Disbelief and grief and anger at the losses of life in accidents. Those who touch our hearts are there forever.
Thank you to everyone who performed and came to the Chilmark Community Church last Sunday for our Offering of Music and Light and supper. It warms our hearts to gather, hear music and poetry, Violet Southwick on cello, Warren Doty and the Loon Lane Players, Mrs. Biskis, Dan Waters, and others. Thank you to Marjorie Peirce for helping me in the kitchen, and so appreciate not rushing. I am sorry we missed the performances, and so grateful for all who came to share the meal.
Life has thrown us a lot of curves, and my wish for 2026 is to have more joy and resilience facing whatever 2026 brings.
Can scars become badges of honor representing survival that can be put in a drawer? Can we hone actions that support another’s becoming — discovering who they are — and delight in the process?
Condolences to the Schneider and Bramhall families, and to Nina Bramhall and Paul Schneider on the death of their son, Nathaniel (“Natty”) Schneider, in a skiing accident in the Tetons. He was beloved, and inspired many with his passionate love for fly-fishing island waters and skiing the mountains around Jackson Hole.
May the memory of the exquisite joy that skiing the backcountry brings those who love it lessen the pain.
There is nothing good about losing people in accidents, and when it happens while they are doing things they are experts at and adore doing, it adds an extra twist.
News that we lost Patricia (“Tricia”) Bergeron and Roy Scheffer, when an unexpected squall blew in while they were out in the skiff scalloping on New Year’s Day hit everyone. They leave a big hole. Tricia gave so much to so many, and leaves a huge void.
Our hearts go out to the families. To Roy’s sons, Isaiah Scheffer, Chilmark’s shellfish constable; Roy and Jeremy Scheffer, Spearpoint Oyster; and Noah Scheffer, Little Minnow Oyster Co.
Grief is harsh.
Joan LeLacheur and her family need our help. We’ve seen beloved Joan’s increasing struggles with her balance and thinking. She has been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, and there is a surgical procedure that can help, but she will need to not work and just rest for two months.
Surgery is scheduled for Jan. 21 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. We can help by donating to the Go Fund Me: gofund.me/ebc50c877.
Rebecca Gilbert and I are looking forward to “Slow Stitching” projects, or mending and visiting, on Thursdays at Pathways in the Chilmark Tavern.
Music at Pathways this Friday includes Rees Shad, a musician and storyteller, followed by Peter Halperin’s Group Therapy. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the show starts at 7.
May we find ways to be gentle with one another this week.