My UFO (unbelievably fabulous observations)

[hoosiermama]

ok, feel free to jump on in here. this is amazing.

received the following reply from the pastor of xH's church to that note I wrote about. (quick refresh: at the very beginning of all of this, 2 years ago, he was one of the small handful of people I asked to talk with xH because I was convinced he had lost his senses. if they talked, it changed nothing; he was clear that he would NOT be talking with me again. before this, he and his wife were good couple-friends with xH and I.)

"Please know that I was copied on your recent email to the parish expressing your desire to be removed from our parish email list. We will certainly support your request and wishes.

Please know too that I am deeply saddened as well as very mindful of the tremendous pain, anger, and stresses in your and D14's recent and current lives.

As an experienced pastoral minister yourself, however, I am confident that you understand the great ambiguities, uncertainties, and difficulties which occur whenever people you love and care for make choices and decisions which you may or may not condone, support, or even understand.

And I'm certain too that you have found yourself in situations where you must watch others suffer pain (sometimes of their own but often of another's making) all the time knowing that you really cannot intervene or stop it.

I now find myself in precisely this situation vis-a-vis you, D14, and xH. Unfortunately, I also find myself in this situation with several other parish members as well as some family members and friends! And in each of these cases, the "little" that I can offer is simply prayer, greater attempts at understanding, and more prayer.

Therefore while I can't and won't offer advice, fixes, or even (except in very rare situations) interventions to you or any others, please know that I do genuinely and sincerely hold you in my daily prayers, thoughts, and blessings.

Finally, know that I pray too for the day and time where we can once again set down around the same table to share our hopes, joys, and lives. Until then...

Blessings..."