was a year spent with family despite the pandemic.

I had planned to go back in February to spend more quality time with Mom. As January was nearing its end, my sister called to update me on Mom’s decline. My husband and I got there as fast as we could for Mom’s last days. On February 2, 2021, my Mom died.

Today is a day to celebrate mothers. I support celebrating mothers. I wish I could celebrate with mine in person. I cannot. Instead I am spending this weekend remembering her and celebrating who she was/is to me. I am giving thanks for her life. Also, I am crying and laughing and missing her.

Mom and I in Florida in February 2020.

Recently I was introduced to the song Supermarket Flowers by Ed Sheeran. This beautiful song about grief has been one of my companions this weekend. I love the way the song ends.

“Hallelujah
You were an angel in the shape of my mum
You got to see the person I have become
Spread your wings and I know
That when God took you back he said Hallelujah
You’re home”

I am finding comfort in these words because while I would have loved twenty more years with my Mom I am thankful for the 43 years I knew her. I am thankful she knew me through my childhood, my awkward teenage years when I told her she was the meanest mother in the world (she loved to remind me of this story), college and seminary, my first call to a church and ordination, my wedding, countless moves, job changes, and all of the good and bad times in my life. She was cheering me on and wanting the best for me every day. While I am thankful that she is free from pain and with God, my sadness and grief are too big for me to join in with a hallelujah because her death means my Mom isn’t here for me to talk with today. I am thankful that God’s love for me is big enough that I can express all that I am feeling and know that God loves me still.

I am sharing my story in the hopes that it helps someone else out there who needed to read this story of love and grief today. Embrace whatever you are feeling on this day and know that God loves you.

Mom and I at Camp Albemarle for the church retreat in May 2011.

Who Holds Your Story?

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This week I have been thinking about these words describing what is lost when a loved one dies.

I shared them in this space years ago when talking about the parts of my story lost when my buddy, Kristi, died too young.

This week I have been thinking of my mother and the memories we shared together. I miss her. I know she took many of our memories with her that I relied on her to tell me. A joy at my Mom’s funeral visitation was a visit from a dear friend I have not seen in years. He came and shared memories of my Mom driving us to and from jr high and high school activities, bringing us food, and being in the audience at all our performances. These were times I had not thought about in years. He came and shared Mom’s story with me, and it meant so much.

Also, this week I have been thinking about losing our stories in relation to changes in our lives. When we move, change jobs, a coworker changes jobs, finish school, end a relationship, etc. all of these are times when we lose a part of our story. While these changes are not as final as the death of a loved one, most of us only rarely or occasionally take the time to share stories with others when we have moved on.

Because of all the changes that happen in our lives, parts of our story exist in so many different people and places. Today I am thinking of my loved ones who shared my story and whose stories I must pass along because they no longer can tell them. I am thinking of church families in churches where I worshipped and served. I am thinking of neighbors in places I no longer live. I am thinking of educators and classmates who taught me and learned with me. I am thinking of coworkers in jobs I have left and those who have left this job I love. I am thinking of my family and friends near and far who have walked this journey with me. I am missing all of you and holding all our stories in my heart.

These stories, the ones I remember and the ones others must remind me of and the ones only remembered by others, make me who I am today. I am thankful that while some of these stories may never be told out loud again I am living them in the choices I make and the person I am. Thank you all for holding a piece of my story.

Earl Grey Creme Tea

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You won’t be surprised to know my tea cabinet is always stocked with tea. I have no good reason to buy more tea except I love tea. So here is my latest happy purchase.

Earl Grey Creme Tea is described as, “The comforting flavors of vanilla and cream combine to lighten the citrus notes of a traditional Earl Grey. With its soft, warm flavors, this is a great tea to start off your day.”

I agree with this description. This tea invites me to inhale the warmth and flavors as a way to slow down and be present. The taste is smooth and delicious. I started my morning off with this tea which means it will be a good day!

Remembering…

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On this day 9 years ago, I said goodbye to my best friend. I mark this day each year by sharing her stories, being extra kind to others, and enjoying some fun food/beverages. This year will be no different.

Here are some important things to remember about grief.

-There is no timeline on grief. It is not weird or strange that nine years later I still observe this day. It is also not weird or strange if you do not remember the date of a loved one’s death. It is not weird or strange if you find yourself somewhere in between!

-There are many different ways to grieve. You can pick the ways you remember your loved ones who have died. I recommend not judging how others grieve, and not letting comments from others upset the way you are grieving.

-Grieving is hard work. Be kind to yourself on the hard grief days. Be aware of how you are feeling and the things/words that bring your emotions closer to the surface.

In memory of my buddy, Kristi, raise a glass of your favorite beverage and toast those you love near and far and drink in their honor and memory.

Dressed up and celebrating!

This is the Third Quarter

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No matter how you are currently feeling about COVID-19, there is one thing on which we can all agree it has affected our lives. Over the past year, it has been a regular topic of conversation and has changed the way we live our lives.

Recently the conversations I have heard have been about what is the right thing to do. If I’m vaccinated, can I do this? How should vaccinated and unvaccinated people interact? When will I get the vaccine? How long will this last? So many questions are focused on what is the right thing to do for myself and for others.

While pondering all these questions, a colleague sent me an article from TIME called “We’re in the Third Quarter of the Pandemic. Antarctic Researchers, Mars Simulation Scientists, and Navy Submarine Officers Have Advice for How to Get Through It” by Tara Law.


The article says that the “third quarter phenomeon” was first named by researchers in 1991 who were observing people living in cold climates who had no choice but to isolate due to the weather. They noted changes in the moods of people nearing the end of their time of isolation. Whilte this is still a theory, it might apply to how some of us are feeling in this 3rd Quarter of COVID-19. Vaccines are rolling out. Restrictions are easing. The weather is improving. What are we to do?

This article talks about the similiarties people felt in isolation and encourages the reader to be aware of how one is feeling. As we can see the light beginning to peak out at the end of the tunnel, you may find yourself “irritable, unhappy, or otherwise off”. This is because we are all tired of how it has been, looking ahead to what is coming, and tired of putting in the extra effort required to continue to isolate and distance.

What helped those in the article? “Focusing on the mission.” As far as COVID-19 is concerned, our mission hasn’t changed. We want to slow the spread and keep each other safe and healthy. This article recommended caring for yourself and doing things to feed your spirit as together we live through this 3rd Quarter of COVID.

Let us pray. Holy One, we are tired. We are tired of being 6 feet apart from each other. We are tired of wearing our masks. We are tired of hand santizing and washing our hand although we will continue to do so. Give us the strength to keep on keeping on. Remind us of your love for each of us and how we are called to care for each other. Help us when it is hard. Thank you for all who have worked so dilligently to beat this virus. Help us to see our small steps as ways we support each other. In your holy name we pray. Amen.

https://time.com/5942577/third-quarter-covid-19-pandemic-advice/

A Prayer for This Day

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I wrote this prayer earlier this week. I have prayed it many times lately in thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness whatever the day may bring. Peace to you, this day.

Holy One, On the hard days be our cup of tea and warm blanket comforting us and holding us close. On the easier days be the birdsongs and sunshine reminding us of joy and consistency. On the days in between, give us strength for the journey for whatever we may encounter today. Amen.

Lessons Learned from My Mom

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Last week, my Mom died. I spent her final days with her. Her family surrounded her physically and with our love. Our hearts are broken. I found comfort in writing these words about her which were read at her service.

Lessons Learned from My Mom

-Love your people with your whole heart. Mom didn’t always say I love you out loud. She lived her love by being present with those she loved, by listening, by remembering. A few years ago, Becky decided she wanted her parents to say I love you out loud, so she trained them to end each phone conversation and visit with an I love you. Be like Mom and tell people you love them and make your actions match your words.

-Read a Book! We all know Mom loved to read. Her face lit up when she talked about a new book she was reading. While her husband didn’t share her love of reading, he would go with her to used book sales and repack her books so she got the most books possible in her box of books for one price and he would amuse himself in countless bookstores while Mom browsed and bought more books. In November, Mom and Susannah sorted through her vast book collection as Mom said, “I will never live long enough to read all these book.” It wasn’t a sad moment because they laughed as they realized that Mom’s personal library after sorting was still so large that it would take many lifetimes to read through. Be like Mom and read a book.

-Spoil your grandchildren. While Mom loved her husband, daughters and sons-in-law, the joy she felt for Ella and Reid was immeasurable. Grandma Marilyn as they called her made each day special for them with time for playing together and as that got harder for her plenty of time for snuggling in her chair. Grandma Marilyn was so proud of the amazing people her grandchildren are and knew they were going to do great things in their life. Be like Grandma Marilyn and spoil your grandchildren with love.

-Keep your promises. On a hot summer day in 1971, a very much younger Marilyn married Paul. And for the next 49.5 years, they were partners in life. It could not have been easy being a pastor’s wife, never living near family, moving multiple times and starting over in a new strange place, and yet Paul’s call to ministry was Marilyn’s call too. They had different temperaments and interests, and a common purpose to love each other and raise a family. And in the good times and hard times, they were there for each other. Be like Marilyn and keep your promises.

-Love your work. For many years, Mom’s work was raising her children and being involved in church. When Becky was in high school, Mom started working at Walmart. She loved the people she worked with and the people she helped. When she started, she worked overnights so she didn’t miss any of Becky’s activities or sports. When she moved to the Bloomington store, she switched to day shift. She showed up for work each day with a smile on her face and brightened the days of her coworkers and customers. She always had a fun story to tell about what happened today at Walmart. Whatever work you do, be like Mom and do it with a smile.

-Live your faith. Mom believed in living her faith by loving others and sharing what she had. Her faith was private to her, and yet it was obvious in the way she lived and the choices she made. She loved God with her whole heart and all of her neighbors as herself. Be like Mom and live your faith!

-Laugh! Mom loved to laugh. She laughed often although not too often at Dad’s bad jokes because those usually got an eye roll. When Mom really got laughing, she went into silent mode. Mom would be laughing so hard that no sound would come out and she would jiggle and her face would turn bright red. When that happened you had to laugh along because you knew it was funny. The world needs more laughter, be like Mom and laugh.

-Be strong. Mom was never one to complain. She dealt with pain, the challenges of her illness, and the unknown with strength. As we are all here grieving, try to be strong like Mom.

Mom and I laughing together in December.