A bit about me
I am grateful to be called mother by two wonderful daughters, Greta and Tina. I am blessed with friends who I have had for decades, , friends who I have just met and friends of all ages. I have a faithful four legged companion, Winnie, who welcomes me home with great enthusiasm. I was daughter to wonderful parents, Dave and Evie. I think of them daily and miss them tremendously. I am a spiritual person and believe that I am created in the image of the Creator who takes delight in unique snowflakes and bright sunrises, majestic mountains and earthy mushrooms, towering trees and tiny towhees, rushing streams and busy squirrels, bright crocus and bottom feeder catfish, and playful otters and juicy oranges. I believe that I am loved by God who loves everyone with a wildly radical love that is as vast and endless as the universe. It is a love that knows no bounds and has no limits. I am grateful for it all: a fantastic family, fabulous friends, meaningful work, and a generous, grace-filled God, the source of it all.
Most recently I can say, I am a retiree. As I think back on my career, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have accompanied hospice patients, care center residents and families in their end of life journey since 1990. They have taught me how to die and how to live life fully. From them I have learned to be brave and fierce, to embrace pain and joy, to accept hardship and count blessings. I have also learned that laughter and tears are meant to be shared, relationships, especially with family can be complicated, and that everyone has their own story. Colleagues have taught me the value of being a team player. I have learned from them how to be a supportive and accepting presence, and how to listen knowing that sometimes there are no words.
With Medicare card in hand, I am ready to explore new paths and passions; however, I am not leaving the lessons learned and the love shared behind. The people, the lessons and the love have been woven into the fabric of who I am by adding texture and beauty to the tapestry of my life. I am grateful.
I enjoy reading and I look forward to doing more of that in retirement. In fact, I have lots of booked packed for the trip. I am a weaver which is primarily a winter activity. I love the peacefulness of kayaking. I am a practicing photographer. My passion for photography started three years ago. Looking at the world through the lens of a camera I began to see creation in a new way. Being out in the beauty of God’s world with my camera slowed me down and filled me with gratitude for the hidden treasures that I had never noticed before. I rarely go for a walk without my camera and I never kayak without the hope of capturing something new.
Photograph was taken by a dear friend, Michele Hermansen, who shares my enthusiasm for photography.
