a message to my social media friends

 

 The following message was posted (by me) on social media a few days ago.  The response was immediate and humbling; so many people telling me about their precious children, and midwives sharing memories of the deep privileges we experienced.  Some replied openly, while others sent personal messages and photos.

It has been a long time since I posted anything to go to all my facebk friends. I often wonder how you are progressing on life's road. I was privileged to be a witness to the early days of many families, and I wonder how they fare now. From time to time a mother contacts me via fb to tell me that they are celebrating a birthday or other special day for one who was born in my care. I know of one of 'my' babies who is now a midwife. (and my eyes have misted up, as I remember that birth, with my friend and mentor - 'my' first waterbirth! I have been privileged beyond my deepest hopes to be trusted in the care of my own grandbabies, both those who were born in hospital, and those born into my hands at home.

 

Christmas is the greatest celebration of a birth that this world has ever seen.

 

So today I am looking back in time and sending this message to anyone who remembers me. Some are midwives, some mothers and fathers, some engaged me for one birth; some came back time and again. Some Christians, some follow other faiths, and some none.

 

Noel and I send loving greetings, with the hope that you will know the blessings of the holy days we celebrate. We also wish you and your families a safe and fulfilling new year. Joy

Our little mate BINGO

 

Final farewell to this old boy today. First time ever he has not run out to greet us as we drove up the driveway.

Bingo has been a faithful and loved companion to mum & dad these past 7 or so years. And the best buddy any visiting grandchildren could have. He’s the kind of dog who never really believed he was a dog and always carried himself with human-like confidence. He took his chook guarding and dropped crumb eating roles seriously.

Bingo you were a good boy and we will miss you.  [Mizz, 4 July 2022]

 

 

Granny and Grandpa (abbreviated to G&G) went to the Ballarat animal shelter to look for a dog.  There were big dogs and little dogs; dogs with long hair and some with short hair; and dogs of all sorts of doggie shapes and colours.

The lady who cared for the dogs put a lead on a tall black dog, a Labrador, and G&G took her for a walk.  The tall black dog did not want to go for a walk with G&G, and she soon went back to her kennel.  They met several other dogs.  It seemed that they would have to go home without a dog.

The lady then pointed to a brown dog with very short legs.  “This may not be what you have in mind,” she said.  “His name is Bingo.”

Bingo had a sad, pleading look in his big grey eyes.  “Please, please,” he seemed to say.  “Please pick me”.

G&G took him for a walk.  Bingo was so excited!  He had no idea of walking on a lead like the Guide Dog puppies that G&G had looked after when their children were young.  He pulled this way and that, and the walk did not last long.

“What do you think?” Grandpa said.

“Let’s ask for his details,” Granny suggested.

There was not much information. 

He was a stray, who had been caught by the dog catcher.  He had no micro chip or tag, and no one came looking for him.  So he was castrated, then sent to the animal shelter, where G&G found him.

 

 

There was a farmer had a dog

and BINGO was his name, oh!

BINGO, BINGO, BINGO

and BINGO was his name, oh!

 

The lamb

The lamb in our story today is called Speckle.  I call him Speckle because he has black speckles and splashes on his white wool coat.

Speckle lives with his mother and other sheep in a paddock.  He likes to explore, and is particularly interested in the fence.  One day he was reaching through the fence to get some delicious grass  -  you know the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence  -  when something happened.

Speckle wriggled and pushed, and found he was at the other side of the fence.  The grass was green, and delicious.  There was lots of room for him to run and jump the way lambs do.  He called out to his mum “baaa”, and she called back “BAAA”.

After a while the sun started to slip down behind the hills in the West, and Speckle felt the cool breeze.  He heard his mother call “BAAA”.  “It’s time for you to come to me.  BAAA”.  Speckle called out to his mother “baaaa”.  He couldn’t find the hole in the fence.  He started to get scared, and called out “baaa-a-a”

At that time the old lady who lived nearby drove past.  She saw Speckle, outside the fence.  She heard his high pitched cry, “baaa”.  She heard the mother sheep call back “BAAA”.  The old lady quickly got help from her husband and they went to help Speckle find his way back into the paddock.  They had a few tries, and eventually he went through the gate which the old lady held open, as she directed him with her stick.  There were a lot of ewes and lambs that had gathered round to see what was happening.

Speckle made a bee line for his mum.  “Baaa” - “I missed you so much mum.  I was scared” he seemed to say.  He put his little head down and head butted his mother’s udder, and sucked her warm nourishing milk.

All this happened a couple of weeks ago.  But Jesus told a story—a parable—very much like the story of Speckle.  Jesus told the people that the shepherd rejoices over one lost sheep that has been found, more than over the 99 that never went astray.  (Matt 18: 12-14).  Jesus said “I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:11)

As we read God’s word the Bible we will find many stories about sheep and lambs and shepherds.  I want you to understand that we all are like sheep and sometimes get lost or go astray, just as Speckle did.  Jesus our shepherd calls us back into his arms where we are safe.

 

Scriptures and prayer for a memorial service

 A few weeks ago I wrote about the death of my friend.  

Today I would like to share the brief scriptures and prayer that I will read at her memorial service.  

 

 

Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.

The souls of the righteous are in the hands of God … They are at peace.

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.  The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Me shall never die.”

 

Eternal God, our heavenly Father, who loves us with an everlasting love, and can turn the shadow of death into morning; help us now to wait upon you; with reverent and submissive hearts.  In the silence of this hour speak to us of eternal things, that through patience and comfort of Scriptures we may have hope, and be lifted above our darkness into the light and peace of your presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  

He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul: He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.  (Psalm 23)

 

 [This brief excerpt is based on the reading in the Book of Common Order of the Presbyterian Church of Australia, Second Edition 1965.]