The Communion of Saints is doing well this year. While we who are left to fight the good fight of faith are a bit lonelier. We received word that another good friend has joined the saints in light. Florence Hamlin was a friend and surrogate Mom in Rochester.
Her own son an Episcopal priest, she had an understanding of parish ministry and of clergy unlike most members of congregations. She could ask the right question in the right way that could get me to tell her truthfully how I was and how things were going. She was down to earth. In the Velveteen Rabbit sense of it Florence was real! And she called us to be real as well. Because of the great pride she had in her family Florence asked about our extended families and especially our sons. She enjoyed talking with my mother on her visits (hearing I am sure stories I preferred my mother not tell.)
Florence habitually chose to love, chose to make the best of the circumstance she was in. I walked with her for only a decade of her 98 years but they were eventful years.. She had to give up her beloved home with its memories of Roy and children. She moved to Assisted Living for a while, then the Episcopal Church Home and most recently was in hospice care.
Surrounded by family members Florence left for her latest adventure in life and abundant living. The Saints in light shine a bit brighter and there is more laughter in their ranks. Florence has arrived and is ready to get on with the fullness of this new life.
Don
