11/10/2024
It is with a heavy yet full heart that I am to finally share my completion of this commission for the pastor of Frenchtown, Peter.
As some of you may already know, his wife, who has been battling breast cancer, just passed this Friday, the 8th.
He explained to me that his wife typically bought him a new cross every RiverFest for Christmas, but this year, he had to commission an artist himself to make his wife's gift to him. I have had the honor of creating the next piece to add to his collection. Although this piece asked more of me than I had the skills for at the time, I knew that it was going to be worth it.
With everything going on, it is crucial to take these moments to remember that we have such great communities right beyond our front doors. The food train that arrived on Peter's porch as we sat having ci**rs and whiskey will keep his vessel fed and allow his energy to go towards getting through these next few moments. Unfortunately, I know the grieving process all too well. I cautioned him, as I do with anybody, during hard times, to be gentle with yourself. Adjust the long list of to-dos. Treat yourself like a plant, or like the animal you are. Stay fed. Stay watered. Rest.
I know how hard it can be on one's identity to have to rely on others when we build so much identity around being the caretaker, or helper, or fixer. With what little life experience I have, I encouraged him (and all of you) to allow your people to have the honor of caring for you in your times of need. Do not do them the great disservice of denying them that right. Our service to our community is everything.
Peter has served his community, including the local LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse, and it is my hope that he feels held by his neighbors in these moments.
I am so grateful to be a part of such a beautifully diverse and caring community. My faith in humanity perseveres in spite of all the noise in the world right now, because of people like him. His heart and service to ALL knows no limits.
I will have a link my bio for his go-fund me as soon as it is available for anyone interested !!
I invite you to wonder, what can you be doing to help your neighbor ? If you care to..
