As you know, my mother had progressive dementia for many years and she passed away on July 4th, 2017. She came to church with me and felt at home at St. James; so many people greeted her, shook her hand, smiled at her and even hugged her that she felt like she knew you all. I did not realize until she died, how important the support of the St. James community was to me. The outpouring of love and kindness is overwhelming. Our clergy are amazing, they know exactly what to say and when to say it. Each of you has been the face of Jesus clearly to both myself and my mother and you all have brought me comfort and support. My life has forever been changed by going through this experience and my attitude towards death has also been changed. While death has never been a scary idea for me as I have seen it as a way to enter the next phase of life with Jesus, I now see the beauty of the process and the gentle way that God uses our sadness to bring us closer to each other. I now believe that God draws all of us to Himself, whether or not we actively desire or understand that. The ceremonies of the Episcopal church help to move us through the processes and phases of our human lives and our ever loving God (whatever He may be called or however He is experienced by different people) is there beside us. Jesus is physically present with us through those around us who love us and support us. And for this I am eternally grateful and humbled.
Vivienne Paratore