It Bothers Me

Last week I wrote a bit about the return of the Native American children who died whilst in the boarding school in Pennsylvania. There were several related items that were on my mind all week. ¶ One of the current fusses in the state concerns the teaching of civics and US history. This same issue has been brought forth in several states obviously by some group who wishes to mold the minds of state legislators. If people are really honest, really, really honest they would admit that the South Dakota state legislature is not an intellectual powerhouse. They are willing to be led in whatever direction some one who grabs their attention wants to lead them.

¶ Their promotion of several bills in the legislature having to do with transgendered athletes, sex education, the rights of women, and now with education concerning the history of our country all came from outside sources. Now the governor has weighed in on the civics issue by issuing an executive order that no state university can apply for funds that will support teaching of the so-called “Critical Race Theory.” ¶ Admittedly, I was a little young during the battles of World War II. I have studied the history of the rise of the Nazi party and the “enthronement” of Hitler. What I see going on frightens me. When the government begins to meddle with the curriculum it does not portend well. The classic case is Texas which still, to my knowledge, has state text book adoption. What one little committee decides is what is taught to the children of Texas. ¶ The assault on the Capitol of the United States in January echoed in my mind with the burning of the Reichstag in Germany. Although the Nazis were not seemingly involved they used this event to extend their power claiming that communists were seeking control of the government. It is worrisome that half of the Congress does not want to find out the truth about the 6 January event, and wants to punish those who seek it. ¶ After visiting the Indian Insane Asylum in Canton, SD, just 30 miles south of my home it was shocked to learn its history. This was not what is claimed to be. It was really a prison for disobedient Native American children who tried to run away from their boarding schools. Children were sent here from all over the nation. Although the building was furnished with modern restrooms, the children had to use chamber pots because they were chained to their beds. Children died there and some are buried in the cemetery which now lies in the middle of a golf course. We were told that Hitler actually studied places like this when contemplating the concentration camps his government would ultimately build. I have visited some of those Nazi camps and the memories are vivid. Millions of people were exterminated. Perhaps the majority of the people living in Germany claimed they had no knowledge of what went on. Are the students of American to be subjected to the same ignorance?

¶ The curriculum of a school should not be determined by a political body or a politician whose main interest is staying in power, not that the truth is taught. ¶ South Dakota weather is interesting. That’s about all one can say. Wednesday’s high was +100º. Friday’s low was 59º. If you don’t like the weather wait a few minutes. Yesterday’s all day precipitation event resulted in 3 inches in my rain gauge. ¶ My CT scan on Monday was good. Everything appears stable. There are no worrisome new “things” cropping up so the treatment continues as usual. This week’s chemo caused no problems, for which I am grateful. ¶ I’ll be at the organ console for the next three Sundays so I’ve gotten in some practice time for which the congregation will be grateful. ¶ It appears that the landscapers will arrive upon the scene next week for which I will be grateful. It will be pleasant to see the crab grass disappear forever. Another plus is that I will not have as much to mow. I never did have very much, to be honest, but even less will be just fine. In my mind mowing is the very essence of an exercise in futility. ¶ Thank you for your prayers, companionship, and all you do for others.

Collar or Not

All the clergy were asked to meet with the bishop this week for a special presentation by one of our priests, a Native American who is rector of a basically Anglo congregation. The meeting had to do with the return of the remains of the indigenous children to South Dakota from Pennsylvania.

¶ With the discovery of many children’s bodies at schools in Canada and now at one in the United States it has become plain that a lot of what was done to the Native population in the name of assimilation is a cruel thing visited upon them. It is something about which we should all be ashamed, and also something about which we should learn. ¶ Because the Episcopal Church ran schools for Native American children at the direction of the government, we as clergy are involved in the repercussions. Several Native Americans have said that they had good experiences at the schools run by the Episcopalians. In contrast, there are several cases of abuse reported in the schools run by the Roman Catholics.

¶ Roman Catholic and Episcopal priests basically dress alike when on duty. The round white collar, sometimes called the “dog collar,” is common to both. So we have a situation in which one really cannot distinguish one priest from another unless you know the person. During the meeting we were warned that there are times when we probably should not appear in clerical dress. A couple of priests present at a meeting were told not to wear their collars. It is the age old situation of the bad apple in the barrel. What a few have done reflects on the many who are innocent of wrong doing. I have experienced myself the angry looks and the avoidance when I’ve been in public following one of the many exposures of clerical abuse. It’s frightening when a total stranger looks at you with contempt or even hatred in their expression. ¶ There will need to be a great deal of healing in the US and Canada. Healing happens when people are fully aware of the situations in need of healing. Ignorance does not promote healing. It just sweeps bad things under the carpet. Our society does not benefit from hiding part of our story. There are a multitude of bills wending their way through state legislatures that seek to ban the teaching of part of our history. This only deepens the divisions in society by using ignorance to further discrimination.

¶ The children brought home to South Dakota have been given a proper burial, at last. Hopefully, healing will come to the Native population as we work together to understand. I’m not surprised, given the priorities of our governor, that she has made no statement that I’ve seen or heard concerning this situation. I know that she would not have been welcome at the reburial ceremonies given her relationship with the state’s Native Americans. At the very least she could have issued a statement of solidarity with our Native population and expressed sorrow for the multitude of people affected. Instead she has offered nothing. This is the picture of how the Native Americans have been treated in South Dakota. We will take your good land and give you the poorest in return, send your children to schools far away and try to make them just like us, real South Dakotans. Except, we are not. It is the Native population that is real. ¶ The ivy geraniums have gone to town this week providing a plethora of blooms. Several of the other pots are overflowing with beauty. ¶ If I should return home at an importune time, namely during someone’s nap, I am greeted, if at all, with a large yawn. The whole attitude is, “I’ll see you later when I am finished with my nap, something far more important than you, obviously.” ¶ It’s been a good week. Next Monday I will have a CT scan which will reveal any changes in the lesions in my body, and, hopefully not reveal any new ones. Thank you for your messages and thoughts and prayers and all you do for others.

High School Reunions

When one is a volunteer at the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science one has the opportunity to choose a variety of areas in which to work. My current task is to tend the entrance desk at the Visual Arts Center, greeting visitors, giving them some background information, etc. I’ve worked in the Science Center as an interactor, in the lobby as a greeter and in the Visual Arts Center as a docent. My preference is to do the docent thing but that involves working with groups of children. My better judgment, which I do not always heed, tells me that my being around children with me having virtually no immune system is not a smart idea.

¶ Today I acted as tour guide for an alumni group, the class of 1970 of the old Washington High School. That’s what the Pavilion was before it came the Pavilion. A thing that always amazes me when I host one of these tours is the fondness the group has for their former high school. I find it fascinating because I’ve never returned to my high school since I graduated. I have kept in touch with several close friends but as far as my class is concerned I have no interest. It was too large for one thing, and very cliquish. ¶ The initial comments from the group have to do with the dismay they feel that the building is no longer “their” school. The lobby doesn’t look the same. There is obviously a different feel (not school-ish?). As we move through the building there are increasing comments on things they find interesting, discovering places they remember (classrooms and the library), staircases and other little nooks. At the end of the tour there are always several comments concerning their happiness that the building has been beautifully remodeled and is being used for so many different purposes. They seem to have overcome their dismay and realize that their alma mater is still serving a very useful purpose in the community. This warms my heart.

¶ What we have done is such a contrast with Sioux City, 70 miles south. Their “old” high school is a magnificent pile of stone referred to as “The Castle” and ceased being used as a school years ago. They have searched for a purpose for it ever since. It has been several things but nothing seemed to last for any length of time. I believe it has now been turned into an apartment building. I’ve encountered several visitors from Sioux City to the Pavilion who have said, “I wish we had done something like this with our high school.” Thankfully we had some ladies with vision who had a dream that what we now have could be a reality and sold the idea to the community. ¶ Summer is rolling along. We’ve not had a really hot spell for a few days and every evening cools off nicely. The Blue Angel hostas in the back garden are in bloom. The magenta petunias in front bring delightful color amidst the greenery. ¶ There were two delightful outings this week amongst real people. A small but loyal group celebrated the coming birthday of one with adult beverages and an enormous pile of nachos at a downtown drinking and eating place. We sat on the rooftop patio and enjoyed the pleasant weather and the company. ¶ The daughter and son-in-law of a teacher friend, who sadly is no longer present on this earth, were in town. Another teacher friend had a supper party in her fantastic garden which included more teacher friends, delicious food and conversation. Sitting in the garden with candles glowing and fireflies all around us was just magical.

¶ Miss Sophia received a new delivery of wheat grass, which she adores, from her friend I’m always amused at her reaction when I bring the pot in the house. Munching on wheat grass even takes precedence over naps! ¶ It has been a wonderful summer week. My health has been good. I’ve accomplished a few things. And, I have this Sunday off. There are times when I find just going to church with no responsibilities is a very nice thing. It must be what retirement is like! ¶ Thank you for reading and sharing, for thoughts and prayers, and for all the kind things you do for me and others.

A Laid Back Day

Today, Saturday, was very dark when I awoke. About mid-morning the thunder started and the rain began to fall in copious amounts. I’ll post a picture of the rain gauge which shows the amount received thus far. It appears from the sky that we might expect even more. Things are so

dry the rain just soaks into the thirsty ground and gives new life to all things growing – grass, flowers, crops, and weeds. ¶ It is that time of the season when these strange looking stalks grow up from the midst of the Hen and Chicks succulents. They flower with the strangest looking things. One could imagine something like this in an aquarium or on a coral reef, somewhere aquatic. But no, out of

the midst of these little “chicks” these pillars arise. They are certainly one of the things that makes the garden interesting to view. ¶ No progress on the new front landscaping yet. The plants I purchased to occupy part of the new work have grown to full size. I don’t know how well they will transplant now. Perhaps they will be just fine. ¶ This is the day after chemo week. Things went very well. The pharmacy was quite speedy every day but Friday. That day it took an hour and fifteen minutes of waiting for the delivery of the medicine. It was almost as if the pharmacy had closed early for the weekend and

neglected to inform anyone. ¶ I am slightly troubled by my lack of patience. Instead of dwelling on how efficient things were on the preceding four days or considering how busy the pharmacists might have been, I just concentrated on my inconvenience. I was distressed because I feel my time is very important. I forgot that time is also very important to those working in the pharmacy. Then, upon reading my email from yesterday, the meditation from Henri Nouwen was on, of all things, time. ¶ Nouwen said: “I have always been very conscious of my clock-time. Often I asked myself: “Can I still double my years?” When I was thirty I said: “I can easily live another thirty!” When I was forty, I mused, “Maybe I am only halfway!” Today I can no longer say that, and my question has become: “How am I going to use the few years left to me?” All these concerns about our clock-time come from below. They are based on the presupposition that our chronology is all we have to live. But looked upon from above, from God’s perspective, our clock-time is embedded in the timeless embrace of God. Looked upon from above, our years on earth are not simply chronos, but kairos—another Greek word for time—which is the opportunity to claim for ourselves the love that God offers us from eternity to eternity.” I need to look at time differently.

¶ Sophia was so very busy entertaining the housekeeper that she took to her couch (meaning the ceiling in the basement) upon his departure at 2:00 and was not seen again until 10:30 that evening. Entertaining is very hard work, says she, and one must recuperate. I thought for a time that she had escaped to the great outdoors. She made it up to the bedroom, displayed an enormous yawn, and took a nap. It must be nice to be that relaxed with nothing on one’s agenda. Cats are the ultimate creatures of relaxation. ¶ I’m feeling well. I felt some nausea on Wednesday but the pills helped and slept just fine. Thank you for thoughts, prayers, messages, and all that you do, not just for me but for others as well. ¶ Bless you.

A New Thing

It seems like a such a long time. When one hasn’t done something for a while it can feel like a new thing. This week I actually went out for lunch. I went out for lunch in a restaurant. There were other people around. There were menus. It all seemed like such a new thing after months of avoiding public places and other people. It was pleasant. ¶ I met two of the many teachers with whom I taught in past years. We’ve stayed in touch. One of them, sadly, has some obvious memory slips but she socializes very well. It was so good to see them and have a chance to visit. It was a pleasure to make a choice from a menu and have luncheon served rather than having a bag thrown at me from a drive-through window.

¶ It brought to mind the countless times we ignore the little things in everyday life that bring us pleasure. How often we do not even think about these things. It has to do with living our lives in a thankful spirit, with being grateful for small things, with taking time to admire a flower and wonder at its beauty, with enjoying a cool breeze at the end of a hot day, with a quick visit with a neighbor, with anything that brings us some measure of joy. ¶ The American Guild of Organists is an organization of, well, organists. Belonging to an organization of like-minded or like-interested persons brings some rewards. One of the perks of the AGO, as it is known amongst members, is the opportunity to hear others play. It seems that there is always something that can inspire one to listen more closely, to learn a new piece of music, or to become awestruck by something not deemed possible. ¶ Every summer there is a regional or national meeting of the AGO. This year, as last, the COVID thing has prevented that from happening.

Instead of traveling to another location, the organization has done the traveling by assembling programs of outstanding organists throughout the USA. The program I watched a few evenings ago had wonderful performers. The “frosting on the cake” was a sixth grader who displayed an incredible talent. I did not even start on the organ until seventh grade! My teacher said my legs needed to be long enough to reach the pedals. Hearing the young organist was one of those things for which I am grateful this week. ¶ The plants are all growing nicely with the hot weather and the water bestowed upon them from the hose or the clouds. The flowering kale is doing particularly well. Growing even more profusely are the weeds which require as much attention as one is willing to bestow upon them. A couple of mornings this week were devoted to their eradication. It’s best to do it early before the temps rise excessively. ¶ The back garden is given mostly to “green” things such as hostas. A few flowering things have been added this year by my friendly garden helper. It does perk things up a bit to see a few splashes of color.

¶ Sophia has been irritated by some particularly noisy birds that have occupied our birdhouse. I suspect that there are young ones therein since mom/dad make several trips in with delectables hanging from their beaks. They can do a perfectly fine job of hollering at me while continuing to hold on to their current treasure. I understand that I am supposed to feel properly chastised. ¶ It has been a good week. I’m thankful for all that I am able to do. The time spent at the console last Sunday went fine. This week it is altar and pulpit duty. Keyboard time has been supplanted with study and homily writing. Next week will find me back at the Prairie Center for chemo. ¶ Thanks for reading, for thoughts, for prayers, for messages, for all you do. I am grateful.

Goldi. B. Locks

Last evening was the final performance of Fairytale Opera in the Park. The opera is a yearly endeavor (except for last year, of course) of Opera South Dakota, an organization which exists to acquaint South Dakotans with opera. ¶ Opera is not something that springs to mind immediately when one thinks of South Dakota. That is the raison d’être for Opera South Dakota, to provide operatic experiences for our citizens so that they may become acquainted with and enjoy opera. I was privileged to sit on the board of the organization for a term.

¶ One of those experiences provided is this annual summer event designed to reach children and, incidentally, their parents. Many years there is an opportunity to have children in the chorus so they can actually be in an opera instead of just watching. It is also a chance for our local operatically inclined singers to have a chance to perform. ¶ This year’s production was Goldie B. Locks and the Three Singing Bears. You would know the plot well enough. Enough comedy is included that the evening remains light. There was a warm up session so the crowd could learn to applaud and shout “bravo.” The choruses and solos are all based on familiar operatic choruses or arias. The four characters performed well. ¶ Opera in the Park is produced in the McKennan Park Bandshell. The park was a donation from Helen McKennan. She was an early land speculator in Sioux Falls. Her mansion formerly stood on this large piece of city land. She recognized the need for parks in a growing city which prompted her to make a gift of twenty acres of her land for a park, now named in her honor. ¶ This park is one of the most beautiful in the city. There are tennis courts, a wading pool, horseshoe courts, a sunken garden (popular for weddings) and the bandshell, plus a lot of green-space. Much time and effort is expended by Parks and Rec in planting, mowing, and care for the horticulture. ¶ Directly across Second Avenue from the park is the former home of one of grand dames of Sioux Falls. Sylvia Henkin was the daughter of a rabbi. She and her husband built a broadcasting empire in this city which also included a movie theater or two. Everyone knew Sylvia. She

was a constant presence at any downtown event. With nary a drop of Irish blood, she was, nevertheless, chosen as the Grand Marshall of the first St. Patrick’s Day parade. I had the privilege of teaching some of her grandchildren, one of whom appeared on the Broadway stage in “The Producers.” ¶ I was reminded of Sylvia (who always remembered me with a flamboyant greeting) when I arrived early for the aforementioned opera. I wondered around the park for a time and paused by the bust of Helen McKennan. People in this city sometimes will donate a park bench in memory of a relative or friend. The city places a plaque thereon commemorating the person. Looking for a place to sit for a bit, there was a bench with a plaque simply saying “Sylvia.” I knew immediately the woman who was honored. Although many might find it unusual not to include the last name of the deceased, it seemed perfectly appropriate to me. Most everyone, and they are legion, would immediately know it was Sylvia Henkin. Sitting thereon one can look across the park and see her former home. Rest in peace Sylvia. Thanks for all you have done for our city.

¶ We’ve had rain today, softly and gently falling which is very welcome. We’ve also had a few day’s break from the oppressive heat. It has actually been a pleasure to take a stroll outside. ¶ I had the privilege of hosting a tour of alumni from the former high school which is now the Washington Pavilion. This was the group’s fortieth get-together. It was enjoyable hearing the remarks about former teachers and places they remembered from our walk through the building. ¶ The week has passed in a blur. I’ve put in quite a lot of time on the organ bench preparing for tomorrow. This afternoon a friend had a coffee for some former teachers. It was so good to be able to get together again and enjoy one another’s company. My health has been wonderful, for which I am most grateful. This allows me to treasure every day. ¶ Many thanks for your thoughts and prayers and the constant reminders that you are thinking of me.

Good News!

This past week was infusion week which went along as expected. TUG has mended her ways and is promptly delivering the needed medication without making unforeseen detours. ¶ The good news came on Thursday. I needed to appear at the Imaging Center at 7:15 to have my port accessed and undergo an MRI. That instrument of torment has to be the loudest collection of pot banging, atrociously loud buzzing and enormous clicking sounds every created. Even though ear plugs are provided and sponges placed over the ears, the sound is still mind boggling. Once in a while the attendant’s voice comes through, “are you doing okay?” It is just something to be endured. ¶ The results of this torture were presented at 11 that morning when I paid my visit to the radiation oncologist. He told me that the four little spots which

appeared on the last scan had disappeared and the major lesion was no longer growing but shrinking in size. That means the gamma knife procedure was effective and I don’t have to worry about brain cancer for the near future. I will continue to have an MRI every three months with a follow up appointment to make sure there are no new sightings of “blips in the brain.” This was a great relief. After hearing the news I finally relaxed for the first time in weeks. Obviously the results of the gamma knife were weighing upon me. I am very thankful that the results are positive. ¶ Now I look forward to two weeks vacation from chemo, trips to the Cancer Center, and waits for TUG to make her delivery. It was pleasant to have friends visit me while the infusions were taking place. Having someone with whom to converse makes the time pass so much faster. I’m grateful for the company. ¶ Right now I hear a bit of thunder in the distance. We are supposed to have a rainstorm about 6 PM. (This is Saturday.) It has been so hot and dry that the river flow is decreased. The city has not mandated watering restrictions more severe than usual but the warning signs are there that they could be put in place if water comes not from the heavens. There was little snowmelt this year and little rain.

¶ Sophia received two types of grass from her friend this week. She’s fond of the wheat grass and not so sure about the oat grass. New things take a while for the feline to accept them. Change is frightening for the ritualistic cat who wants everything done the same way at the same time every day, please and thank you. ¶ It’s hollyhock time in the garden and they are spectacular this year. So far the Japanese beetles have not appeared on the scene. Those pesky things really did a number on the hollyhocks last year. The goatsbeard in the back garden is in bloom. I love the lacy finger-like flowers, white against the dark green. ¶ On WednesdayI attended the funeral of a friend with whom I taught towards the end of my career. She was a wonderful teacher and loved by her students. The

size of the crowd was a testimony to her care for her students. The church, fairly large, was nearly full. She had never married. Her three brothers and families were there. Otherwise the congregation was made up of former teachers, principals, supervisors, parents and students. It was heartwarming. I know how kind she was to me when I taught in the same building. May she rest in peace and rise in glory. ¶ Thank you for everything, the calls, the emails, the cards, the prayers and the thoughts are precious to me. I am grateful beyond words.