Day 900: Friday, September 2, 2022

Beth Jordan our dear friend, sister guide and wise woman is on her journey home

(Off on another adventure)

Dear Sisters and Brothers: I heard this morning that Beth Jordan died last night just before midnight. Her suffering from cancer and chemotherapy is over. Peace descended on her and sister death set her free. As we reflect on Beth's life, I'm sure we'll remember how joyful, tender and supportive she was as a friend. She delighted in the hard work of serving and teaching others. She loved sharing stories and had the ability to listen deeply to every person she met - and to see the divine spark in each. Beth had a winning smile and always a mischievous glint in her eyes. Judgemental (was that a roll of the eyes I detected...) with a huge coating of compassion.

She was a Venn diagram of overlapping communities focused on creating a better world: Catholic and Public Schools, Emmaus, Spiritus Christi in Rochester, Call to Action, Pax Christi, Joan Chittister and the Benedictines. She made and kept promises and friends. She taught. She loved. She lived. She lives in our hearts and makes us smile in remembrance.

(Hat Party - making it look great!)

A Blessing for Beth on her journey

Dear Beth - you have always loved the open road, setting out on a new adventure.

Fearless, Spirit filled.

You are homeward bound

Just as the soft rains fill the streams,

Your life spirit pours into the rivers and joins together in the oceans,

So may the power of every moment of your goodness and wisdom

Flow forth to awaken and heal us who miss you,

Those here now, those gone before, those yet to come.

(Best of friends rendezvous in New York)

By the power of every moment of your loving heart

May your heart’s wishes for a peaceful and loving world be fulfilled

By the people and communities who carry your indomitable spirit

As completely shining as the Sister Moon,

As completely warming as Brother Sun

(Buying gifts for immigrant children with Annette Lomont in El Paso)

By the power of every moment of your goodness

May you come to serenity in which all burdens and sorrow are cast away.

May no obstacle hinder you.

May you enjoy final fulfillment after the end of a long and wise life

filled with friends, travel, challenge and delight.

(Celebrating with family on Mom's 90th Birthday)

For all of us who grive our loss of you,

May we follow the wisdom and compassion of your open heart,

May your life's glow help us listen to others

to love them

to find compassion for them

and lift them up until their final journey

(Emmaus sisters: Victoria, Beth, Enid and Cathy)