• LEARNING FROM LIFE

       What have I learned from life this past eight weeks?  I have no kitchen - a silent flood

undermined the flooring, the bases of my cabinets, everything! My insurance company whom

I have paid faithfully for thirty-six years laughed at my claim! No way can they pay!

        What have I learned from life?  "Do not be afraid. I am with you."  I am with you as your 

friends, coming with pots of chili and corn bread; coming with Japanese noodles and a bottle of 

wine! Coming to talk and listen to my whinging and whining! I am with you as your caring family:

saying, "What can I do?"

         I've learned to make the remaining parts of my life that did not land in the dump as 

beautiful as possible. I've learned to give thanks & praise for what I still have: health, family,

friends, a community of faith, a sweet and patient cocker spaniel who rolls with the punches.

         I've learned to get moving: swim daily and walk when it is not too cold outside!  I've written 

a new little book  DIA-LOGOS: THE WORD BETWEEN US  The Power of Dialogue in 

Christian Formation. Watch for it!

         I've done due diligence in addressing the refusal of State Farm to pay my claim : writing letters 

to their CEO ( he never responded ), to the N.C.Commissioner of Insurance ( he never responded ) : 

their lackeys wrote consolation letters. I called  my State Senator and State Assembly 

Representative whose assistants responded with flair! We meet next week to strategize and to

address the unique North Carolina exclusion in state law that is preventing my being paid.

      I've learned a new level of patient waiting for workmen who have other responsibilities besides 

my kitchen!  I've learned a new level of kind responses to folks whose similar story is much worse

than mine!  I've learned hope: a memory of the future, indeed.  As my wise sister, Joan, said: "Tell 

me, Jane, would you have given yourself the gift of a new kitchen at this time of your life?" Thanks 

and Praise!