Family of the Heart

On the last day of our vacation, we had a long layover in Lisbon, so I decided I’d give it a try…I’d ring the doorbell of an address I’d had since I was 17 years old.

The Uber driver agreed to wait.  I’d lost contact with my friend too long ago and was sure he had moved.  I rang the bell and mustered my rusty Portuguese to ask if a person named Antonino lived there.  “Judy??! Judy ??? Oh my goodness!  Is that you?  Come up, come up”!  My sons and I rode the elevator to the 4th floor.  We spent a lovely afternoon reminiscing and visiting over a delicious lunch.  I was blissfully content to simply be…to be with this very dear person.  He had been like a wiser, older brother to me.  The kind who helped my 17 year old self get a ride on a Portuguese fishing boat by bribing the captain with a bottle of whiskey.  The kind who took me to lunch in a friend’s lighthouse, and who offered a spare room for me and my brother on various trips many years ago.

During our visit, we talked about what he called a “family of the heart”…describing the strong feelings we can have for people not biologically related but with whom we are connected by experience, common outlook, and deep affection. 

I am lucky to have an extended “family of the heart”…which most certainly includes my Peace friends.  You all are like the beacon of a lighthouse, reaching out with warmth and kindness, lighting the way.  We are lucky to have each other in this crazy world.  When I’m an old lady in a rocking chair, I hope that our little church will still be able to open its doors to me whenever I come knocking, and to open them to you all, too, and that we will always welcome each other into the safe and hopeful space that is Peace Church.   

Always inspired by Holly, Paula, and all of you, Judy wants to remind everyone of the stewardship campaign that is underway.  Please remember to turn in your pledge cards to make sure that our community continues to thrive into the future.