Oh, Sun...Where are You?

This summer in Alaska reminds me of the Heehaw song... "Where, oh where, are you tonight? Why did you leave me here all along?" Or maybe it's Shakespeare's Romeo... "O Summer, Summer, wherefore art though Summer?" Nevertheless, aside from a few (three is the last count I've heard), the normal summer days of Alaska are lost. Just for the record, I love not having to deal with 100 degrees plus!

I thought about each of the FCNs this month as I went through the contact list. After passing the milestone of being here a year, there is no doubt that those of you I have met are simply awesome! If possible, I want to meet the rest of you next year. So, here's the plan. I will be touching base through a phone call to each of you over the next few months. I'm also planning trips to regional hubs so we can meet in person. The first stop is in MatSu Valley in mid-August and then I'll be in Homer in the beginning of September. For those of you who are not reachable by driving, we'll have to depend on the phone for now, but I have hopes of some travel in the distant future.

Let me just say, that in the absence of summer heat, the community we found here in Alaska is providing all the warmth for which we could ask. I leave this part of our newsletter with this thought...

The sun will come out Tomorrow, Bet your bottom dollar, That tomorrow, There'll be sun! 

Just thinking about Tomorrow, Clears away the cobwebs, And the sorrow, 'Til there's none!

When I'm stuck in a day, That's gray, And lonely, I just stick out my chin, And grin, And say, Oh...

The sun will come out Tomorrow, So ya gotta hang on, 'Til tomorrow, Come what may

Tomorrow! Tomorrow! I love ya Tomorrow! You're always a day away.  

June

June has always been an interesting month to me. Half spring and half summer, it contains the first month of summer break for school, warmth and lengthening sunlight, and often vacations. Depending on where you are located, it may even be hot! But not as hot as August...at least in my old stomping grounds of Texas.

Another thing June is often known for is weddings. I just returned from one. Our son and his bride have now embarked on a life together, blending a family of five children, two dogs, and two cats. Thank goodness for a great backyard and swimming pool!

Maybe June reminds me of all things human. We plant gardens and pull weeds. There is sweat and tears, and love and loss. It reminds me of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. "There is a special time for everything. There is a time for everything that happens under heaven. There is a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pick what is planted. There is a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up. There is a time to cry, and a time to laugh; a time to have sorrow, and a time to dance. There is a time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to kiss, and a time to turn from kissing. There is a time to try to find, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away. There is a time to tear apart, and a time to sew together; a time to be quiet, and a time to speak. There is a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace." (New Life Version).

In this June time, make time to be human! We are blessed!

The "And thens..." of May

I was all set to enjoy May! I’ve been hearing about “Breakup” and watching the weather warm, slightly, kind of. The snow on our front spot of yard was beginning to lessen even in the shadows, and that meant I could see more of the half-barrel planter peeking out from its winter storage under the snow. What should I plant? When? I knew it was too cool still, but soon! And then…

Nurses’ Week was coming. I was looking and praying for a bright idea that would let you all know how much I appreciate you! Your being does my soul good! What could I do to show I care and want you to know it? How could I decide? And then…

I recently decided to go back to school. My family always questions me…why?! But I do love learning. And something about the regimen of having to turn in papers and study is fulfilling. It makes me work. My first post was due Wednesday before Mother’s Day and two papers were due on Mother’s Day! Who planned this? Did they not know mothers were in the class? Oh well, I can do this. And then…

My father-in-law passed away. We knew it was coming at some point. He had been battling cancer and COVID-19 delayed his treatment just long enough that it spread too far to stop once the procedures were being done again. He enjoyed life, as an elementary school music teacher and piano teacher for over 50 years, always finding good, sharing laughter, and making each one know they were special. Visitation was scheduled for Friday before Mother’s Day and the funeral on Monday after. What a special time with family and friends to remember a great man! And then…

So many of our stories, especially these last COVID-19-filled years, have an “and then…” clause. We decide on a plan of action, and then… It’s frustrating and saddening and maddening. It’s not right! Nevertheless, and then…

I mentioned earlier, that I’m back in school. It’s a post-graduate certificate in Trauma and Resilience. Talk about timing! The first week included a TED talk titled The Three Secrets of Resilient People by Lucy Hone. Wow! Coupled with the recent reading of Good Grief, these three little secrets provide a foundational approach to “and then…” (I encourage you to listen to the TED Talk but here are the secrets.)

1. Know that there's suffering in life.
2. Choose those aspects that are in our control.
3. Is what we are doing helping or harming us?

How basic. You or I could have written these! But what good reminders of how to approach the reality of our life's “and then…” moments.

Scripture tells us there will be the “and then…” moments. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 in the NIV states “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” We see here the back and forth of life because of God’s promises such as Psalm 37:23-24. The NIV says, “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” Pairing the three secrets with the Bible can give us a way of resilience to not just survive but succeed through the “and thens…” of life.

So, what about my “and thens…?” Well, I still have time to plan the flowers! I can tell you Happy Nurses’ Week today and hope you know I appreciate each of you and look forward to getting to know you better and better! I received approval for an extension on the first week’s assignments for my class…until next Sunday at midnight! I was able to attend the visitation, but by the time of the funeral Keith had shared COVID with me and I was in quarantine. He barely made it out, having missed the visitation after testing positive just two days after we arrived in town. Life continues as it ends. Sadness is present but so is joy. Gpa Bateman taught us a lot about resilience as he lived it for us to watch, enjoying life and laughing and enduring and questioning, all through the “and thens…” of his journey.

May this be said of us all! 

The three secrets of resilient people - Lucy Hone

Dreams

I found this April very different from most. The Christian season of Lent, ending in the celebration of Easter, occurred early in the month and seems like a distant memory now. Isn't that how it often is as we live the day-in, day-outness of life? Often, I get caught up in the hurry, even in the good stuff of life, and miss the specialness of each moment.

Earlier this week I attended the Westberg Symposium. What a blessing it was! I will be sharing some of the ideas and presentations with you over the next few weeks and months. Before I can do this, I must take some time to process it all. Additionally, as shared by Ralph Marston in the reflection below, there is a need to know reality, for then a difference can be made.

During the rest of this month, take some time for reflection. Dream a lot, and then let's make some dreams happen!

Lessons from the "M"s of March

Last year when March arrived in Irving, Texas, we were amid supporting our oldest daughter through her recovery from back surgery. That consisted of a household of Keith and I, our middle daughter, and her husband and two boys whom we shared our home with, and our oldest daughter and her two young girls (and her husband who came from west Texas when he could). In the middle of the natural chaos of the situation, which included sorting our household possessions shared for ten years and preparing for moves in two directions, Missouri and Alaska, March Madness was a must! Lesson…always make time for fun, and share it with family and friends, those times pass too quickly.

March 2023 is far different! Alaska! What a dream come true! Surrounded by the mountains, covered up by the snow, and getting to know you all is “icing on the cake” as they say! I have not gotten to meet even half of you yet. If you are one that I have not, just know you are on my “hit list!”

On my walk into the office Wednesday morning, I had to disobey the signs and head in through the drive as the moose in this picture was hanging out by the sidewalk enjoying breakfast. Lesson…obstacles will come along but there are ways around them. Keep on walking!

Yesterday afternoon I attended a memorial service for Sadie Huffer. You may have seen the news reporting the roof collapse of Cross Fit gym. I had the privilege of meeting her mother, a Faith Community Nurse. There was calmness and peace in her mother and the rest of the family. I know these are hard days and they will face many questions. I encourage us all to remember them often in thought and prayer. The memory of Sadie will continue in so many as exhibited by the stories shared and tears expressed. The common thread throughout was the idea of Sadie’s natural ability to gift her presence to those she worked with, both client and peer. Fifteen years of history at PAMC captured her essence which has been transmitted to others who will continue to live out her legacy. Lesson…make the memories, make the time for wellness within and share yourself with others, determine what is important, and then live into that importance.

March. Spring arrives on the calendar. Even in Alaska, there are signs that new life is close at hand. We are ready to see the green again. Flowers and moose calves, sunshine, and slush.

It is said, “Hope springs eternal.” Hebrews 10:23 says “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” May your hope be renewed with the spring!

February Facts

Did you know the word February comes from the Latin word februa, which means “to cleanse?” This month was named after the Roman Februalia, which was a month-long festival of purification and atonement that took place during this time of year (The Month of February 2023: Holidays, Astronomy, Fun Facts, Folklore | The Old Farmer's Almanac). Interestingly, it was originally set as the last month of the year until it was moved to its place as the second month in c. 450 BC.

Named Black History Month in 1976 because the second week of the month coincides with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, it also is home to Valentine’s Day in honor of St. Valentine. The legend informs us that Emperor Claudius II prohibited soldiers from marrying. St. Valentine ignored the order and secretly married young couples to spare the young husbands from war. He was eventually imprisoned, tortured, and beheaded. According to another legend, St. Valentine signed a letter “from your Valentine” to his jailer’s daughter, whom he had befriended and healed from blindness. In 496 AD Valentine’s Day was born (Valentine's Day 2023: History, Quotes, Recipes, and More | The Old Farmer's Almanac).

According to the National Weather Service, February is the snowiest month in the United States. A poem, The Snow-Shower, by William Cullen Bryant (1794-1878) describes snow:

Here delicate snow-stars, out of the cloud,

Come floating downward in airy play,

Like spangles dropped from the glistening crowd

That whiten by night

The Milky Way.

February has two flowers assigned to it. The violet, signifying watchfulness, loyalty, and faithfulness; and the primrose, lets someone know you can’t live without them. The amethyst is February’s birthstone. A deep, rich purple, it was thought to prevent intoxication and keep its wearer thinking sharply and was worn in the Middle Ages by English royalty.

A few examples of some February folklore are:

• Married in February’s sleety weather, Life you’ll tread in tune together.
• If February gives much snow, A fine summer it doth foreshow.
• Fogs in February mean frosts in May.

As I was writing these thoughts, my husband came in with a Valentine's gift…a cookie (pictured)…and said he was practicing “self-care.” We all have those days, and this is one of them for him. It’s so important to have people in our lives with whom we can share both the good and the bad. (The cookie was good!)

I’m reminded of 1 Corinthians 13 in the Bible: “If I speak with the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal…Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails…And now, these three remain faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” It sounds like an unreachable goal until think about God. God is love. God = love. In a world of conflicting definitions of love, I find this to be grounding and reassuring. May your February be filled with love! 

And then it was January...

Have you ever awakened and wondered what day it was? Or maybe you were scheduling a meeting and realized that it was already almost next month! Life seems to pass so quickly at times. I look forward to exciting events and it seems like they will never arrive but, then I pause and look back, I find that I am much further along than I want to admit! That’s a bit of what I’m experiencing right now. Here it is, 2023, January, and already the 12th!

Google reports that the average length a person maintains a New Year’s Resolution is 36 days. That seems long enough for it to become a habit based on the understanding that habit-forming is a 21-day process. It seems there is a disconnect between the two timeframes as stopping a resolution after 36 days would not be so easy if it was a habit by then. Oh well, just some of my musings this January.

So, what does it take to experience real and lasting change? What will it take to get me to take at least 7500 steps every day?! I think that mysterious question haunts most of us in some area of our lives. How do we identify what needs to be changed, and then how do we make the lasting change happen?

If only I had that answer! (I know you all were expecting it!) I don’t. I do know that life is a journey. We do have the opportunity to make choices that will move us along the path or take us down rabbit trails, and sometimes send us backwards from where we wanted to go. I believe that life is not about perfection, but about direction. As we make those New Year’s Resolutions, as we deliberately lean toward advancement, we can expect some challenges, but we can also rejoice in the forward motion however slight it may be at time.

This New Year, make time for your own regular time of contemplation. Write things down (I don’t call it journaling because I’m not good at that!). The renewal of our minds and bodies depends on our providing them with proper maintenance.

Here’s to each of you this New Year!