I wonder if you are an obituary reader. I know many people who are. I often read the obituaries of our clients and wish I could have read the obituary when I met them. Obituaries tell such a story.
I wonder what you would want your obituary to say? What stories would you want to share with those who peruse the online edition and learn a little about you?
As a social worker, writing your obituary a few different times throughout your life is a good exercise. I don’t suggest writing this in a grief-stricken space, but more an invitation to share how you brought goodness, hope, or joy to our broken world. Consider how you would creatively put words to the people you love and the places you hold close to your heart.
My Dad’s obituary has hung on my fridge for six years. I rarely read the whole thing; it is long, but I love reading sections. My sister has modeled to me how to write an honest obituary that includes things like,” He hated camping!”
My Dad died six years ago today. In honor of his life, consider your life and how your living. Think about how you want to tell others about it, both when your living and after you have died. Live with intention my friends. Go and make a difference and let your legacy be celebrated by many! ❤️trish
I saw this quote and had to smile. These pictures remind me of the joy of flying high. These kids model risk-taking, expressing happiness and freedom in movement. There is something so delightful in watching my nieces and nephews play at a level that I can only dream of. I wonder how they learned to be so flexible. I wonder how they learned to trust that they would flip back onto their feet if they flipped their body over. 🙂
I had my first double gastroc release surgery for my heel pain on January 27, 2023, which proved unsuccessful. This had me in double boots for 12 weeks. I had my first knee replacement due to complications from being in 
boots in late May 2023 and my second knee replacement in early October 20203 due to a floating bone spur. December 20, 2023, I had another Achilles repair where they severed the tendon, shaved the bone spur, and anchored the
tendon back into the heel. I did the other heel, the same procedure as in December, in February 2024, and have finally been cleared and released.
and I am choosing today to name them as something I am grateful for. I remember in my early 20s when I felt numb to my heart, and I prayed that God would awaken my feelings. I am thankful that I can live into (and out of) my tender spaces.
I had a hectic week, but in the beauty of today, all the time spent in meetings, all my task lists, and all the possible outcomes seemed to fade. I was again struck by the natural benefits of a perfect weather day. Of course, we have our share of them in the spring, summer, and fall, but the real discipline comes from creating space to enjoy it!
So I reread it, and this section contained the words that resonated with my heart.
the extraordinary joy in your smile and personality. I know your days are not all smiles, and I am so proud of how you have grown in managing your emotions. You can handle the curve balls that come your way in stride. I am so proud of where you are in your emotional spaces as you begin year 15!
You are a hard worker. You know what it means to work for what you want, whether tennis, golf, or saving for something. You work hard, 
know how to save, and remain generous. I love that in you and am so proud of you. Never lose your generous spirit!
up ten notches as you have assisted me through my two knee replacements and two Achilles surgeries. Bless you and Evy for always showing up and bringing just what I needed. Thank you for your willingness to wash my hair, refresh my ice packs, manage my meds, clean the house, or 
live each day fully. Be brave and full of courage, and ask for what you need when needed!
In just a few weeks, I will serve as a delegate to the Christian Reformed Church Synod. This week-long commitment involves participating in dialogue and decisions that will shape the direction of the Church for the future. It is an intense week of long days. The agenda is heavy and it is clear that yet again, the division in the denomination is significant.
Tonight, at the end of our Council meeting at church, the leadership team asked if they could pray over me. My initial internal reaction was to tear up, for the idea of being prayed for and prayed over is very touching and dear to my heart. I also felt a wave of anxiety as I realized that when I stand for an extended period with my eyes closed, my balance may not be outstanding, and people may recognize that I am swaying a bit.