Remembering Janet

I rest, serene in God’s loving Spirit

remembering all the times I rested at Fr. Paco’s healing Masses

all the times I sat there and prayed with Janet

Janet – whom I affectionately called my “spiritual grandmother”

Janet-

We were in the same “Bible Study” –

which was so much more than just studying the Bible,

as we prayed with and cultivated the gifts of the Holy Spirit

Janet-

gentleness and kindness emanated from her

a lifetime of mothering, nursing, praying

a woman of strength and wisdom

One who offered creative solutions with a healthy dose of curiosity…

I wonder…? What if….?

Spoken with a voice that was as soothing as a lullaby

One year, Janet and I were matched as prayer partners

As we shared our requests and offered prayers

the roots of a deep, spiritual connection were entwined

roots that nurtured with branches that blossomed

When I was struggling,

in addition to praying with and for me,

she arranged and brought me for deep prayer

in confidence – in love

In this last season of Janet’s life

cards, notes, prayers became instruments of my love for her

And now

Janet has a new place among the communion of saints

in the full embrace of her Loving God

The One in whom she trusted

The One whom she adored

The One for whom she offered her life and services

The One whom she truly embodied

making God more real

making Heaven on Earth tangible for us

Precious Janet-

Thank you for your life, your love, your friendship, your grandmothering

Of course you are resting in peace

and I trust – that even more  –

you are whooping it up at the Heavenly Banquet of Love

(I can hear your chuckle…)

Janet-

You who fed so many

You who rejoiced with so many

You – are now – rejoicing eternally

Praise be to our Maker, Our Lover, Our Keeper

forever and ever. Amen.

with love and gratitude - eternally-

AndreaGrace

ps - the image is of a quilted pall my family and I made to cover our loved one's caskets - reminiscent of the way that we clothed them as babies in an heirloom Christening gown. In the center of the pall is a cross with a heart symbolizing God's love. The cross is in yellows reminding us of God's rays of light. The border is made up of "log cabin" squares - a pattern that has dark and light sides just like our lives - with joys and sorrows. In the center of each log cabin is a heart - the heart of our lives. The pall hung at my ordination - a beautiful tribute to creativity, faith and my circle of love. I AM grateful Janet graced me with her praying presence that special day. And I apprecite the light and shadows that are cast on the pall in this photograph.