[The following essay was written by Liz Wessel, M.S.N., Mission Director for Home Health at the St. Joseph Health System, Orange, California]
The Journal’s valentine message was an a
caring tribute to family love, which continues to resonate with me, as I
happened to receive a letter from my mom on Valentines Day. Mom is one who
keeps the art of letter writing alive and well. I think it is her own unique expression
of spirituality, her distinctive way of spreading Love to others. In the
letter’s envelope, I was delighted to discover several little newspaper
clippings she had been saving up to send. As I read each article that she had
so thoughtfully hand-picked just for me, it was like receiving a bouquet of
wild flowers. I was curious to know more about what she thought would capture
my interest…
A short article
described the arrest of a woman for retail theft. She was caught stealing a
pair of running socks and was held until the police arrived. Apparently, she is a veteran of minor shoplifting
incidents. Police described her this way: “She is quite a pleasant lady. She is
always very cooperative.
Officer Michael Chesenak responded to another theft
at a pharmacy. He recognized this same woman on a surveillance camera and
contacted her to give back the stolen items. She returned the candle but
claimed she had used the hair dye. These are the big crime happenings in small
town Vermont.
Another clipping identified flowering plants that can brighten ones indoors in the gloom of
winter and offered tips on how best to care for them. A ‘Money Smart’ clipping
outlined what financial records you need to keep and which ones you can toss. An
article featured a new ‘Artist Loft Bed & Breakfast’ located in a historic
building on Main Street.
Colorful photos revealed a window view of the Wantastiquet Mountain along the unspoiled Connecticut River as well as a glimpse of charming room
furnishings. The writer provided a first hand account of his experience as a
guest on his relaxed weekend get away.
Last, mom included a couple of ‘Family
Circus’ cartoon comics that added a touch of humor. I am grateful
for the ways mom connects me to home, to my roots, to family. Mom, (Elizabeth
Dorothea Sorensen) is 92 today, February 17.
Did I mention that
she is someone who never forgets a birthday? She sends hundreds of birthday
cards and letters each year to our large multi-generational family, relatives,
and friends alike. As an expression of her exceptionally generous spirit, she
wholeheartedly devotes her energy to keeping up the tradition of remembering
others. Love flows through her in a river of thoughtfulness.
Journal of Sacred Work 
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