I believe this happened in two stages in my life. First, back in 2013 when I stepped down from running a Quaker children’s retreat program that I founded 26 years previously. And a second, and huge “letting go” took place in 2015 when I retired. After 31 years of a rewarding and at times challenging career of working with young people, it was time to go when I turned 66. I intentionally spaced those two major transitions apart because I knew that my head and heart would have exploded had I not had a chance to process each of those changes separately. To be honest though, I cannot say that I have “become more,” at least not yet, in letting those two major life events go. There have been welcomed changes, such as having more time to do whatever I want and at whatever time, but that’s about it so far.

I suppose this sounds a bit cheesy, but I feel like I should write a letter to my country’s new president, Joe Biden. Why? Because here he was, finishing up a distinguished political career after being a US Senator for 36 years, then VP for eight years, then four years after that he decides to run for, and win, the US presidential election. Say what you will about motivation and desire, but I don’t see myself being interested in any highly intense job when I am 78 years old! “So, thank you, Mr. President, for stepping back into public service.”

As a minister and person occasionally called to minister and care for others in their hour of need, joy, and other life events, two experiences stand out that reminds me of the miracle of simply existing. The first is of course when new life comes into the world, that holy moment of “becoming,” with a cry and a breath as a new child arrives. And for me, as equally profound and sacred really, is when life prepares to end, the letting go, and breathing stops, and a hush is felt within. That too, welcome, or not, is profound, simple, and a miracle now completed.

Oh boy, sounds like you’re a true rower now, Howie! The mishaps are like merit badges over time. When someone goes off their seat in whaleboats, we call it “catching a crab,” and you’re right, it’s always good to get the first one behind you, that way, you can forget how many times it happens after that! Because we row in large work boats, which allows us to change positions under way, whenever any of us try to get into a shell it’s usually a disaster. Step in on port and crash over the starboard side into the water…and not just once! Honest. Hope that the healing goes quickly!

You are a terrific writer, Howie. You really are. Before my back issues become worse I used to do more writing, especially blogging, which I really enjoyed. But I just can’t sit for large blocks of time like I used to be able to do. Seems like you have fresh writing topics every time you pick up a new customer with your work! Your 1500 word a day plan, which is what writing coaches always tell people to do, also reminds me of Mark Train’s famous line when he was once asked how he managed to write so much great stuff. He said, “Don’t worry if your writing is good or not, just write. I write one page of masterpiece for every 99 pages of shit.” That line always kept me going!

Perfectly stated, Patricia! Our youngest granddaughter, at 2.5 years old, and our oldest almost 16 year old granddaughter, were over yesterday. The little one was a “beastie” yesterday, grumpy and tired, who just needed a nap which she wouldn’t take! While driving Maddie, the oldest back home afterwards she said, “Well, the best part of the visit today was the “Coollatta” that you bought me at Dunkin!” River, the youngest, went home with her mom, and after dropping Maddie back home, I went home and upstairs for a nap! Perfect!