95th Birthday Gift

 My "Aunt" Julie is turning 95 today.  It's okay to say that.  It's not a secret.  As a matter of fact she's throwing herself a bash this weekend to celebrate her birthday as well as the 25th anniversary of her ordination.  Yes, she became an ordained minister when she was 70 years old.  That's an amazing feat; not because of the work that she did, but because of all the hoops she had to jump through as a woman and an "older" woman at that.  But that's a story for another time.

 It's definitely a time for celebration.  But it's also a time that is tinged with sadness.  Not for Julie, but for the friends (who consider her family) here in New Jersey, as she has decided to leave the town where she has lived for over half a century and return to her hometown. 

Some people have questioned this decision.  I don't.  Julie is a woman who knows what she wants. She listens with her heart.  She makes decisions with well thought out logic that we all should have.  She feels the spirit and knows without a shadow of a doubt what path she will take.

 Over the years she has been called to do many things (some of them extremely difficult) and to fill many roles.  Wife, mother, teacher and pastor are just a few of them.  She has never hesitated to pursue the challenges that have been presented to her.  Now she hears what I believe is God's call to return to the land that is she can truly call home.  Where daily she will be able to view stunning vistas of farmlands, mountains, and forests and breathe the same pure air that she did as a child.  

Julie has dedicated her life to serving others.  That is why so many people will come to celebrate with her.  She has touched the lives of so many people and she has made a difference.  That is why it is so difficult to watch her go.  Because for each and every person that has come to celebrate her, as well as the countless more who will not be able to physically be in her presence to honor the occasion, she has not just touched our lives, but our very soul and spirit.

My family is going to miss Julie terribly.  She was an integral part of our wedding (with many people thinking she was a rabbi).  She was one of the first people who held our son James.  She baptized him.  She was there for his first communion and his confirmation. More importantly from at least 1995 to 2019 (thank you Covid) she graced our home for the holidays. Though not related by blood, she IS family and an essential part of our gathering (and not just because she makes the traditional Cranberry Gelatin Mold that we all fight over.)

But this isn't about me.  This isn't about anyone other than Julie.  So we may feel a little sadness for ourselves as we celebrate with her, but we also need to let ourselves be filled with the knowledge that she is doing what is right for her and what will bring her peace and joy.

I wonder, what gifts can we bring to this woman who has given us so much?  There are charities that she favors:  the community food bank and CASA.  Personally, because we both have ties to the Johnsonburg Camp and Retreat Center, that's where I have made my gift.

However, perhaps the best gift we can all give is seemingly the simplest; to follow her example.  To open our hearts to love.  To listen not just with our ears, but with our heart.  To keep an open mind and continue to learn and grow as human beings.  To care for ourselves, each other,  and ALL of creation. Doing this we will not only honor this incredible woman, but we will make this world a better place.

Happy Birthday Julie!  You have blessed us all by simply being you.  May we all have the courage follow our own paths with the grace and love that you have shown us.