Candice's Comments

As I journey toward retirement on August 6, Bill and I are in process of moving out of the
parsonage. And what a process! So many things to sort through…so many memories…
We have purchased a house nearby that is much smaller than the parsonage so we are
making many choices about what to take, what to give away, what to donate to Goodwill,
what to sell, etc. It won’t all fit so we are forced to relinquish some of it.

Where did all this “stuff!” come from?!?!? It is amazing what is accumulated over the
years!

As I sort through boxes of “stuff” I have kept over the years, I have shed tears of joy and
tears of sadness.

I shed joyful tears as I read notes from teachers Luci and William had in elementary
school, held honor certificates they received in high school, and laughed at birthday
cards from family members.

Tears of sadness ran down my cheeks as I found funeral leaflets, letters and notes from
former congregational members wishing us well as we moved to a new state (Indiana,
Missouri, or Iowa), or handwritten letters from family and friends who are now deceased.
This “stuff” will forever remain in my heart and memories, even though there is no longer
room for it in a drawer or on a shelf. Love and kindness is always remembered.

Much of the “stuff” will not move with us, but the memories, the experiences, and the
love will forever be with us. Thank you for being a part of the “stuff” we will move in our hearts.

                                                            Blessings,
                                                            Pastor Candice