The Wonderful Gwen W. Sears.

 


My visit to Massachusetts was of necessity very brief. Allegiant Air (a budget airline) has the only direct flight between SRQ and BOS.

From SRQ to BOS on Fridays; from BOS to SRQ on Mondays.  I used them, knowing that they would be "no frills flights", at about 35% of the cost of a Delta Flight  and  NO CHANGING IN ATLANTA!  but with an all too brief visit 

Many of you know that I was in the Greater Boston area for the special services to thank God for the splendid new Parish House complex at St James's Cambridge 

But I could not pass up the chance to spend time in Western Mass. with visiting dear friends who enhanced my journey when I lived and ministered there.

At the top of my list was Gwen Sears who now lives in a retirement community in Lenox, MA.

I have known Gwen since 1975.  Our friendship blossomed when I was the Rector at St. Stephen's Parish, Pittsfield MA  (1984-2000)

Gwen is a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She is fiercely proud of this extended family.

Gwen was in the first cadre of Vocational Deacons in the Episcopal Diocese of Western MA.

She was the Director of Christian Education when I arrived  at St. Stephen's.

But I wanted more!  I asked her to leave her Christian Ed. ministry to become the Assistant Rector.

It was a wise choice.  She modified my wild enthusiasms (and cleared up my messes!)  I could not have been an effective  Rector without her counsel;  and our shared ministry. I was able to be with her in some of the tough times of her life

So, despite the long drive from Boston to Lenox  I spent an all too brief time with her on Friday 13th May.  I could do no other. We drank tea and ate biscuits.  We opened our hearts to each other.  I get goosebumps as I think of the tender joy of our visit.    To know Gwen is to love her.

Gwen is 94. I am a few days short of being 78.  Who knows if we will ever see each this side of the Jordan?  CARPE DIEM.  And share my wet eyes  as I think of this wonderful Woman of God.

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