Feedback from Subscribers of The Gap Year
Hello Reader, I received some thoughtful wise responses from you this past week. Here are their reflections for you to now reflect upon. Warmly, Tricia (Patricia D. Brown, Spiritworks)
On “Friendship:
One email thanked me for the poem. Here was my response to D.— “Thank you, D. During my chaplaincy residency at Danville State Mental Hospital, I had the profound privilege of serving as Chaplain to the remarkable author, Bettyanne Galloway. Bettyanne, who graduated at the top of her class at Bucknell University, faced unimaginable struggles. After a heartbreaking leap from a bridge, she was admitted to the hospital in the 1970s. I will forever treasure a poem she wrote and gave to me during my final week with her—a piece of her soul that I now hold close to mine. Upon her death, no family was found and one of the staff mailed me her remaining belongings. Through each of my moves I’ve carried her three little books of published poetry. Her friendship was a gift that will stay with me always.—Tricia
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There are people I think of with specific music, and sometimes seeing a picture, an object or experiencing a deja vue happening brings people to mind. There are people from my high school and grade school years, and college years that when I see them again, the "illusion" of time slips away for at least a short period. The memories, the laughter, and some sorrow pay a good visit. And we remember a sense of care for one another that has never been lost with the years. I do not see those folks often, but I carry them in my heart always. And I try to apply the same care to the new ones who enter my life now. –F
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Hi Tricia! Yet another "Reflection" that touches both mind and spirit!
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As I continue to appreciate and celebrate the past and look forward to every future, You're presence finds itself in the thoughts and feelings.We first met in and through the most painful time in your life....and that loss is always part of your being. In those first moments I saw a strength and love that would take you throughout your life.I will always be thankful for the ways and times you have touched my life with joy, excitement, power, hope and love. (The memories are renewed far more frequently than I would ever have imagined....you just can't get rid of me!.)—D
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Dear Patricia – I recently started receiving your spiritworks blog, and am encouraged to send this email letter to you because of your frequent invitations to hear from folks.
I first learned of you in seminary when your book, Learning to Lead from Your Spiritual Center, was required reading. Your ideas resonated and have stayed with me such that some 20+ years later, I still give copies of your book to parishioners and friends whom I think would benefit from it. I like it because it describes and gives permission for authentic spiritual leadership, but not everyone agrees with me…
I. . . was ordained in … 2010. It took about 10 years after my ordination, for me to find myself in an inner spiritual conflict with the… culture. At that time, I sought a spiritual companion who eventually introduced me to the Guild for Spiritual Guidance where I found a kindred spiritual community. Today, I am 20 days into my retirement, and am so grateful for this vital spiritual connection that helped sooth my heart… I think your organization and they would be good partners – www.spiritualguidance.org.
I believe good changes have come with our two recent Bishops, Cynthia Moore KoiKoi and Sandra Steiner Ball…. This year (2024) at Annual Conference, I felt a new energy and was so very pleasantly surprised to see you on stage and learn about your and your mother’s work in Rwanda. I felt another connection as I received your email invitation to travel to Rwanda and have also enjoyed reading about it via the Susquehanna QuikLink and hearing a VIM trip may be planned for next year….When I first saw the movie Hotel Rwanda with my husband, many years ago, I was reduced to sobbing in sorrow and sadness. How I admire the work you are doing there. I pray for your family in that work and all the people of Rwanda for hope and wellness.
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**NOTE: When you see the three dots(…) this is where I edited to omit personal information of the writer.