The Coffee House - the UU Fellowship Thread (churches, experience)

[Stairs In My House]

You're right, I'm probably being a bit unfair.

Originally Posted by lilithu

I haven't asked you about your suck-tastic experience. Don't want to pry. But know that I'm here if you wish to share.

After more than 15 years of admittedly sporadic, not terribly dedicated searching for my biological mother, I finally got somewhere, only "somewhere" turned out to be a grave. I was prepared for all kinds of unpleasant things but I really wasn't expecting that one. I mean, I had considered the possibility, but I was not prepared for how much grief I would feel for the loss of someone I have no memory of. It is the most painful thing that has ever happened to me.

She died 8 years ago, and all the information I would have needed to meet her before she died is sitting in a building a few miles away from me. Sealed for my protection. Or her protection. Or my adoptive parents' protection. It depends on who you ask and when you ask them. In any case, protection from shame.

Our stupid, stupid society.

She was only 51 years old when she died. I don't know what the cause of death was, but for my actual protection (and my daughter's) I'd better find out, because that's awfully young. I know of other adoptees who've found birthfamilies with really scary medical histories where early testing and prevention can make all the difference.

I just sent a letter to one of her sisters. I hope I get a reply. My evidence is really, really solid but I guess it could be a cosmic-level coincidence of identical uncommon names with identical birthdates. I am not entertaining any such hopes, of course; I'm just being careful.

[uumckk16]

Originally Posted by Khalila

Finals!

Ack, me too! Good luck with yours!

SIMH, I'm sorry to hear about your loss

[lilithu]

Originally Posted by Stairs In My House

I mean, I had considered the possibility, but I was not prepared for how much grief I would feel for the loss of someone I have no memory of.

I'm very sorry. Your grief is entirely reasonable. Have you talked with your minister?

[lilithu]

If anyone else is going to General Assembly in Portland, OR, look for me at the Advocacy & Witness booth. If I'm not there, the people there will know how to reach me. Don't ask for lilithu - they won't know what you're talking about - ask for Kat.

I am crazy busy preparing for GA, so I probably won't see you guys online again until afterwards. Be well!

[applewuud]

Is anyone else going to Portland for GA? I'm sorry to miss it, but just can't afford the travel and hotel this year. I'll be "attending" via the Internet for the first time...at least some of the keynote speeches & sermons...but my favorite activity was going to workshops, and they're not online.

Have fun, Kat.

[uu_sage]

GA attendance during at least one point in my life would be a dream. Fortunately, with the help of my congregation, I was able to go the District Assembly for the Pacific Southwest District (PSWD) as one of eight representatives. That and it was within a stone's throw of home, and my church. Whats keeping me from going to GA? expenses, distance, and a full calendar. In the next few years I expect a return of GA to California or somewhere near California. All signs point to no in the next few years. Like you I will watch GA by live feeds direct from the UUA website.

Originally Posted by applewuud

Is anyone else going to Portland for GA? I'm sorry to miss it, but just can't afford the travel and hotel this year. I'll be "attending" via the Internet for the first time...at least some of the keynote speeches & sermons...but my favorite activity was going to workshops, and they're not online.

Have fun, Kat.

[uumckk16]

Hey everyone!

I just wanted to say my good-byes somewhere, and I thought this would be a good place. I love RF a lot and it's been an incredible community for me and has helped me to grow a lot in the past year+, but I think I really need to spend some time alone with God, exploring my spirituality on my own. I'm sure I'll drop in here occasionally and at some point I'll probably come back Thanks so much to so many of you for being such great friends/supporters for the past year...I'll miss you!

Des, thanks for introducing me to TCPC. You should come drop by the forums sometime! (I think they're down at the moment though)...

Lilithu, I'll drop you a message if I ever get around to heading over to your church so maybe we can meet

Thanks again everyone! Talk to you again someday, I hope

-McKenna

[lilithu]

Originally Posted by uumckk16

Hey everyone!

I just wanted to say my good-byes somewhere, and I thought this would be a good place. I love RF a lot and it's been an incredible community for me and has helped me to grow a lot in the past year+, but I think I really need to spend some time alone with God, exploring my spirituality on my own. I'm sure I'll drop in here occasionally and at some point I'll probably come back Thanks so much to so many of you for being such great friends/supporters for the past year...I'll miss you!

Des, thanks for introducing me to TCPC. You should come drop by the forums sometime! (I think they're down at the moment though)...

Lilithu, I'll drop you a message if I ever get around to heading over to your church so maybe we can meet

Thanks again everyone! Talk to you again someday, I hope

-McKenna

McK, I am very sad to see you go. The part of RF that I really wanted to hold on to was the UU community here, which seems to be disintegrating. But I trust you're doing what's best for you. Definitely come and visit All Souls. May the Spirit guide you and keep you til we meet again.

Namaste,
-kat

[lunamoth]

Originally Posted by uumckk16

Hey everyone!

I just wanted to say my good-byes somewhere, and I thought this would be a good place. I love RF a lot and it's been an incredible community for me and has helped me to grow a lot in the past year+, but I think I really need to spend some time alone with God, exploring my spirituality on my own. I'm sure I'll drop in here occasionally and at some point I'll probably come back Thanks so much to so many of you for being such great friends/supporters for the past year...I'll miss you!

Des, thanks for introducing me to TCPC. You should come drop by the forums sometime! (I think they're down at the moment though)...

Lilithu, I'll drop you a message if I ever get around to heading over to your church so maybe we can meet

Thanks again everyone! Talk to you again someday, I hope

-McKenna

Hope all is well uumck. I will miss your posts...come back after your break!

luna