This fellow really annoyed me and as he came up after a gathering, I remembered that his son-in-law had told me some really terrific things he had done recently. So, I had my first impressions of him with some helpful updates. “You did a terrific job, Norm, I always enjoy your leadership at these events.” It is hard to shake hands when your jaw has dropped to your knees.

It really bugs me when “God told me” gets used frequently and casually in some circles. I once suggested to a friend that God might prefer his taking the Divine name when he hits his finger with a hammer rather than easily saying God told him to do something.  

I’m not sure if you find some of the discussion about “rights” for the mentally ill to be euthanized either confusing or like a Monty Python skit. The Health Minister dismissed those with concerns about the sanctity of life and the possibility that any mental health condition might change, saying, “They’re just ideologues”.  

Seven of us sat together on a pew, another in the row behind and our 9th offered the eulogy and served as a pall bearer for a decades’ long member of one of our groups. We were last together in person at a retreat last Fall, praying, playing and laughing together, sharing our stories as age and stage changed us daily.  

We have a good friend who tells Susan “Say hi to ‘The Voice’ for me.”  Not sure what quality or timbre of my voice has generated that nickname, but it is possible it has something to do with irritation.