I went back into the church on Friday to return the church's credit card. There were several cars outside but no one in the main portion of the church. There were several people downstairs building classrooms but they didn't see me. I picked up a Board meeting agenda and walked out. I felt estranged. Odd feeling. It was like I didn't belong any more. Like my experience for the last 9 1/2 years really didn't happen.
I can get logical about the experience and walk myself through it, but it was almost like a blur. Is it time to call Ghost hunters?
Bren is feeling the separation in a different way. She didn't think she would miss the church so quickly. I'm not ready to go back yet. The interim still needs time to do his thing and be the minister.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Hospice
I saw an ad for volunteer Hospice training for Hospice of the Bluegrass in Frankfort for January 27th. I thought about it for several days and decided that I would go and offer my services as a volunteer Hospice Chaplain.
I've been one at two differ Hospices in the past. I enjoyed working with people who are under Hospice care. The down side is I get very involved with people and those in Hospice usually die after a period of time. I say usually as I have known two people when went into Hospice care and then they came out of it. As far as I know, they are still living.
Although I have had the training and experience, I requested the full training as it has been over 10 years since I worked with Hospice.
My storytelling has been used in certain situations and I have experienced some great stories from those who are in their final transition of life as we know it.
In a very real sense I am ministered to as I minister. It is like the saying in The Kingdom of Swaziland where I spent 6 years forking for the Swaziland Council of Churches which goes, "We wash each others hands".
Not everyone who is under Hospice care is religious - or I should say - belong to a church, synagog, or Masque or any other sort of religion. My main job is to listen and to affirm. Sometimes the patient and I explore things of the spirit or the Bible, but more often than not it is just being there that counts. My role as Chaplain also encompasses the family and friends who may reside with the patient.
Hospice is a team concept who pull together for the comfort of the patient and their family.
I do not want a full load - 5 - 7 days a week. I might as well have a job. Hopefully I can pick and choose the hours and days.
I've been one at two differ Hospices in the past. I enjoyed working with people who are under Hospice care. The down side is I get very involved with people and those in Hospice usually die after a period of time. I say usually as I have known two people when went into Hospice care and then they came out of it. As far as I know, they are still living.
Although I have had the training and experience, I requested the full training as it has been over 10 years since I worked with Hospice.
My storytelling has been used in certain situations and I have experienced some great stories from those who are in their final transition of life as we know it.
In a very real sense I am ministered to as I minister. It is like the saying in The Kingdom of Swaziland where I spent 6 years forking for the Swaziland Council of Churches which goes, "We wash each others hands".
Not everyone who is under Hospice care is religious - or I should say - belong to a church, synagog, or Masque or any other sort of religion. My main job is to listen and to affirm. Sometimes the patient and I explore things of the spirit or the Bible, but more often than not it is just being there that counts. My role as Chaplain also encompasses the family and friends who may reside with the patient.
Hospice is a team concept who pull together for the comfort of the patient and their family.
I do not want a full load - 5 - 7 days a week. I might as well have a job. Hopefully I can pick and choose the hours and days.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Back Home in Kentucky
Back Home In Kentucky is a 40 - 60 page 4 color magazine with a circulation of around 28,000 and is printed quarterly. This coming spring issue will feature Owen County, KY. I have taken out an ad for "My Name's James". This is pricey for a storyteller, but the potential prospects might just be worth it. If not, then it's just another experience. I sent them the ad copy plus photo of "James" and it's difficult to trust how it may run. I have been disappointed in the print media before. I hope the old adage is true.
The parent company is Historic KY, Inc. They put out a Civil War Map every other year and is a very popular item in KY. I hope to be able to use the same type of ad for their next issue.
The parent company is Historic KY, Inc. They put out a Civil War Map every other year and is a very popular item in KY. I hope to be able to use the same type of ad for their next issue.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
A Sunday at home
The worship service has just begun and I am at home - retired. Interesting. I probably wont realize I am retired for a couple of weeks when I know I am not on vacation and the pay check is not on my computer keyboard.
The day is cold outside - 13 degrees - and the prospect of above freezing temperatures for this week is not in the forecast. So it is a lazy day here.
I did set some dates on my calendar for possibilities and need to put into motion promotional material for the rest of the year.
The day is cold outside - 13 degrees - and the prospect of above freezing temperatures for this week is not in the forecast. So it is a lazy day here.
I did set some dates on my calendar for possibilities and need to put into motion promotional material for the rest of the year.
Friday, January 1, 2010
New Year - New Identity
The tenure at First Christian is finished - at least as being the minister. My wife and I will remain members and will start going back after about a month or two so the new interim has a chance to get his feet on the ground and start doing ministry.
Next week I plan to start on promotional materials and trying to get bookings for my storytelling especially "My Name's James" the Civil War character I came up with to tell his memories of that horrible time in our nation's history.
This is not the best time to launch something like this. The economy is very bad and KY Arts and Humanities is probably due a hefty cut in funds. Most tellers I know had a hard time last year and that will only intensify in 2010. I feel bad in some respects as they are telling to entertain and survive as full time pros. Here I am, freshly retired trying to land some gigs myself. My income just went down by a BIG amount so I am competing with the best for what limited $$ that are available.
Sometimes I just want to throw the whole idea overboard, but I know I am good at what I do and I do enjoy the energy I receive from an audience who has experienced good telling and show their appreciation.
Time will tell.
Next week I plan to start on promotional materials and trying to get bookings for my storytelling especially "My Name's James" the Civil War character I came up with to tell his memories of that horrible time in our nation's history.
This is not the best time to launch something like this. The economy is very bad and KY Arts and Humanities is probably due a hefty cut in funds. Most tellers I know had a hard time last year and that will only intensify in 2010. I feel bad in some respects as they are telling to entertain and survive as full time pros. Here I am, freshly retired trying to land some gigs myself. My income just went down by a BIG amount so I am competing with the best for what limited $$ that are available.
Sometimes I just want to throw the whole idea overboard, but I know I am good at what I do and I do enjoy the energy I receive from an audience who has experienced good telling and show their appreciation.
Time will tell.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Surgery Ahead
When I think of pain I think how crippling I have seen people, including myself, when the physical pain is intense. It started when I awoke last Saturday morning with terrible pain in my right shoulder and by bed time I was in tears.
I have arthritis in both shoulders. I get cortisone shots every three months like clock work. But one cannot keep doing this. Lately the clockwork is sort of like "Old Faithful". It use to be that "Old Faithful" would erupt on the hour every hour. That is no longer true and now it is a best guesstimate.
I took the meds but they only dulled the pain somewhat. Sunday morning I was drugged with pain meds and it was still intense. I ended up in Larry's (my Dr.) office. He shot me up again but gave me an appointment to see an orthopedic surgeon. Fortunately there doesn't seem to be torn, but the area needs scrapping (surgery) and the recovery will take 4 - 6 weeks. That sounds a lot like more than a scrapping and more pain.
I lay awake last night kicking myself for not asking more questions. I think I was in denial. I called Larry again today to get another referral for a second opinion. He hasn't called back yet. I left word for the Dr. I saw yesterday to call me back as I have a lot of questions to ask.
If I have to have it to get relief I will 'cause what I am going through right now is not pleasant. The cortisone has taken the edge off the pain, but the constant aching is driving me nuts. I am planning to wait until January after I retire. My wife will have surgery in mid December for corporal tunnel, tendon release of the elbow and trigger finger on the right arm, wrist and hand.
This growing old business of a bunch of crap!!!!!!!!!!!
I have arthritis in both shoulders. I get cortisone shots every three months like clock work. But one cannot keep doing this. Lately the clockwork is sort of like "Old Faithful". It use to be that "Old Faithful" would erupt on the hour every hour. That is no longer true and now it is a best guesstimate.
I took the meds but they only dulled the pain somewhat. Sunday morning I was drugged with pain meds and it was still intense. I ended up in Larry's (my Dr.) office. He shot me up again but gave me an appointment to see an orthopedic surgeon. Fortunately there doesn't seem to be torn, but the area needs scrapping (surgery) and the recovery will take 4 - 6 weeks. That sounds a lot like more than a scrapping and more pain.
I lay awake last night kicking myself for not asking more questions. I think I was in denial. I called Larry again today to get another referral for a second opinion. He hasn't called back yet. I left word for the Dr. I saw yesterday to call me back as I have a lot of questions to ask.
If I have to have it to get relief I will 'cause what I am going through right now is not pleasant. The cortisone has taken the edge off the pain, but the constant aching is driving me nuts. I am planning to wait until January after I retire. My wife will have surgery in mid December for corporal tunnel, tendon release of the elbow and trigger finger on the right arm, wrist and hand.
This growing old business of a bunch of crap!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
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