… And back by popular demand, my yearly update! I had been tempted to not write one of these this year as the funny quotes list is VERY short, but when I mentioned that to a few friends, I got stares as though I had suggested cutting off people’s left feet for fun. So here goes.
2009 started out well – I was visiting the family in Winnipeg, relaxing, etc. The first three months of the year were a time of discernment – I was beginning to believe that my time at the Ascension was just about over (for me personally as well as financially for the parish), I was enjoying teaching again at Niagara University, and I was finally getting some work done on my Masters of Theology thesis, and continuing to serve HMCS Star as Padre. Kate came to visit in early March for the church’s Lorne Elliott show (hysterically funny), and we had a great weekend! Barrett stopped by on his road trip, so we got to have much fun, do winery tours, etc.
April was time for significant change for me… Easter Vigil (or Holy Saturday) is normally my favourite service in the church year. This year, however, it was not. In the middle of my sermon, I passed out. Over the next 24 hours, I had 3 more episodes which landed me in hospital for 9 days. After substantial testing and poking and prodding (spinal tap = hell), it was determined that I had had a series of minor strokes or TIAs (Transient Ischemic Attacks). I was really blessed to have some amazing folks helping to look after me in those days, I know how blessed I am to have been upheld by folks from church, PWRDF, the Navy, the university, etc. It was terrifying to have lost chunks of memory and communication skills, and I have worked very hard to get back as much as possible (and continue to struggle from time to time, but “thing” is no longer the majority of my vocabulary, TBTG). The cause of these problems was an accumulation of factors: one of my medications was a tad high, which led to some minor blood clots forming; my genetics predispose me to high cholesterol, and with the mounting stress from work, I was just full of blood clots. As Jean said (when she flew over, yes I was that ill), it had been a while since I’d had a health crisis, so she figured I was due.
During this time, things were going very poorly at the church, and though I tried to return to work after only a few days out of hospital, the bishop intervened at the Ascension in May. This was a very good thing for all people involved. I was put back on medical leave (a VERY good decision) with the understanding that I would not be returning to my position there. The bishop has changed all the staff at the church, in order to cut down financial burdens and other challenges – which is a great decision, and I am happy to see the parish starting to re-grow itself and ideally start to heal. It was, however, a very difficult time, and I respect and appreciate the bishop’s insight and actions. Bishop Michael has been a fantastic support for me this year.
There were a couple of fantastic things in May, however, to make me giggle and grin like an idiot. On May 12, Veronica and Mike delivered a beautiful little boy, Ethan Samuel. Not that I’m at all biased, but he’s gorgeous! A few weeks later, May 28, Kieran became a big brother as Evan and Stacy delivered Payton Elizabeth who is also gorgeous. I really like being an Auntie!!
The rest of the summer was fairly non-eventful. I spent a lot of time in a stroke rehab program, and sitting on the porch reading and drinking lemonade. With my adjusted medication and new cholesterol meds, I received a clean bill of health, and recognition that the stroke activity was a fluke – my doctor says I’m more likely to be hit by lightning than to have this type of thing happen again. My ability to return to work, however, meant that I started unemployment and job searching. Being an Anglican priest really is a niche market! Catriona visited for a few days which were fun (but tiring), I also spent 2 weeks in Winnipeg, seeing people, meeting Payton, and attending the weddings of Liz and Andy, and Katie and Gordon.
The fall brought with it some new structure. The job search continued, but I also had Navy commitments, teaching, and my volunteer work to keep me busy. PWRDF is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, so I helped to organise a diocesan celebration in September. We had our semi-annual Board meetings in October, and I was blessed to serve as Chaplain to the first year of the 50 Leaders program, with an orientation weekend in November. I also started serving as an honorary assistant at the church where I’ve been worshipping, St. John’s (in Ancaster). It’s really a great community, we have a lot of fun, and my time there is fantastic. October brought more happy baby news, as Mark and Lori delivered Mason Fraser, a tiny adorable little goober! (Yes, I like babies…) I was blessed to become the Godmother to Ethan Samuel on 01 November. (Yup, I cried. Of course.) I also finally getting back enough of my brain to start work on the thesis again – yikes. I will finish this stupid thing!
The biggest news of the fall is the next big change – I was interviewed for a parish out in the Diocese of Brandon (western Manitoba). It was a 4-day visit/interview, and I fell in love with the area, the people, and the possibilities. And, let’s be honest – 180 degree sunsets and no smog. Heaven. I was thrilled to accept the bishop’s offer to serve as rector of that parish, starting 01 Feb 2010. This means that I’ve spent much of December packing my house, cleaning, trying to sell the place, and preparing for goodbyes! I’m off to a week-long retreat on the 15th, and then it will be an interesting 4-day drive out with the dogs… and ideally good weather and no moose!
So, 2009 was not really a fantastic year, but it has ended on an upswing. I was very happy to be with some good friends to toast the end of the year, and close that chapter of my life. I know I would not have gotten through this past year without the help of so many good friends and chosen family (you know who you are!). Here’s cheers to 2010 being a great year!
Some of my favourite memories and quotes of ’09:
• Checking out the Dead Sea Scrolls (and Ten Commandments), and Book of the Dead at the ROM
• “Mmm, Tasty Fungus!”
• Sleeping in on a Sunday morning
• Nativity Scene Cartoon bubbles
• “It looks like Mary’s doing something indecent there! … I mean, she must have dropped an earring – in his lap…”
• Salvation Monkey Pants
• Hymns sung in Donald Duck’s voice
• “Laura Marie, they’re not stalking you.” “Yes, David, they ARE.”
• Evan actually going out to buy more Doritos for Stacy and I
• Wii
• “Stunned” (Dan!!)
• Mary ‘skiing’ behind Bailey
• The Member’s “Terrace” at the Shaw
