I am very relieved (and mildly annoyed) that these concerns remain consistent across our generations. It might be time for me to start planning for some of them. Thank you always for your insight. “The number one cause of death is being born," made me cackle. On point, as always!
Pastor Pete, thank you for the words of wisdom about the concerns of aging. Everything you mentioned is upmost in the minds of seniors. Staying active is our best health insurance!
I really like the comments about purpose in our later years. Still teaching & making music after 56 years gives me a reason to keep going & connecting with others. Serving others who need help, like delivering meals to those who are home bound, makes me feel useful.
Being grateful every day for the life God gave me keeps me positive, as well as the uplifting value of singing & worshiping.
Thanks so much for your writings & I’m so relieved that Micah’s health is stable.
What a beautiful share and life you have led Peter. So happy to have found your Substack. I can’t help but think about what a wild and beautiful experience being alive really is and how many lives we live inside of them. I’m currently in the early motherhood stage - and often miss the time we had to travel. But I did think recently, well toddler years will be hard and health things can happen whether we are at home or we are traveling. So we’re booking a trip soon ❤️
Thank you for your kind comment, Rachael. I met a family on a train platform in Innsbruck, Austria many years ago. They were from Seattle, but had begun traveling full time, their youngest was 5 months (born in London) and the oldest of the four was eleven years old at that time. They traveled full time out side the US for six years. We stayed connected through Facebook, and a strong friendship has emerged. A few years ago when my granddaughter Chloe and I traveled together in Europe, we stayed for a number of days with them in their Airbnb in Dublin. I had the joy of writing a letter of reference for their oldest, Grace, when she was looking at colleges. She is thriving now at University. Their children are all engaging and talented, confident, and aware of the nature of the world at a level most never reach. They did their travels using the ninety day visitor visa, moving often. I have modeled my travels after theirs. They provide anecdotal evidence that it is possible to travel with children and thrive doing so. I can connect you with the Sillars, if you would like to learn more about how they traveled. I would love to hear about your the trip you are planning.
That is so generous Peter, thank you. What a family they sound like I'm so glad you have been able to forge such a connection with them. I lived abroad for many years and now we have a nice solid homebase which I do enjoy at this stage- but with my husband on the road many weeks a year for work I've started to wonder - should we tag along or go on our own adventures while he's away? So a bulk of that could be solo-moming it, even if Dad is working in the same city. In the Immediate we are thinking UK/Germany and Dubai is often always a yearly adventure since that is my husbands most frequent stop. I just sometimes dread the jetlag! Traveling with a 5 month old has got me inspired!
It's always a lift for me to read about your travels and thoughts as you experience new findings and experiences. I have thought about you many times and find myself thankful that our paths crossed in Oklahoma City so many years ago. I turned 83 this year so I guess we are close in age. So sorry to hear of Micha's health situation. I wish you continued blessings on your travels. John Meyer
Thanks, John. Micah is doing well and oral chemo is keeping the cancer virtually in remission. Thanks for your concern. I am also glad our paths crossed.
Wild elephants indeed. Wonderful analogy, and wonderful article Peter. And you are right, staying at home only feeds them. Keep going boldly my friend, and may you long dance around the plodding herd.
I can relate to your bathtub woes. Add to that the struggle to rise from a “low rider” toilet even though i am closer to the ground than most adults. They abound no matter the location. I will add one other elephant to my list- fear for the well being of my grandchildren. Be well , Peter. Safe travels.
WOW As I wait the last two weeks before I get a new "HIP" I read with great joy and smiles what you wrote about health, money, falling, tubs, and health insurance, etc.
The number one cause of death is being born. is the BEST quote i have heard in a while. Fortunately I do not fear death, thanks to Jesus and my faith -= I am finding that I fear "living" (hahah) I think you would understand that. I know where I'm going when I did, but living until then, is iffy....... never know what's going to happen to this body, mind and bones! I am so thankful that you have had the opportunities of travel. and that you SHARE! God's blessings to you as you continue your journey. and a blessed Easter to you Pete.
Having recently dealt with the care and passing of my mother with dementia, and now with my sister in late stage PD, I can identify with the herd you describe. I know my fate cannot be changed and I can only ride the wave until it melts into the beach. Blessed Easter, He is risen!
I hear you. These elephants live in my house and life as well. That they cannot be tamed or banished is true, yet I am finding comfort in being reminded as I read John O'Donohue's "Eternal Echoes:Celtic Reflections on our Yearning to Belong" that "When you listen to the voices of your longing, you will begin to understand the adventure and the promis of life in which you are privileged".
I am very relieved (and mildly annoyed) that these concerns remain consistent across our generations. It might be time for me to start planning for some of them. Thank you always for your insight. “The number one cause of death is being born," made me cackle. On point, as always!
Pastor Pete, thank you for the words of wisdom about the concerns of aging. Everything you mentioned is upmost in the minds of seniors. Staying active is our best health insurance!
I really like the comments about purpose in our later years. Still teaching & making music after 56 years gives me a reason to keep going & connecting with others. Serving others who need help, like delivering meals to those who are home bound, makes me feel useful.
Being grateful every day for the life God gave me keeps me positive, as well as the uplifting value of singing & worshiping.
Thanks so much for your writings & I’m so relieved that Micah’s health is stable.
What a beautiful share and life you have led Peter. So happy to have found your Substack. I can’t help but think about what a wild and beautiful experience being alive really is and how many lives we live inside of them. I’m currently in the early motherhood stage - and often miss the time we had to travel. But I did think recently, well toddler years will be hard and health things can happen whether we are at home or we are traveling. So we’re booking a trip soon ❤️
Thank you for your kind comment, Rachael. I met a family on a train platform in Innsbruck, Austria many years ago. They were from Seattle, but had begun traveling full time, their youngest was 5 months (born in London) and the oldest of the four was eleven years old at that time. They traveled full time out side the US for six years. We stayed connected through Facebook, and a strong friendship has emerged. A few years ago when my granddaughter Chloe and I traveled together in Europe, we stayed for a number of days with them in their Airbnb in Dublin. I had the joy of writing a letter of reference for their oldest, Grace, when she was looking at colleges. She is thriving now at University. Their children are all engaging and talented, confident, and aware of the nature of the world at a level most never reach. They did their travels using the ninety day visitor visa, moving often. I have modeled my travels after theirs. They provide anecdotal evidence that it is possible to travel with children and thrive doing so. I can connect you with the Sillars, if you would like to learn more about how they traveled. I would love to hear about your the trip you are planning.
That is so generous Peter, thank you. What a family they sound like I'm so glad you have been able to forge such a connection with them. I lived abroad for many years and now we have a nice solid homebase which I do enjoy at this stage- but with my husband on the road many weeks a year for work I've started to wonder - should we tag along or go on our own adventures while he's away? So a bulk of that could be solo-moming it, even if Dad is working in the same city. In the Immediate we are thinking UK/Germany and Dubai is often always a yearly adventure since that is my husbands most frequent stop. I just sometimes dread the jetlag! Traveling with a 5 month old has got me inspired!
Katherine was often in similar circumstances, since Doug had meetings or contracts that took him to other places.
that’s incredible! Thank you for sharing this with me
Hey Pastor Pete,
It's always a lift for me to read about your travels and thoughts as you experience new findings and experiences. I have thought about you many times and find myself thankful that our paths crossed in Oklahoma City so many years ago. I turned 83 this year so I guess we are close in age. So sorry to hear of Micha's health situation. I wish you continued blessings on your travels. John Meyer
Thanks, John. Micah is doing well and oral chemo is keeping the cancer virtually in remission. Thanks for your concern. I am also glad our paths crossed.
Wild elephants indeed. Wonderful analogy, and wonderful article Peter. And you are right, staying at home only feeds them. Keep going boldly my friend, and may you long dance around the plodding herd.
Thank you, Mark! There may be. more plodding than dancing, but I am not ready to stop yet.
I can relate to your bathtub woes. Add to that the struggle to rise from a “low rider” toilet even though i am closer to the ground than most adults. They abound no matter the location. I will add one other elephant to my list- fear for the well being of my grandchildren. Be well , Peter. Safe travels.
Nice to know we all have those same elephants! Happy Easter Pete!
Thanks! And Happy Easter to you, too!
Can’t wait to read your book! Miss your face.
WOW As I wait the last two weeks before I get a new "HIP" I read with great joy and smiles what you wrote about health, money, falling, tubs, and health insurance, etc.
The number one cause of death is being born. is the BEST quote i have heard in a while. Fortunately I do not fear death, thanks to Jesus and my faith -= I am finding that I fear "living" (hahah) I think you would understand that. I know where I'm going when I did, but living until then, is iffy....... never know what's going to happen to this body, mind and bones! I am so thankful that you have had the opportunities of travel. and that you SHARE! God's blessings to you as you continue your journey. and a blessed Easter to you Pete.
Having recently dealt with the care and passing of my mother with dementia, and now with my sister in late stage PD, I can identify with the herd you describe. I know my fate cannot be changed and I can only ride the wave until it melts into the beach. Blessed Easter, He is risen!
Thank you for the comforting comments that my elephants are normal. It is tough to keep them at bay. Happy Easter Pastor Pete. God is GOOD!
I hear you. These elephants live in my house and life as well. That they cannot be tamed or banished is true, yet I am finding comfort in being reminded as I read John O'Donohue's "Eternal Echoes:Celtic Reflections on our Yearning to Belong" that "When you listen to the voices of your longing, you will begin to understand the adventure and the promis of life in which you are privileged".