Beautiful Ladies visiting all who pass as they sit in the piazza.

John T. WIlliams artist at work in Victor Steinbrueck Park at the Pike Place MarketEnjoying a day in the sun and talking with neighbors who pass by. Village life in Italy.Beautiful Ladies visiting all who pass as they sit in the piazza.

Context is so important in life, and the context of living on the streets is one place where context is most important.  For years I’ve had the great honor of serving folks in Seattle who live in poverty, some homeless and “living in the streets.”  But in recent history I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing life in an Italian hilltop village, where “living in the streets” is the norm when it is possible, where folks live their lives in community; in piazza, square, doorways, benches, walking and talking with neighbors.  It was an irony of life to spend a week in Italy and return the next day to a march in honor of John T. Williams in downtown Seattle, a native American who lived a life of Living in the Streets that encompassed both places.

Mr. Williams, a native carver, had been homeless for years, although he had been living in an apartment for a while before his untimely death by police gunfire August 30th.  Mr. Williams also truly lived in the streets as a place where he carved, met friends and strangers to whom he would sell his art.  If you spent any time around places like the Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, or other parts of the urban corridor you have probably spotted him at some point, knowingly or unknowingly.  He would carve while sitting on park benches, or even walking, and sell from those places as well.  His workmanship was very well appreciated and folks would often traverse the city in search of him in order to purchase one of his fine carvings.  That he was shot while working on a piece of art with his artists’ tool, a wood carving knife, perceived to be a weapon is tragic, but what is more tragic is that living LIFE in the streets is seen as suspicious.

Just as the culture of the Italians is to live life outdoors and in public, so it is with native Americans.  For John Williams to stay safely within some walls, or the fence of a yard would have been out of place.  He spoke to long friends and made new friends in his life on the streets.  It is a life where relationships are maintained with personal contact and developed with personal contact, it is nothing short of living the Gospel of loving neighbor as self.

It appears that the police officer was scared, scared of someone who lived life differently, scared of someone he didn’t understand.  The reality is that he is the norm in our society, a society where we spend so much time in our homes, or in some small way self-isolating.  It is common for people in public to have headphones on, even Mr. Williams had headphones on, listening to music and completely unaware of the world around.  It is common for folks who really enjoy spending quality time in the yards of their homes to build fences to keep themselves in and other out.  It is common for people to live for years and never know their neighbors.  It is all sad, it is common.

As a pastor called to encourage others into discipleship, into following Jesus in sharing love and healing to a broken world, the first step we have to take is to Live in the Streets.  We must be willing to talk and share love with strangers, to make friends of those we’ve yet to meet.  To lend a hand when someone is struggling to walk, to accept a hand when we stumble.  We must be willing to simply Live with others, to move beyond the “stranger danger” fear that has become embedded in our culture.

It was nothing but blessing to spend a week sitting outside, reading a great book, chatting with new friends in Piegaro.  It was also nothing but blessing to walk the streets of Seattle mourning and remembering John T. Williams and praying for a time when Living in the Streets is a time for grace for all.

I look forward to a time when we can live fully in the streets; that the hungry will be fed, that the mourners can cry, and that people will know and love their neighbors as themselves.

Pepina out with the kids on a summers day visiting with us at the restaurant. Pepina is nona of the piazza, watching all kids who play.

Methodist Founder felt Tradition was important, Do we?

In the Methodist movement tradition is considered one of the 4 elements we stand on as a church:  Scripture, Tradition, Reason and Experience.  But our traditional memory often seems short, going back maybe 60 years, until the “good old days” of the 50′s when a post-war church boom was alive and well.  We remember when our Sunday Schools were full as well as our pews on Sunday mornings, we remember rummage sales, holiday pageants and potlucks.  These are fond memories that warm our hearts and take us back to a sweeter time.  But what really makes a time sweet?  Is it the focus on our needs, our wants, our desires?  The church of the 1950′s was doing an amazing job of healing a broken country in the aftermath of World War II, but at some point we felt that that this was our pinnacle, yet the traditions of the church which were set aside in the wake of needing healing, seemed to be forgotten, and what was self-care became self-serving.  We forgot our spiritual and sacred roots, we forgot the practices that nurtured communities of faith for centuries and were the hallmark of the Methodist movement.

One of the reasons that Wesley included tradition in his 4 principles, was his keen insight into inviting the wisdom of those who came before him into the fullness of faith that was essential to this movement that encouraged its people to worship in any church on a Sunday, but experience the fullness of a life of faith within spiritual “methods.”  Daily prayer, scripture and a gathering of small groups for support in a real world encompassing all from pain to joy, were the essentials for Methodism, this methodical group who encouraged one another in faith.  His greatest worry was that this movement would become institutional, forgetting who and whose they are.

But if we think woe to our denominational church, let’s face it, it is merely a reflection of a culture that has formed in this country of great newness.  We are one of the youngest nations, having pushed the natives of this land to the margins, and brought in new people for this new country.  As a good chef I know once said, “we don’t ask for a good restaurant when seeking a recommendation, we ask for a new one.”  We are a people who move from house to house on average every 3 years, who change our wardrobe on average of 6 months to a year as fashion demands, and who fill garage sales, thrift stores and land-fills with our cast-off “old stuff.”  We are taught by politicians, advertisers, and economic “experts” that we are not people, but consumers, who must buy, buy, buy new, New, NEW everyday in order to make things well, it is our responsibility.  Little room here to be informed by tradition.

Yet what does this all do for our sense of meaning and purpose?  It seems as if our culture is denying that there is a wide and awesome possibility of existence here in God’s creation, we lose some things that have been essential to human tradition, and more so, traditions of faith.  Our meaning and purpose get tied to things like economy, work, and “getting away.”  We are so dragged down by daily life that we need to get away.

This was precisely what our early founder was seeking to remedy with the foundation of Methodist practices, the grinding daily life that pushes us to get away, to seek what is missing in our lives.  Daily practices of communication in small groups where the highs and lows of life were not only shared, but all were surrounded by loving support of one another.  Where the greatest part of this circle of people was the awareness that God IS present, through prayer and spirit this was reinforced each day.  The constant reminder that One, mysterious, all-knowing, all-loving is always present.  God above all names is with us in times of trouble and times of celebration.

Wesley borrowed ideas for his faith groups, for his movement from the traditions of old, he did not invent something “new” in the 1700′s – it should be a reminder to us all that what worked so well for early Methodists was not even new then.  The essentials of tradition have as much to teach us now as then.

In the past months I’ve been writing much of my time in Italy, a land where people seem to be drawn to when seeking their souls, seeking deeper meaning.  Just look at the books and movies that are so popular these days: ” Under the Tuscan Sun”, “Eat, Pray, Love”, “A Thousand Days in Venice,” “Letters from Juliette”…..  What does Italy have that we don’t?   It has tradition, rich tradition that the people embrace fully, in their daily lives, in their food, in maintaining culture.  For me, coming from the life of pastor,  the greatest elements of this traditional culture was the life lived publicly, where all stories of life are shared among friends who consult, comfort, and celebrate with one another.  And of course, the amazing depth of worship, traditional celebration of the sacred, and the ever present witness to faith of the people via their art.  The wonder of the art was that it was often used as a means for social commentary, criticism of institutional church, and the awesomeness of a God beyond explanation.  Most Italians I met, even those who don’t formally attend church are intensely spiritual, it is a good place to seek spirit and healing.

In such a new nation, can we find a depth of spirit that seems to leave us seeking other places to find it?  Can we dig deeper into our souls to move us beyond the trappings of our culture into a sense of eternal that looks both the the past as well as to the future?  Can we reclaim in our churches and institutions the heart and soul of what was so alive in the early church, in the renaissance, in the reformation??  Are we desperate enough for depth of meaning to make profound changes in our world that take us back to what is so important, the Love of God, others and self – sustained in community???

Penicale Piazza Sacred Art

Papa Pio, Caretaker to the poor in modern Italy, a recent saint can be seen in many surprising places, a reminder of contemporary faith lived out.

Assisi Art

Gubbio Tower

Marie a most Courteous Clerk!

The Gang from the Back Row Before Worship

Marie is a very familiar face in our neighborhood, she works as a courtesy clerk at QFC grocery, she lives just a few blocks from our church castle, and she is a member of our congregation.  She knows soooooo many people in the neighborhood not only from her job serving customers at the grocery, but because she is always about the neighborhood and on our local buses.  Marie knows every barrista in the area and is frequently invited to area events because she is so well known and loved.

Marie has moved around the Seattle area since early childhood, but she and her mom Shirley returned to our neighborhood when purchasing a home because it was a place where she felt welcomed and cared for when she was a child at Green Lake Elementary.  In turn Marie now is a member of our children’s ministry team, caring for some of the youngest in our congregation.

One of the beauties of being in the neighborhood in so many ways is that Marie truly connects with some folks that seem to fade in an out of the neighborhood scene.  I can think of how a member of our congregation had been dealing with health issues, but Marie stayed in touch with them via the grocery, and staying connected to their family, even when they weren’t able to get out.  Marie has a gift, a skill, a charming way about her that keeps her connected and connecting our community.

I had the privilege of traveling with Marie to eastern Washington for a training and learning the depth of commitment and love she has for our community, stories of her friends at Bus Stop Espresso, Peaks Custard Shop and the folks she works with at our neighborhood grocery, stories peppered with laughter and joy.  Marie has that gift, to share her laughter and joy around the community as someone who is truly connected to the people that she meets each day!

How can all of us get more connected to the various levels of neighborhood we live in?  How do our lives reflect a sense of appreciation for the place we call home?  Why do we choose to live somewhere, is a spiritual sense of place that draws us in, a place of welcome, a place of beauty or something else, more or less?!?!?!  How thankful are we of the place we call home and the people we can call neighbor?

Marie, Playing with our boys in the nursery, caring for all!

Linda at the Bookstore sharing her ever-present smile!

I met Linda and her husband Jim through our congregation member Teresa, as she yelled out an invitation to them from the coffee cart on the church porch.  Linda and Jim live within sight of the church, which is lucky for us!  They are both so delightful at Jim has volunteered at the church before, and as both have become welcome visitors to the coffee cart, sometimes with dog in tow to visit Boo, but always bringing their friendly presence and warmth even on the coldest of spring days!!

Linda is a former school librarian who now lends her talents  to Mockingbird Books, reading stories, suggesting books, helping children and adults find the books their hearts desire.  If she doesn’t have something, she will find something that will suit your needs, Linda aims to please!

When I think of people who use their talents and gifts for the best of their community I can see Linda’s skill as storyteller shining through with so much joy.  As a pastor that is always the most exciting thing, to see how people utilize the gifts that they have been so wonderfully made with!   It is exciting to see someone at a work they love, not an action movie excitement, but a deep heartfelt excitement that inspires one to find their own gifts and talents to share.

Linda takes me back to the joy of my childhood in savoring the colorful books of the library that my mother would read to me in fullness of animation and intent.  Some of my greatest memories was listening to a really good story, it has inspired me to write, preach and teach, sharing the stories of meaning and imagination in God’s world.  When Linda even speaks of her life as a librarian, or of sharing stories in the big room at Mockingbird Books each morning, her eyes sparkle, and one is drawn in.  It is the sort of thing that makes one want to borrow a child from a neighbor so they can come be part of the group at 11 a.m.

When I think of my Sesame Street years and “who are the people in your neighborhood, the people that you meet when you’re walking down the street…”  I think of Linda and Jim, people who meet and greet – are the very best of neighbors sharing life and vitality!  Today I shall have to venture down for story time at 11 a.m……Gonna be a happy day!!

Linda with Sue, two amazing "Book Ladies!"

Linda with Jim - everyone lends a hand at Mockingbird - a Family Place.

Ed helping the children get to school.

I met Ed in a most embarrassing way, he was saving my beloved dog, Boo from oncoming traffic as he had escaped the church yard.  But then, that is what Ed does, he serves and protects all in our neighborhood as they cross the street near Green Lake Elementary.  Not just the kids mind you, but any neighbor can be comfortable in knowing that Ed is there in the mornings and afternoons looking out for us all.

We had Boo only a 2 days when he escaped the yard and in the following school year Ed would save him more than that once (we have now fixed the fence).  As I visited with him one day he mentioned that he had to “step up” the kids coming were dangerous, 3 children with one nanny, quite a handful and Ed was there to ensure they all made the busy street safely.  This was his gentle tease, kids not dangerous, but his dedication to them very serious.  As former police officer, Ed’s commanding presence is a gift with so much traffic abounding!

But Ed offers more than safety, he offers greetings, conversation and warm smiles to all who pass by.  Ed is so well beloved for being that kind and friendly presence first thing in the morning and as the kids go home!  Everyone in the neighborhood knows and loves Ed.  As the school breaks for summer tomorrow, Ed will be missed by many of us.  As I stand out here in the coffee cart I look forward already to the day when school returns with the kids and with Ed!!

Have a great Summer Ed!!

Ed Shares a Story.

Amy at Lulu's a neighbor and friend to all at Green Lake.

I discovered why Amy Duncan does what she does so well, she is by profession a librarian, she enjoys people, research and informing.  Amy is the heart and soul behind www.mygreenlake.com our neighborhood blog site.  Behind her efforts are those in the neighborhood with police scanners, the businesses, community councils and simply the word on the street she gleans from people or neighbor’s web sites.  She combs our community to share information with all so that we can all connect.  Amy sends out the invitation for all to participate in the activities of the neighborhood, she encourages us to get out of our homes and into the parks, businesses, churches and community centers around Green Lake.

Amy is a one person Welcome Wagon.  Amy lived on the edge of the Green Lake neighborhood for years and when she and her family moved here a year and a half ago she missed seeing local neighborhood listings on the Greenwood site.  So utilizing her gifts and talents for this very work set out to create what hadn’t yet happened in our techie part of the city, a neighborhood blog just for us at Green Lake.

Amy keeps us up to date on deaths in the area, crime, but much more importantly, the life and pulse of what is happening here.  You check the site and you know what businesses are opening and closing, who is offering what type of worship on Christmas and Easter, and when and where the next Contra Dance will take place at Green Lake!  We can find out about our local school changes with the financial cutbacks, and have an opportunity to express our opinions to King County regarding our bus service.  Amy plugs us in to the community.

The absolute coolest thing is that Amy does not live behind her computer, she lives in the neighborhood.  If there is a neighborhood meeting, she is there, she is a regular at Lulu’s and many other businesses here, and when we had the Open Castle Amy brought her daughter, Sloan, to come and do our green crafts and explore our dungeon.  Amy is a living breathing part of our community who breathes life into this service of inviting folks to live a life public with neighbors.

I have yet to see Amy without a smile on her face when she speaks of her work.  Did I mention this is an unpaid position?

When I think of Spirit of Place, and the concept that the sacred is everywhere and in everyone, I contemplate how this place, Green Lake is uniquely wonderful.  What makes it so, is what makes every place uniquely wonderful, the love that is shown for neighbor by neighbor.  Amy has truly found her calling here at Green Lake, and I wonder how we can all be so engaged with our neighbors, with our community in the celebration of the Spirit of Green Lake?!?!?

Amy you and your family are in our prayers as you welcome your second child into the world later this month.  You are truly a gift to our neighborhood!!

Amy sharing her warm smile on a rainy day.

Karen at her post, Greeting folks to Cafe Lulu

More than clergy I think Barristas have hearts of gold.  They listen, care and serve up warmth in many ways.  In our neighborhood we are truly blessed to have Karen at Cafe Lulu who greets customers with some of the best coffee in the city.  A longstanding lover of mint lattes, Karen introduced me to the best I’ve had in Seattle – the secret is no sweet syrup, just mint that pops with freshness in the coffee.  But more than Karen’s coffee mastery is her amazing way of welcoming all into the community of her coffee shop, she was the first neighbor outside of the church who knew my name, and I appreciated that so much.

Last year I ran a blog with a story of Karen I would like to share again.  At the church here we have an opportunity to share some limited resources with those in financial need and one day we had a call from a woman in our neighborhood who was in need of utilities assistance.  She would be coming by that afternoon around 3.  At around 3:15 I began to wonder if she was going to make it, then I thought it was time to look about and see if she needed help getting in, I knew she would be utilizing the wheelchair accessible entrance.

That is when I found my gal in the company of Karen.  Karen had helped her cross the street 2 blocks down by Lulu’s then accompanied her all the way up the hill to the church.  Our lady had not only a walker, but many bags hanging from her walker, quite a load.  Karen had not only helped her up here, but when they passed Karen’s home between Lulu’s and the Church, she brought down a chair for our guest to rest before making it up the rest of the hill.  It was a profound depth of compassion that truly touched my heart!

What is so great about being pastor here, while living next to the church is that I have an awesome commute.  It is cool to know someone else who appreciates the great opportunity of living and working in the same neighborhood, which Karen does.  This way we know not only Karen, but her dog Canyon, a beautiful Great Dane as big as a horse who doesn’t quite greet us as we pass by, but lets the dogs and I know whose neighborhood this REALLY is (as far as dogs go).  Whether dogs or humans there is a sense of belonging that Karen exemplifies in how she treats all as neighbor in this special place she calls home.

As we spoke of the pieces I had written on Piegaro and Caffe Via Roma she mentioned she finds the same type of culture at Lulu’s – where people come and speak their hearts, as she says, “Staying for 3 minutes or 3 hours,  depending on what they need to share, and some people have told it all.”  So many neighbors meet here, and when I met another neighbor at Lulu’s that day, Amy was surprised I hadn’t ran into her at the shop before, it is a real home away from home, a community living room for many in the morning and early afternoon.

Like many neighbors I look forward to Lulu’s expanding their hours to 5 p.m. this month – and adding sandwiches for lunch.  A place of warmth and welcome to come into on a rainy day like today – or any day one needs a place of grace and amazing coffee!

Colleen and Lisa First Day of Exploration in Cortona, the start of the Adventures!

I met Collen months after I started serving Green Lake United Methodist Church, I heard amazing stories of her leadership, passion and flare for ministry, but she wasn’t here, she was in Piegaro.  It was Colleen’s first season as “Patrona de L’ Antica Vetreria” – Tom and her vision of retirement work at its finest, running an Inn in a hilltop village in Umbria, Italy.  Their vision became a reality that year so it wasn’t until winter that I got to meet this dynamic woman I had heard so much about.

Here at Green Lake UMC Colleen had made a home with her parents worshiping and working in mission as diverse as Rosalee’s Quilters (named for her mom), outreach with Operation Nightwatch for Homeless, and with Energizers creating new ways of being church family through fellowship.  Colleen gave so much life over the years to our congregation at the Castle.

When I did finally meet Colleen it was with an instant invitation to come visit Piegaro, it took a year an a half, and a lot hemming and hawing on my part.  What tipped the scale of my decision making was proposing a retreat on St. Francis and actually thinking she would say NO WAY, instead it was “how soon?”  So we planned, plotted and schemed, hoping we could pull it off by May, then reality set in and we realized we needed to do some ground work first, and Colleen graciously accepted me as her guest as we went in search of the Sacred in Umbria.

There were days when we would be gone for 10 or more hours exploring the places Francis went, or that were meaningful places to others who blossomed in their faith lives in the region… they were LONG days.  And Colleen as driver was amazing, she would often pull over rather abruptly as we found a “photo op” or stop to look at a map, “we know that abbey is around here somewhere,”…..hmmm.  We traveled through mud, rain, wrong way turns checking out so many places and having an amazing time. We even explored a castle where there were a LOT of antenna coming out of the windows and roof of the chapel and high voltage electric boxes on the grounds…tapping into the spiritual energy?!?!?  Ah the joys of exploration.

What was really fun was when we realized how well I was communicating with the locals and laughing at all my weirdo mistakes in the communication, I called it knuckle dragging Italiano – my cave-speak that had remarkably few verbs and lots and lots of hand motions, movie quotes and laughter.  Collen was there to introduce and be companion to me in this wonderful new place.  Colleen ended up being a perfect partner on this journey that made all the work and effort fun.  To me this is the essence of bridging the places of Green Lake and Piegaro – they are both places where work, relationship, worship and spiritual seeking feed my soul.  Places where I see God in the people, in their struggles and in their joy, there is an abundance of life which Colleen exemplifies.  It was great teamwork after much discernment that our retreat would be two weeks to capture the true spirit of Umbria, which lies in its people, just as the spirit lies in God’s people and creation everywhere, which called for new travel itineraries and explorations.

I look forward to our retreats in the future with Colleen as a partner and friend, someone to laugh, pray and cry with.  I pray and ask of my dear friend who is working so hard to make her Inn flourish in a troubled world;  How is it with your Soul friend, today, tomorrow, in Piegaro and when you return to Seattle.  I am blessed with le bella amica, Colleen.

Collen at the Castle, reading the graffitti words of Bob Marley... somehow so appropriate there.

Colleen and Karen, a new friend we met on our adventures looking around Perugia.

-written for 30^th Anniversary Green Lake (United) Methodist Episcopal Church

Come with me and we will turn the hands of the clock back 28 years (to 1905) and 4 months.  Together we will quietly push open the door and slip insight the old “Rag Church.”  Sunday morning, January 29, 1905, a golden haired lady and a stout, dark man with their two girls.  The day was cold and dark and dreary – a soaky, sloppy, sort of day.

As we stepped inside the church a gust of wind caused a flapping sound on the old canvas wall.  The church was a hall-like room with rows and rows of chairs, from the platform in the front, to the door in the back, with and isle in the center.  A spirit of friendliness and cordiality simply permeated the atmosphere.  Everyone seemed to know everyone else, and so on, we were one of the everyone.

At the extreme end of the room on a platform was a gray-haired, bald headed, rather stout, oldish gentleman with a happy smile, who spoke the kindliest words I have ever heard.  Dr. Glass, the pastor.  In front of and at the right of the platform was a little old fashioned church organ, presided over by Mable Glass, a golden haired girl of about 18.  Rose Glass, a bright red, curly-headed young lady all life and smiles, sang a solo, lead the choir, and as we learned later did everything, every place.

At Sunday School time, Mrs. Glass was teacher of our class.  The superintendent was an energetic young man named Mr. Weaver.  He seemed to simply pull music from the throats of all present.  One song which I remember most vividly was, “Sunshine and Rain, Refreshing, Reviving Rain, Give us the Sunshine and Rain.”  With all the rain outside, that song sounded rather humorous, but as I looked backward over the years that have passed, that song takes on new significance.  Whether as individuals or as institutions we must stand the test of time.  The test of the sunshine and the rain.

Seattle, yes the whole conference (UMC PNW) was watching with interest this infant church on the hill in the north end, grow.  It was simply busting its sides with enthusiasm, and there was the continued cry of , “We must have more room.”  There was no place to put the crowds which came to Sunday School and church.

A couple of years before, a group of young and middle aged men and women had seen the growing need of a church and community center in this far outlying district.  Green Lake was then a marshy, swamp-like lake, lying in a basin surrounded by rough logged-off acres, backed by tall pine forests.  A rough board walk lead from the car track to the front door of the church.

Soon the rag wall was removed.  The room enlarged, stained glass was put in the windows, seats replaced the old chairs, a pulpit with an altar rail, replaced the platform.  We were so proud of our new church with its four stone walls.  There was no time to stop and enjoy things, there was so much work ahead.  The cry for bigger and better was still going on.  The church was again enlarged and remodeled, this time with beautiful sacred windows, a basement, a balcony, Sunday School rooms, a mammoth new pipe organ, and the was were decorated in green and gold.  On February 19, 1911 the present church was dedicated.  March 15, 1911 was the first wedding in the new church.  May 19, 1911 was another, and I became the second blushing bride to promise “I do.”  A little over 13 years later our infant daughter was baptized at the same altar.

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Thompson, also Mr. and Mrs. Claud Wagner, active young people in Epworth League and church work here answered the call to the ministry.  Miss Ethel Harris, one of our young women, became a deaconess.

I see this church, through the past, present, and the future – not as so much wood, stone, mortar and glass.  Neither in her struggles or her triumphs, her failures, or her successes, her poverty, or her prosperity, but rather as a building not made with hands.  A monument immemorial.  There, is enshrined the Great Heart of God.  There, the Sacred Book is ever taught.  There, a ladder is thrown from the lowly earth to the vaulted skies.  It is a vital living, pulsing Soul in a cold, calculating, mercenary world.

This Church was conceived and dedicated by a people with vision.  Without a vision the people perish.  With a vision, all things are possible.  LORD, GIVE US A VISION.

Written for the 30^th Anniversary, May 24^th 1933 by Mrs. Chloe Hackett Bunch

In other ways she wasn’t unique either, she had a hard life with family members committing suicide, her own struggles with addiction, and all the fallout the comes with these things.  I’ve seen her yelling and angry, but that was an exception to the rule and my last memory was just over a week ago when she gave me a hug as I dropped off donations from GLUMC to Mary’s.  With a bright smile and warm greeting, this is the way I will always remember her, this was her “normal self” her authentic self, all the other stuff came and went.  Brandi is gone, she passed away with no mention in the newspaper, found in a parking lot wrapped in a blanket off of 4th Ave in downtown Seattle.  Someone wrapped in a blanket wouldn’t seem suspicious for some homeless women, but Brandi had a regular bed and didn’t sleep outside, didn’t even carry a blanket with her.  Her life is gone after 36 short years, with so many questions left for those who love her.

One of the hardest things for her friends and family is that her death did not cause concern in the media, if it had been a “housed” person it would have been on the news.  In a world where Google satellites show us what is happening on any street at any time, there is no word on how Brandi showed up in an unlikely spot in an unlikely manner that fateful night.  As family and friends come to her memorial today many are still seeking answers.  To hear the words, sobs and stories of friends from Church of Mary Magdalene, St. Martin Des Pores, and her AA groups it was apparent the love she brought to and invited from others.

I know people from every walk of life, from rich to poor who deal with depression, addiction and separation issues, it is my earnest prayer that at some point in time our hearts will open with compassion to know that every death at such a young age is a tragedy, that leaving those in her community without answers causes more angst, anxiety and behaviors borne of fear, of a fear of dying and the larger world not caring.  To have no word in the media is tragic, there were over 100 people spilling out of her service, so many that some didn’t come in because of lack of space.  To have so many people crying, “Why?” is hard to witness.  Yet this is common in the homeless community, people whom proper society seems to want to ignore,or have go away.

My prayer is that we all care, that we all pray for those who are suffering in homes or homeless, that we all recognize that we are all God’s Children.