Thursday afternoon I had a zoom meeting with my women clergy support group. It’s a fantastic group of priests who listen to and care for one another, especially during the pandemic. We hadn’t met for a while, and it was so good to see everyone. We caught up on life changes, celebrations, frustrations and concerns. It was so wonderful and encouraging to be together again.
The next evening, I heard that one of our group had died. I had seen her happy and doing well one day, and the next day, she had died. I know that is the way life and death go. And we all know it doesn’t make it any easier.
My message today is simple: tell everyone you know how much you love them. Tell them you appreciate them and why. Tell them how they have made your life and the world better. Don’t wait for the right time and don’t be shy. There is never a bad time to tell people they are loved.
Know that you are wonderful and appreciated and that you make a difference in the world as well! And please pray for the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio in our grief at the loss of a wonderful priest. Thank you.