6 Comments

This hit home with me. I really have a hard time accepting gifts or compliments. Your story made so much sense to me. Thank you for sharing. Glad you're on the mend.

Expand full comment

Thanks, Becky. I'm glad my story struck a chord with you! I'm afraid the older we get, the better we'll have to be at accepting help (or we're going to become stubborn like my parents were, LOL!). And yes, I'm getting stronger every day. Thanks for the note!

Expand full comment

Such a beautiful piece here! I’m better for having read this, Linda. Thank you for writing it! Angel work! Like enjoying a delicious bowl of chicken noodle soup in words.💛

Expand full comment

Awww...thank you so much!

Expand full comment

Well into their nineties, my parents died almost sixteen months apart -- the same length of time between my birth and my sister's birth. (I just realized this connection writing now. Talk about giving and receiving.) After each death, my dear Buddhist friend at work orchestrated an elaborate campaign to give us not just any food but food she knew we liked. Some of it was quite elaborate. It did help to break down my Western self-sufficiency at least some. I've been reading Richard Horsley about the times of Jesus and have been struck with Horsley's understanding of the community-oriented nature of Palestine required by their subsistence economy and Roman persecution. Horsley is helping me see Jesus as part community organizer. What life lessons would I have to learn in such an environment?

Expand full comment

Thanks for the comment, Bryce. You're right. Our very individualistic Western society is worlds apart from the one Jesus lived in. I think churches and small groups within them are places where we can continue to pursue, live in, and enjoy community. And, of course, on Substack! 😁 Thanks again!

Expand full comment