Colorado and Grieving

Colorado was beautiful. I loved the color on the Aspen leaves. I loved laughter with amazing women. I loved a hot tub full of crazy women. I loved Nora's story being read to us in the hot tub and then posted on the dartboard. I loved the Camp Robber jay who seemed to be telling us something important. I loved the breast pump and the remedy for all female ailments including a prolapsed uterus and sagging hips and loins. I loved the tiny chapel. I loved singing along with the dulcimer and Kathleen. I loved Sally's authenticity. I love, love, loved reconnecting with Adie...my sweet friend who shared life with me in Maryland. Adie looks great and looks happy. She is growing into a deeper and deeper relationship with Jesus. I am glad that she is my friend.

I had a incredible moment of clarity during my time in Colorado. Precious Kathleen talked about how she is good at grief. We had each made a list of what we were good at. Kathleen said she is good at grief. She said that she is a griever. I have spent a great deal of time as a bereavement nurse. I talk with families when they come in to deliver babies that have already died. I hold their hands as they deliver. I clean up their babies. I wrap the baby in a blanket. I encourage the family to hold the baby. I cry with them. I dress the babies in clothes that were meant for their homecoming. I cut a lock of hair for a keepsake for the parents. I take pictures of the baby. I wrap the baby for the morgue. I place the baby on the shelf in the morgue.
I realized that what I do for families who lose their babies is what God could be calling me to do for the church with their traditions. I need to encourage them to hold the traditions and take a good look at them...what about that tradition resembles them, what is wrong with the tradition that caused its death, take a picture and tell it goodbye gently. It is okay to cry. It is okay to hang on to them but eventually you have to let go.