Happy Birthday

Well, happy one month birthday to this little project I’ve been running here. April 29th was the date of my first post to Emerging Gently. So, how better to celebrate than to post a birthday-themed entry?

Deaths in the Family – Epilogue

Please also see Parts 1, 2, & 3 of this post, as well as a related previous post. All of these posts are under the category Death in my Family.

During Dad’s time in the hospital, I had decided I was going to move back to where he was living so I could be with him, and oversee his care. His death did not alter that decision, but it profoundly altered the course of my life. After taking care of a few immediate details, and getting the probate process started on his will, I closed up the house and returned to Boston, and work. I had planned that I would use some immediate funds I gained access to to settle most of my debts, and work through June of that year, then resign and move back to where my parents lived, and where I now live. I originally planned to drive my car across Canada, heading straight north from Boston, and starting across from Montréal and visit family friends and family along the way.

Another Death in the Family – Part 3

This is the third in a three part post. Please see Part 1 and Part 2. All related posts can be found in the category ‘Death in my Family‘.

Dad’s physical condition was stabilizing, and he was eventually moved out of the cardiac ward and into the long-term care ward. His mental state continued to deteriorate. Sometimes he recognized me, sometimes not. He often thought I was his younger brother, whom he had nicknamed “asshole” when they were kids and fought a lot. So, frequently I was greeted with “hey asshole” when I entered the room. Most of the time, I just took it, but to the muffled amusement of the nurses, occasionally I struck back and told him that I didn’t “fucking appreciate being called an asshole, and that I deserved a little bit of respect.” Usually that brought him back to the present, and he realized who I was.

Another Death in the Family – Part 2

This is Part 2 of a 3 part post. Please also see Part 1 of this post. All related posts can be found in the category Death in my Family.

The conversation I had with Mr. & Mrs. Smith hit me like a sucker punch to the gut. When I talked to Dad and raised my concerns and implored him to think about getting to the hospital, he got very angry with me, and cussed about how the Smiths and everyone else should just mind their own business and leave him alone. He was adamant that he would get healing in Christian Science or just die. Either way, he wasn’t going to the hospital. I felt helpless. I was 3,000 miles away, and wasn’t in much of a financial position to afford to travel on short notice to Dad’s home. I felt trapped and helpless.

Doctor of Christian Science – doctor-inal contradictions

This is another in my series on contradictions in Christian Science practice, teachings, and culture. See others under the category of ‘Contradictions‘.

Yes, I know the irony of this title, given the well-known animosity of Christian Science culture and teachings towards the medical profession and doctors, otherwise known as materia medica. I didn’t even see this post coming, but it came to me as I was doing some research to add a few new terms to my Glossary page. I was looking up the term ‘CSD’, a degree once conferred upon certain graduates of the Massachusetts Metaphysical College. Anyone who is or has been a Christian Scientist knows about folks who are CSB (they’re Teachers of Christian Science), but less known is the CSD.

Another Death in the Family – Part 1

This is related to my previous post, A Death in the Family, and the events I describe here follow on from that post, later in the same year. Since this is a long story to tell, I have broken it into multiple parts. All related posts are under the category Death in my Family.

So, what was the final push that got me out of Christian Science? The final of the “death by 1,000 cuts” of my faith in it? My father’s death. Yes, I’m being very un-Christian Science by saying the “D” word, but he died. Unlike in the case of my Mom, I was there for every terrible part of it. Christian Science failed my father in the most horrible way. He was dedicated to it for most of his life, but in the end, his unwavering faith in it condemned him to unspeakable suffering, just as it had my Mom.

Church

In Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy refers to church as, “The structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle. The Church is that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick.” (p. 583)

Running Out of “Nothing”

Two people were out on a drive in a remote area, along a road that few cars used. One was a Christian Scientist, one was not. The car ran out of gas.

More contradictions indicated

This is the second in an ongoing series of posts on the topic of contradictions I have found within the practice, culture, and/or teachings of Christian Science. Look for these posts in the category ‘Contradictions. To reduce the risk of contradicting myself, I will not at this point state how many posts there will be in this series. 😉

As some regular readers here may know, I spent a number of years working at the Christian Science Church headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts (otherwise known as The Mother Church, or as I like to call it–The Mother Ship). I had some wonderful experiences there, and I also had some of the most trying times of my life there–both professionally and personally. It was a great growing and learning experience, and while I am happy beyond belief to put it behind me, I wouldn’t trade the lessons I’ve learned for anything, and they continue to serve me well.

Know The Truth About It and It Will Get Better, Right?

I am not writing this from my usual place all comfy at home. I’m at my office, it’s late, nobody else is here, and quite frankly, I’m beginning to believe the stories about this old building being haunted. I know I’m the only one here, but it doesn’t quite feel like it.