My dear Emersonians-

It has been an honor and a blessing to spend these past twelve years in community with you. We have all grown in so many ways, celebrated whenever we could, and faced challenges we might never have imagined.

As I pack up my office, I keep uncovering things –  every thank you card I’ve ever received, comic strips from elders, drawings from a full generation of children and young adults, and so many trinkets, not to mention the lopsided craft samples I made for classes…

My own children were just starting middle school when I came to Emerson. They’re now out in the world – one working in Dallas, the other a grad student at the University of Michigan. Over the years you’ve heard perhaps too many stories about them and about the rest of my family.

And I hold dear in my heart so many memories of you and your families. Know that wherever I go, I will remember you with joy. You have shaped my life. Thank you.

Logistically – my last Sunday at Emerson will be June 11th. Yes, we’ll have a special service AND a party!

I will be in the office through mid-June, then heading to professional meetings and the UUA General Assembly. After that, I’m flying back to Houston to pack the last of our belongings and drive to Pennsylvania.

An RE Transition Team of Bonnie Homier, Hilary Henderson Ritz, Tineke Berends, Pat Smith, Ann May, Jill Rose and Deborah Wotring will coordinate things until a new religious educator is hired. Please consider how you can support the team and also share your ideas with them. I know that together y’all will build something wonderful.

Yes, y’all.

This will no longer be my journey. Accordingly, my professional guidelines call for me to fully disengage to make room for all that comes next. After June 30th I will not be answering emails or calls, and as harsh as it sounds, I’ll be “unfriending” Emersonians on Facebook. It’s a hard and necessary thing and please know that each of you holds a special place in my heart.