(Grandfather and his parents and sister)
I come from an Old Quaker family with names like Mott, Kirk, Binns and Livesey. We go back many generations. I think this makes me the luckiest girl in the world. This part of my ancestry is well docuented. Any time I have the opportunity to go back to the community my Grandparents, Great Grandparents and Great Great Grandparents and those before them built up, I try to go. Those visits always bless me because the community is very special. This last weekend I had the blessing of being able to go to attend the memorial service for my Great Uncle.
As I entered the Paullina Friends Meeting, I immediately began missing those who are gone like my grandmother (she was a lively, loving, ginger). And I longed for those days when I was just a 5 year old girl, sitting, watching the wind blow through the Meeting House as we would sit and meditate on God. I wrote my Grandfather this afternoon and decided I would share it with you so you will know the example set by these wonderful people.
Dear Grandpa,
I was just revisiting my thoughts from the weekend and I felt compelled to write you.
From the minute I walked into the Meeting House yesterday, I could feel this emotion creeping up in me. Thankfully I had a good 15 minutes to reflect before O's children began speaking. But I wanted you to know something. I have always loved you more than I could express. From the time I was a little child, you have been very special to me. But I was able to articulate a lot of "why" as I reflected during those few quiet moments. And something hit me. It actually isn't just you. It's that whole Meeting Community. The Paullina Friends Meeting, as a group, have had more impact and have taught me more about how to live than nearly any other thing I can think of (other than my own Mother).
The way you care for each other is the lynch pin of everything I admire from all of you. Everyone is so tender and so loving and willing to help, even when it is inconvenient.
Sincere Faith - you live out what you preach. It's quite incredible. I deeply respect that about you. From CPS to living simply to steering clear of negativity to forgiving, I've watched for 34 years and you (and your Friends community) have been consistent nearly the whole time.
Food/Hospitality - I was once again delighted yesterday, as I always am when I observe Sunday Dinner, at how those ladies thoughtfully prepare, feed and love everyone. I watched L struggle to pour water into cups (but she did it). I watched ME zip around, making sure everything was out just right. I watched the men do the dishes. And I thought of Grandma and all those ladies who are no longer here who used to serve people tenderly.
Maintaining grounds/buildings- from the volunteers who delicately moved that Meeting House twice to the grave diggers to the summer mowers to D shoveling and salting the walks in the cold. Those grounds are loved and cared for.
Prayers lifted - the best part of O's funeral, in my opinion, was his brother's prayer. It was so sincere and tender. And I know the thoughts and meditations of most of your generation were along those same lines. And the meditation does not stop at meeting. I know those Paullina Friends will be thinking about M and her kids for many more weeks which is both faithful and comforting.
The treatment of outsiders- The Meeting has always taken in outsiders as their own. From refugees to exchange students to visitors, you all have never met strangers. Everyone feels welcome and loved.
Dealing with differences - I know that there are differences of opinions at times. But even when there is disagreement, there is still sincere friendship. And as far as I have seen, the disagreements have always been handled respectfully.
Deep Friendships - I can only dream that some day I will have friends as wonderful as the ones you and Grandma have had. In all of my travels I have never seen a group of people more sincere towards each other. This type of friendship is something that I hope I will find some time in my adult life.
I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have been born into a Paullina Friend's Meeting family. I've certainly never done anything to deserve it. But I have learned so much about how I want to live my life from all of you. And I just wanted you to know.
With thanks and love, maria
You are blessed in many ways. The knowledge of your heritage is just one, but it is a special one. I have always counted being born into my family as one of the biggest blessings of my life. I wholeheartedly understand your thankfulness, too. It is amazing to see, in ourselves, our past people inspiring and teaching still.
I am so happy your shared your loving tribute this morning! We just received some hard news about my grandfather yesterday evening. We are all struggling. He is our patriarch. Your words to your own are sweet for me to read this morning. Thank you, Maria.
Posted by: Katie | January 24, 2012 at 09:06 AM