+ Monday 20th – Thanks – and a moving message from a parishioner’s grief

20 April 2020

Can you pick the mower driver in the cover picture of today’s Parish Blog post? There were a few other such pictures in the weekend Mass post. Those who kick in some shared time to look after the parish grounds have continued their spirit during social distancing. Thanks from the whole parish to them and a warm welcome to anyone who is keen to help swell their numbers. You can leave your details with the parish office 47351041 and one of the grounds team will be delighted to be in touch.

Happy week ahead

Well, welcome to a new week everyone. It’s interesting that some are anticipating and talking mostly about when and how we’ll come out of this period of restriction – whilst others are talking of still trying to develop new routines and strategies to use this as an opportunity and valuable time. A spectrum of focus like that is to be expected – Wherever you are in your focus, may the week ahead be genuinely purposeful in some ways that might not otherwise have occurred if the world was not in this crisis. Maybe Einstein here has a bit of inspiration for each of us to take a next leadership step of some kind in our lives:

About a letter in grief

As some would know, Wendy Thompson, a parishioner of Our Lady of the Way, recently lost her husband Chris quite prematurely and after a shock, relatively short illness. Wendy has long been a key contributor to the music ministry of the parish and Chris, not of her faith, accompanied her to Mass every week of their married life and supported her desire for their children to be baptised and celebrate the Sacraments. Last week, I asked Wendy if it would be okay to publish her thanks letter that was given to some people who’ve connected with her and family during the journey of Chris’ illness and loss. I asked her this because I was moved by the outward spirit that a letter of someone’s grief expressed! At a time when her loss is still so real and raw, Wendy’s letter nevertheless looks outward. It looks to the pain being experienced in the world and gives personal thanks – it considers others who currently can’t gather in their losses and names her situation as luck – it acknowledges grief and separation but looks towards the active welcome of others. None of my comment here suggests that Wendy should bypass her own grief. Indeed, she will rightly shed many tears into the future as reflections of her love and loss. But I thought the generosity of spirit evident in her simple letter was well worth acknowledging as an Easter season gift for us all.

And so, here’s the letter:

2019/2020 has put my family through the wringers. First we battled with Chris to keep him alive. Then all too soon we lost him and a different world began.

Though it ended up we have been some of the lucky ones for 2020. We were able to come together as a family, extended family and with Chris’ friends and even some former colleagues at his funeral.

Since then the world has changed for all of us. No longer can I give my grandchildren cuddles as we don’t live in the same house. But so far this disease has steered clear of our family and with all my heart I wish the same for all of you.

When you see the battles some countries are going through it is almost incomprehensible. So yes, I know despite everything, we are very lucky.

(Chris Thompson R.I.P.)

I’m not very good with sympathy – it seems to turn me to mush still. So the day of Chris’ funeral was especially hard. It was lovely to see you all there to remember the wonderful man I married, who meant so much to so many different people. He just had a way of caring for others which few of us ever get. So we will all miss him for the rest of our lives.

But this is a thank you as going out and getting thank you cards at the moment (the children almost have me under house arrest) is difficult. If I do make it out it’s a hit and run affair! Even on a dog walk (there are people ahead cross the road). Will life ever be the same again?

So thank you all for your kind wishes, flowers, food, help and understanding during those sad lonely days back in January. We made it through with all your love and support. And look forward to the days when once more our door is open and you can visit again.

Wendy Thompson

April 2020

Thanks from many people Wendy for being part of the spirit and backbone of Our Lady of the Way faith community. May Chris’ prayers now, from his awareness of the big picture, channel hope and continuing vision into yours and your family’s lives.

Go well everyone as you start the week – and see you in the next post.