the death of me
If it's not Ira, it's Sophia. Laura went to pick Sophia up from daycare yesterday. I was at home getting some work done for a wedding I'm officiating this weekend. Ira was chilling with his nurse. My phone rings.
"Joe. They won't let me get to Sophia. There's been a shooting in her building. I can't get to her. The SWAT team is all over the place."
"I'll be right there."
I run as fast as I can...which isn't that fast these days. When I get there they have much of the block taped off. I make my way through the crowd - oh how New Yorkers love a little drama in their lives! - and find Laura. She's heard that the shooting wasn't in Sophia's building but two buildings down. We ask the cop if we can go get our daughter. He wants nothing to do with us. He shakes his head and without looking us in the eye but somewhere beyond us he says, "This is a crime scene. Can't let anyone through."
We call the daycare's number. All the kids are fine and have no idea that anything is happening outside. (That says something about how often these kids hear sirens roaring outside their homes, daycares, etc.) One of the daycare workers says she'll escort Sophia outside. They come out and the cop is immediately incensed. Doesn't matter at this point as Sophia is running toward us happy to see that both parents are picking her up. My heart stops pounding and gets back to its regular routine of keeping the body calm and collected. And Laura and I take a deep breath relieved that Sophia is fine and oblivious.
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This past Sunday was Pentecost Sunday. It was a Sunday when churches all around the world celebrated the coming of the Holy Spirit. Churches re-read the story from Acts 2 and listened in as Paul had instructive words about what the Spirit does for us when we no longer have words to pray.
Or was it Pentecost Sunday? From what I hear, plenty of churches skipped over that little important fact of Christian history and instead sang nationalistic songs while giving witness to the American flag. Wow. Seriously folks, what exactly are churches for? I can get behind a prayer of thanksgiving for where we live and the freedoms we have but any more than that and we've shifted our allegiance and that is not a good thing. A wiser, older minister has something good to say about that here.
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Laura and I are off to Jamaica this weekend to take part in our neighbors' wedding. I'm officiating and Laura is singing. (She's singing this song. Yes, she's playing her ukulele and yes, she's sounds incredible!) It's been hard getting up for this trip as Ira's been sick - double ear infection - and this will be the first time we've left both he and Sophia. Laura and I are a bit anxious but hoping that we can find peace so as to make the trip worthwhile. Do you mind lifting up some positive thoughts and prayers for the kids and for us? Thanks.
-
"Joe. They won't let me get to Sophia. There's been a shooting in her building. I can't get to her. The SWAT team is all over the place."
"I'll be right there."
I run as fast as I can...which isn't that fast these days. When I get there they have much of the block taped off. I make my way through the crowd - oh how New Yorkers love a little drama in their lives! - and find Laura. She's heard that the shooting wasn't in Sophia's building but two buildings down. We ask the cop if we can go get our daughter. He wants nothing to do with us. He shakes his head and without looking us in the eye but somewhere beyond us he says, "This is a crime scene. Can't let anyone through."
We call the daycare's number. All the kids are fine and have no idea that anything is happening outside. (That says something about how often these kids hear sirens roaring outside their homes, daycares, etc.) One of the daycare workers says she'll escort Sophia outside. They come out and the cop is immediately incensed. Doesn't matter at this point as Sophia is running toward us happy to see that both parents are picking her up. My heart stops pounding and gets back to its regular routine of keeping the body calm and collected. And Laura and I take a deep breath relieved that Sophia is fine and oblivious.
-----------------------------
This past Sunday was Pentecost Sunday. It was a Sunday when churches all around the world celebrated the coming of the Holy Spirit. Churches re-read the story from Acts 2 and listened in as Paul had instructive words about what the Spirit does for us when we no longer have words to pray.
Or was it Pentecost Sunday? From what I hear, plenty of churches skipped over that little important fact of Christian history and instead sang nationalistic songs while giving witness to the American flag. Wow. Seriously folks, what exactly are churches for? I can get behind a prayer of thanksgiving for where we live and the freedoms we have but any more than that and we've shifted our allegiance and that is not a good thing. A wiser, older minister has something good to say about that here.
------------------------------
Laura and I are off to Jamaica this weekend to take part in our neighbors' wedding. I'm officiating and Laura is singing. (She's singing this song. Yes, she's playing her ukulele and yes, she's sounds incredible!) It's been hard getting up for this trip as Ira's been sick - double ear infection - and this will be the first time we've left both he and Sophia. Laura and I are a bit anxious but hoping that we can find peace so as to make the trip worthwhile. Do you mind lifting up some positive thoughts and prayers for the kids and for us? Thanks.
-
posted by jch at
9:46 AM
8 Comments:
Joe, definitely some positive thoughts for the Hays family...starting now. Enjoy the sun and sand and some time together.
What a blessing the two of you have! I am assuming this is Jamaica, Jamaica and not Jamaica the NYC suburb?? :)
This is my prayer:
Father of Joe, Laura, Sophia and Ira,
We have seen your provisions for this sweet family time and time again! I ask a special blessing on all in the coming days. May they have safe and smooth travels. May all be free from health issues that would hinder their time apart.
May Sophia and Ira's caregivers have extra strength and wisdom. May Joe and Laura's minds and hearts be free from excessive worry.
May all of them feel your love and peace surround them. May their hearts be still and know you are God.
Thru our savior, Jesus
AMEN
glad everything is ok with sophia. cannot imagine how intense that must have been.
will be praying for you and laura and sophia and ira as you part ways for awhile.
don't understand america celebrations at church. remember when july 4th fell on a sunday? i do. it was embarrassing.
I LOVE IZ!! That song is on my already-made-up list of funeral songs.
BE SAFE, parents of Sophia and Ira!
I love that song and just bought it on iTunes...
Our church is celebrating "Trinity Sunday" this week. Is that related to Pentecost Sunday?
Wow, I envy you! Have fun in Jamaica, you guys deserve it!
I hope the trip is fun.
I admit it. Ignorance. I have never heard of Pentecost Sunday being celebrated today in churches as a church "history" like Easter of Christmas or the advent season. Is it widely done and I'm just living in my usual cave?
okay, i don't think a took a single breath during the whole first paragraph and i had to read it twice b/c i went too fast the first time. I thank the Lord Sophia is fine!
Read Preacher Mike's blog and comments and it took ALL DAY yesterday. I'll just say it was really refreshing to watch the Iz video after.
Ya Mon! Jamaica is AWESOME! I know it's huge to leave the kids, my prayers are with you. Have a wonderful, restful time! No worries! ;D
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