Post Fifty-Seven
Thursday, May 24, 2012 at 09:59AM Turning A Corner;)
I was dreading the moment. On Saturday afternoon, May 19, the Detroit Annual Conference met in Herrick Chapel at Adrian College to honor those from our faith community who had died in the past year. Terry's name would be among those read to the assembly. As her name was read we would stand and come forward to receive a memorial gift and a brief statement would be read summarizing her ministry.
It was not that I did not want to honor Terry. I did. But, how can a life be summed up in 150 words? How can any number of words do justice to a life such as hers - a life that was marked by profound joy, enduring resilience, and an outreach of nurture that lit a fire of love and service in so many young adults in our denomination? I was dreading the moment for the inescapable inadequacy of it.
Before the service began I caught a hint that something was up. I stumbled upon a tweet that hinted at Project Matchstick. I noticed Carl and Mary in conversation with others of their generation. I thought I noticed the distribution of something small that immediately went into pockets and purses. I decided that I did not need to inquire. I knew that the people involved loved Terry and could be trusted.
Terry's name was announced and I stood to walk forward as the summary statement was read. I greeted Bishop Keaton and received a beautiful memorial glass tile inscribed in Terry's honor. Then I turned to face the assembly. There before me stood hundreds of consipirators. They stood with lighted flames held high and with the biggest smiles and tears I have ever seen. My dread evaporated. This was the tribute that went beyond any number of words. Jeff Nelson's poem stood in silent tribute before me. "She was matchstick. Sent here to shake things up, to light our souls."
In that moment my heart turned away from the long months of suffering and ineffective chemo treatments. In that moment Terry returned to the true joyfilled bearer of hope that she had been to me and to so many others. It was a holy moment. It was a turning of my heart.
Dave Gladstone
Reader Comments (3)
Hey David - got a chance today to catch up on your blog - always time well spent. Your retirement speech was wonderful and there are good times ahead for you. I look forward to seeing you at Family Camp. Peace friend.
This story is so moving - the idea itself is beautiful, and then your eloquent telling of it. I was there when you became a deacon, but couldn't attend when you retired, so I'm glad you included the link to your retirement speech and the tribute to Terry. I wish you all the best in your new adventure at Lake Louise.
I was still overcome with emotion when I wrote my comment above - I should have said 'diaconal minister.' I remember how delighted I was when my visiting houseguest announced plans to visit Adrian that same day and I was able to tag along.