I don’t know why after 31 years I can’t remember the date of my ordination to the diaconate. I know it’s the end of June, but I have to look at my ordination certificate to know for sure of the date.
I had great delight this morning when leading Facebook live prayers when one participant remembered my ordination and give thanks.
I spent the morning remembering that day and the people that were there as I drove from Houston to McKinney to be with my 97 year old mom. Yesterday she was admitted to the hospital via ambulance due to confusion, slurred speech and breathing difficulties. Diagnosis still pending.
Just a little over a week ago many of us were together at my mom’s for a modified Jernigan family reunion. Part of my brother’s family had COVID (yep, it’s still around), and we had to do an all too familiar COVID pivot (yep, still doing that)—since he and his wife had planned to host.
Through moving outside in the 90+ degree weather (my mother loved being warm) and smaller family groups gathering, it wasn’t the reunion we’d planned, but it was a great reunion.
As I sit by my mother’s bedside, I am so thankful we had those connections.
On the 31st anniversary of my ordination to the diaconate, I am especially mindful of the many I love that were in Houston at Christ Church Cathedral that hot June day, and especially those I won’t see again this side of heaven.
My Episcopal Aunt Mary who sat on the back porch of my house at the party afterwards with my mother in law, Jeannine, smoking, and proud to have a priest in the family. My sending priest, The Rev. Tom Brindley, who had more influence on my formation than any other clergy. My dad, who would read a lesson at my ordination to the priesthood and with whom I’d go on mission to the newly independent Ukraine.
This day of thinking and praying backwards and forwards has been a kind of retreat. I’ve had so many texts from folks telling of people’s prayers for me and my family. Tomorrow I’ll pull out my computer and work from my mom’s hospital room.
It’s not lost on me that from the view outside my mother’s window I can see a cross.
House of Grace 
Rev. Beth. I thank God every day that we found St Dunstan’s when you were there. You (and everyone else) assured us that Chris would be a welcome congregant and would know God. And he did. At his Celebration of Life I was reminded again of your presence there. I hope we meet again one day… Prayers for your mother and your entire family who loves her.
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I have your Mother and you in my prayers. May you have many more days ahead to spend with her. God willing, they will be good days.
❤️🙏
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