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What the hell is PJ wearing?

Surely, the question in S's mind was something like the one in the title of this post. But probably "heck" instead of "hell" because S is a dear church-going lady...a wonderful former parishioner of mine to be exact. She knew me as Pastor Joe or PJ.

Just a few months ago, I was wearing my clerical collar and sitting in a chair she graciously offered beside the bed of her aunt who was in the hospital. Her aunt Gwen had failing health and death seemed just around the corner. At church S would always give me updates about Gwen in case I hadn't made time to go visit her myself.

Today, I saw S. I was working at her grocery store and donning my red Weis shirt with my black apron and the ball cap produce associates are supposed to wear. As I stacked oranges, S gave me the update on Gwen who happens to have made a turn around much to my delight. We finished the conversation with me mentioning I could stop by and her letting me know how much it would mean to Gwen without pressuring me. She wouldn't mention it to Gwen in case I didn't make  it. Do produce clerks visit people in the hospital?

The pastor role dies hard. Sandra's pastor quit and carries around apples and oranges.  Was it as hard for her to see me in my apron instead of my collar as I think it was?  In that moment I wish I had more to offer her.

I plan to visit Gwen some time since she is a friend and still looks up to me. Perhaps I can offer her a prayer and a few juicy oranges.


Orange blossom and oranges. Taken by Ellen Levy Finch (en:User:Elf) March 23, 2004. Originally uploaded on English Wikipedia.


Comments

  1. JHWSeptember 7, 2017 at 6:23 PM

    I visited Gwen today! She was looking healthy and great!

    ReplyDelete

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