Last fall when I was urged to take a leave of absence, I did not realize it meant literally being absent from the parish scene. I divided my time between here and the Palisades retreat center in Federal Way where I was given an apartment. I felt welcomed from the moment I arrived there, enjoying the company of other retired priests and the staff. Perhaps you felt I was being inconsiderate not keeping in touch or declining opportunities to visit yet doing so provided Susan the space she needed to become your pastoral leader. During this time, you came to regard Susan as your parish coordinator. I am impressed by all that she has done with the help of many parishioners. Initially I imagined returning to the parish after my leave as a priest minister. I was ready to retire as pastor but as time passed, I could see that it was time for me to move on, so I informed the Archbishop of my desire to retire.
Once he accepted my request, I have been preoccupied with decluttering and getting ready to move to the Palisades retreat center. With the generous help of Debbie and Dennis Batey, I was ready to do so last week. I am very grateful for their help in this overwhelming task. Moving is never easy, especially when you have lived in one place for so long. I let go of many possessions, some which I valued, including artwork that I have enjoyed over the years. I hope they can find a good home. I have very much enjoyed living in the rectory here and it will be challenging to adjust to a much smaller apartment!
Anyone of my generation remembers the song, Leaving on a Jet Plane. The opening lines come to mind as I spend my last days here. “My bags are packed, I’m ready to go, I’m standing here outside your door, I hate to wake you up to say good bye….There are so many times I’ve let you down, so many times I’ve played around, I tell you now, they don’t mean a thing…Every place I go, I’ll think of you…Now the time has come to leave you…I hate to go…” I’m not leaving on a jet plane, but I am leaving what has been a wonderful home for so long. This parish has been my home for 20 years. I am very grateful to the many who have invited me into their lives and homes through the years.
My leave is over so I am free to visit with you either here or there. I am not leaving the island for good. You and Whidbey will always have a special place in my memories and heart. I will be returning from time to time to retrieve boxes that I have left in storage so if you would like me to visit with you, email me at [email protected] or text me at 425-418-4039. My new address is 4700 SW Dash Point Rd, apt, G-3, Federal Way WA 98023.