How do We Measure, Measure a Year?
by Laci Adams, DLFD
I am writing this month’s column on Molly Juniper’s first birthday! It is making me extremely reflective, which I guess is not a surprising byproduct of annual events like birthdays, anniversaries, and other such monumental events. I was, however, caught off guard by how bittersweet Molly’s first birthday feels.
Molly’s life didn’t start off the easiest. Even before her birthday, we knew that she might face a few extra challenges in life, considering her clubfoot and the extra X chromosome she carries. On top of all that we were expecting, there were also some challenges we weren’t expecting, which is how she found her way into the NICU. When Ben was born, Ben also made a very brief (only, really, a few minutes) trip to the NICU. So, I can’t say that we were especially concerned, really, when after a few minutes they thought Molly needed a drive-through experience in the NICU. Molly’s stay would prove to be a bit longer. Thus, Molly’s entrance into the world was so full of joy at her birth followed by a bit of confusion and then days of sadness, worry, and anxiety. I am struck by how Molly’s birthday reminds me of so much in our lives — filled with both high ups and low downs in close proximity.
I will tell you a secret from Molly’s week in the NICU — I often read work emails when sitting in the NICU while Molly slept. I never responded to any of those emails and I wasn’t even trying to work. Reading those emails gave me a sense of being enveloped in this amazing community. When I read announcements from Babes with Books, I would remember sitting in the Heritage Room laughing and maybe discussing a book. When the Social Justice Collaborative meeting’s email came out, I was reminded of everyone working hard to make a more just world for my tiny people, including my NICU baby. When the RE (Religious Education) Team sent out volunteer reminders, I felt the care and space for learning we give our kids. When I would read the Caring Circle’s weekly candles’ email, I was connected to others both in celebrating their high highs and holding their low lows. Each email was a reminder of the power of community to bolster us in times of challenge and to celebrate with us in times of joy. In each email, I was aware of the Love that is the beating heart of this incredible community.
I am reminded too of other anniversaries and new beginnings. This fall will be the beginning of my fourth year of ministry at Heritage. Every time I look at Ben, I am reminded of how long I have been at Heritage. Little Mari and Ben are just about the same age. When I started at HUUC, they were chubby toddlers ambulating about. Now their “baby” is nearly all gone and they will go to kindergarten next year. As a community, we have welcomed Amos, Maeve and Molly into our midst.
Other changes have accompanied these years of ministry, namely the start of my ordination process. If receiving a call is between a person and the divine, ordination is a community’s response to that spark. It is an acknowledgement of what they see in their midst. I have been so warmed and privileged to be in ministry in this community. This community has early and often said that they see me as a minister and they are prepared to respond with the act of ordination. That consistent and caring invitation has allowed me the time to reflect, process, ponder, discern, and prepare. So, it was with great excitement that I finally found myself ready to say yes to that invitation.
Again, as I was at the start of my mothering journey with Molly, I cannot think of a community that I would rather share this journey with because I know of our powerful ability to meet the bitter and sweet together with joy, love, and fortitude.
Best,
Laci
Image source: https://tinyurl.com/yc39b3zz