A YEAR LATER
This very hour, this very day one year ago, I was kissing my husband good-bye, fighting tears, and going through the steel doors of the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac near Seattle. It was one of the most traumatic moments of my life. Every thing was stripped from me. I got to keep my glasses, and that was it. But I did still have my body and my mind and my spirit. And I knew I had a choice. I could choose how I would live in that environment and I could choose what I wanted to learn and bring out of that experience.
What a difference a year makes. It's Spring again in Wyoming, with all the heavy wet snows and the budding trees and the tiny green leaves of daffodils waiting patiently for their blanket of whiteness to melt. And I get to look back and reflect on a year unlike any other.
Such joy and such sorrow and such growth. How could I know that when I said good-bye to my Mom sitting in her blue recliner that it would be the last time I would ever see her in her home? The day I was released from jail, she went into the hospital and died 13 days later. And how much joy was felt when almost a year later, my oldest daughter married her love.
But the growth has not been without the pain. I am not comfortable now. I question more, have less patience with the wrongs in the world and wonder, more then ever, where my place in all of it should be.
I continue to try and read the signs. I have a new job, working a few hours a week at a clinic for the homeless. I consider the clients fellow pilgrims, who add joy and hope to my world. I write to prisoners and gather books for them and try not to forget that one out of every 31 adults in this country is in jail. And I returned to Georgia last Fall to continue my commitment to close down the School of the Americas. And I was witness to six new people who came forth and non-violently stood up and challenged injustice. They are currently serving their time in prison.
I am optimistic about this country of ours. I feel that justice and peace are more possible now then ever, and I am confident that this economic crisis will improve. As my 67th birthday approaches, I thank the Spirit for allowing my journey to include a side trip behind those steel doors. There are all kinds of gifts. Who would know that one of the greatest gifts was given to me one year ago this very hour when the doors clanged shut, leaving me locked inside.
Pax Tecum
Friday, April 3, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Yu Betta Belize It!
Winter always lasts too long under the blue sky of Wyoming. This January we decided to take a time out and leave the snow and wind and biting cold behind us. We drove to Denver, left our winter coats in the car, got on the plane and flew to Belize.
Why? Because it was warm, and was some place we had never been before. We were ready for a new adventure and Central America and the Caribbean called us to their warm shores and their laid back life-style. We didn't expect to fall in love, but Belize took us by surprise, and fall in love we did.
It inspired us to relax, invited us to explore, and exposed us to a gentle, kind people. We saw shapes, colors, and creatures near the hemisphere's largest barrier reef. We walked among prehistoric tree ferns and ancient religious plazas in Maya archaeological sites.
We saw birds, insects, cats, and critters in Belize's vast areas of forests.
We met many of the 290,000 Belizeans coming from a multitude of Creolized cultures. The English-speaking, affable citizens make things easy, its location to the United States makes it close, and its wealth of creative accommodations, and active list of tours makes it a natural place to visit.
It gave us a different perspective, took us to a different place and a different time in our lives.
My favorite place ? There were many. Certainly the wildlife boat trip on the New River to the Mayan temples at Lamanai , and the taxi boat rides to the neighboring Cayes basking in the bluest waters I have ever seen are among the high-lights. Of course down-town Belize City with the markets and the bustle and the easy going people with the sights and sounds, of the drumming on the city street corners, and the clothes hanging out to dry from porches, and windows and door-ways and the bright colors of the houses including purples and oranges and yellows and all shades of blue, but no dark colors, all filled my senses and delighted my being.
There was poverty. Lots of it. People living simply, but with an attitude of gratitude and sharing. It humbled me to be among them.
And so on this end of January day, with snow and wind and below freezing temps outside, I sit inside warmed not only by the fire in the fireplace,but by that inner Belizean glow that will substain me in the coldest of days.
Yu Betta Belize it!!!!!
Pax Tecum
Why? Because it was warm, and was some place we had never been before. We were ready for a new adventure and Central America and the Caribbean called us to their warm shores and their laid back life-style. We didn't expect to fall in love, but Belize took us by surprise, and fall in love we did.
It inspired us to relax, invited us to explore, and exposed us to a gentle, kind people. We saw shapes, colors, and creatures near the hemisphere's largest barrier reef. We walked among prehistoric tree ferns and ancient religious plazas in Maya archaeological sites.
We saw birds, insects, cats, and critters in Belize's vast areas of forests.
We met many of the 290,000 Belizeans coming from a multitude of Creolized cultures. The English-speaking, affable citizens make things easy, its location to the United States makes it close, and its wealth of creative accommodations, and active list of tours makes it a natural place to visit.
It gave us a different perspective, took us to a different place and a different time in our lives.
My favorite place ? There were many. Certainly the wildlife boat trip on the New River to the Mayan temples at Lamanai , and the taxi boat rides to the neighboring Cayes basking in the bluest waters I have ever seen are among the high-lights. Of course down-town Belize City with the markets and the bustle and the easy going people with the sights and sounds, of the drumming on the city street corners, and the clothes hanging out to dry from porches, and windows and door-ways and the bright colors of the houses including purples and oranges and yellows and all shades of blue, but no dark colors, all filled my senses and delighted my being.
There was poverty. Lots of it. People living simply, but with an attitude of gratitude and sharing. It humbled me to be among them.
And so on this end of January day, with snow and wind and below freezing temps outside, I sit inside warmed not only by the fire in the fireplace,but by that inner Belizean glow that will substain me in the coldest of days.
Yu Betta Belize it!!!!!
Pax Tecum
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
GOODBYE 2008
New Year's Eve has always been a reflective time for me. I look back at the year with amazement. Did all that really happen? And I survived it!
My life has really been impacted by the events of this year. The first and most significant was the death of my Mom. She was 88 years old and I am 66. I still wonder how I can get along without her. She was the wise woman who knew the answers, and it was always comforting to know she was close by. She's even closer now, living in my heart. But it's a change that's difficult to get used to. I am trying. I know she would want me to. Thanks Mom for being a presence in my life that was always bigger then life. I am happy the cosmos is now your playground. Tell Dad Hello and all the rest of the family who waited patiently for you.
For the first time in my life I went to trial and to prison for standing up for something I am passionate about: Justice. I'm happy I had the guts to follow my heart and do what was my right thing to do.
Two of my daughters became engaged and two of my sisters moved back home, and another sister retired. Older age brings transitions, and change seems to be in the air. My family remains my center. They help to define me. What blessings and gifts I have been given. I am thankful for each and every day.
I always look forward to the New Year. Maybe more this year. I have great hopes that this country that I love so much will become new again.
From me to you, Pax Tecum and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
My life has really been impacted by the events of this year. The first and most significant was the death of my Mom. She was 88 years old and I am 66. I still wonder how I can get along without her. She was the wise woman who knew the answers, and it was always comforting to know she was close by. She's even closer now, living in my heart. But it's a change that's difficult to get used to. I am trying. I know she would want me to. Thanks Mom for being a presence in my life that was always bigger then life. I am happy the cosmos is now your playground. Tell Dad Hello and all the rest of the family who waited patiently for you.
For the first time in my life I went to trial and to prison for standing up for something I am passionate about: Justice. I'm happy I had the guts to follow my heart and do what was my right thing to do.
Two of my daughters became engaged and two of my sisters moved back home, and another sister retired. Older age brings transitions, and change seems to be in the air. My family remains my center. They help to define me. What blessings and gifts I have been given. I am thankful for each and every day.
I always look forward to the New Year. Maybe more this year. I have great hopes that this country that I love so much will become new again.
From me to you, Pax Tecum and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Monday, December 29, 2008
AFTER CHRISTMAS
Christmas is a hard act to follow. For those of us who strive for peace in our lives, it is an intense, fleeting glimpse of the promise of the Christ Child. Of how it could be, of how simple it would be to have it. Is loving each other really that difficult? It is, indeed, a dangerous time. Thoughts of peace should never go beyond that brief Christmas time. A time out at the end of a chaotic year. Peace is good, war is bad. Right?
Four days after Christmas. The war gods are rumbling. Trying to get rid of that yearly pesky peace stuff. Pakistan and India gearing up, Israel and Humas already engaged, not in the peace of the Child who was born on their soil, but intent on shedding blood all over His legacy. Not even to mention Afghanistan, where 14 young students, barely older then that babe in the manger, were blown to bits on their way to school.
I sit in my warm comfortable home and wonder what it would take for you and me to influence that process, to tip the scale in favor of peace instead of war. It seems to be a daunting task. What can little people do to stand up to the power of corporations, greed, and money. War is big business and that's survival, and that over-rides peace anyday.
But, wait a minute. That little spark of hope, put there by the birth of that babe flickers in all of us. We must protect it and nurture it and talk about it loud and clear. That in itself will lead to more action, and someday good men will win. We learned recently that YES we can. If we can elect an African American President of the United States, why not decide to have a peaceful world?
Welcome to the New Year. Let us decide that it will be more peaceful for the babe in all of us.
Pax Tecum
Four days after Christmas. The war gods are rumbling. Trying to get rid of that yearly pesky peace stuff. Pakistan and India gearing up, Israel and Humas already engaged, not in the peace of the Child who was born on their soil, but intent on shedding blood all over His legacy. Not even to mention Afghanistan, where 14 young students, barely older then that babe in the manger, were blown to bits on their way to school.
I sit in my warm comfortable home and wonder what it would take for you and me to influence that process, to tip the scale in favor of peace instead of war. It seems to be a daunting task. What can little people do to stand up to the power of corporations, greed, and money. War is big business and that's survival, and that over-rides peace anyday.
But, wait a minute. That little spark of hope, put there by the birth of that babe flickers in all of us. We must protect it and nurture it and talk about it loud and clear. That in itself will lead to more action, and someday good men will win. We learned recently that YES we can. If we can elect an African American President of the United States, why not decide to have a peaceful world?
Welcome to the New Year. Let us decide that it will be more peaceful for the babe in all of us.
Pax Tecum
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
THE TIMES, THEY ARE A CHANG'IN
I remember when John F. Kennedy was elected President. I was too young to vote, but the feelings of unity and pride of country bore themselves into my soul. And those feelings stayed there and substained me for decades. But for many years now, they have stayed silent and dorment, while I have been lethargic and deeply concerned about the path our country has been on.
And then last night happened. A night I was nervous about because I wanted it to much, because during this amazing campaign, those long ago dimmed hopes exploded to life and hope became real again. I cried when Barack Obama won the election. I was not the only one, to be certain, but if he could awaken the spark of unity and honor and pride of country in this old woman, what did he do for the future of us all?
I remember the Civil Rights Movement, when the dignity of man was largely ignored. When Martin Luther King, Jr. shared his dream of being "free at last" Well, guess what...last night we all gave each other a gift. We all became free at last! We chose to be the deciders of our own destiny. No more fear or inertia or indifference. We will, with Barack Obama's help, follow a different path, work on a new understanding, and become a proud American citizen of the world.
I have come full circle and I am once again, ready to embark on a new adventure.
Pax Tecum
And then last night happened. A night I was nervous about because I wanted it to much, because during this amazing campaign, those long ago dimmed hopes exploded to life and hope became real again. I cried when Barack Obama won the election. I was not the only one, to be certain, but if he could awaken the spark of unity and honor and pride of country in this old woman, what did he do for the future of us all?
I remember the Civil Rights Movement, when the dignity of man was largely ignored. When Martin Luther King, Jr. shared his dream of being "free at last" Well, guess what...last night we all gave each other a gift. We all became free at last! We chose to be the deciders of our own destiny. No more fear or inertia or indifference. We will, with Barack Obama's help, follow a different path, work on a new understanding, and become a proud American citizen of the world.
I have come full circle and I am once again, ready to embark on a new adventure.
Pax Tecum
Monday, August 25, 2008
TURNING THE CORNER
I notice there is a little coolness in the air. It's just a hint but nature is telling me, in a gentle way, that Fall looms ahead.
The summer went fast. Jail time and my Mom's death threw me into June. It brought a large, always fun family reunion in Northern Wyoming, the birth place of the Kraen and Bates families. We had smiles from Heaven all during that time.
July was a busy home month and August brought busy big-time. With family and extended family we attended my nephew's wedding at Lake Tahoe. Spending time there and in the Reno area was fun and renewed memories of how neat that area is. The wedding on the beach was beautiful as was the yacht trip on Lake Tahoe to Emerald Cove. How gorgeous that was! Good company and good times, especially joyful after the sadness we experienced in May.
Last week I went to Denver as a volunteer for the Democratic National Convention in partnership with the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee. I was assigned to the American Presidential Experience, a nonpartisan tribute to Presidential History. It was located in a 40,000 square foot tent in the parking lot at Invesco Field at Mile High. What fun that was! The exhibit included such things as a replica of the West Wing, Air Force One, famous chairs used by presidents, JFK and Jackie Kennedy items, first ladies gowns, and one of the remaining original copies of the Declaration of Independence.
The biggewst thrill was meeting the other volunteers. So many came from all over the country to be there. Committed, articulate volunteers who wanted to be a part of the process. The three days were wonderful. My husband and I re- acquainted ourselves with Denver, and spent some quality time in Boulder with my daughter and her fiance. Now I can spend this Convention week holed up in my house watching the events in Denver in TV, knowing I helped out a little bit.
Pax Tecum
The summer went fast. Jail time and my Mom's death threw me into June. It brought a large, always fun family reunion in Northern Wyoming, the birth place of the Kraen and Bates families. We had smiles from Heaven all during that time.
July was a busy home month and August brought busy big-time. With family and extended family we attended my nephew's wedding at Lake Tahoe. Spending time there and in the Reno area was fun and renewed memories of how neat that area is. The wedding on the beach was beautiful as was the yacht trip on Lake Tahoe to Emerald Cove. How gorgeous that was! Good company and good times, especially joyful after the sadness we experienced in May.
Last week I went to Denver as a volunteer for the Democratic National Convention in partnership with the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee. I was assigned to the American Presidential Experience, a nonpartisan tribute to Presidential History. It was located in a 40,000 square foot tent in the parking lot at Invesco Field at Mile High. What fun that was! The exhibit included such things as a replica of the West Wing, Air Force One, famous chairs used by presidents, JFK and Jackie Kennedy items, first ladies gowns, and one of the remaining original copies of the Declaration of Independence.
The biggewst thrill was meeting the other volunteers. So many came from all over the country to be there. Committed, articulate volunteers who wanted to be a part of the process. The three days were wonderful. My husband and I re- acquainted ourselves with Denver, and spent some quality time in Boulder with my daughter and her fiance. Now I can spend this Convention week holed up in my house watching the events in Denver in TV, knowing I helped out a little bit.
Pax Tecum
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