Kicking Off
I have held ministries in some challenging parts of the world and in deprived areas in the U.K. but I haven't seen anything like the challenges of the last few months. 2020 is going to be a very significant year in our history that is for sure.
This is a small, rural community. I think I was given this rather cushy posting to see my days out which is rather nice. Nestling in the heart of Devon we enjoy the best of the countryside with easy access to the coast; what could be more idyllic? I have a small but loyal flock and life just ambles along quite nicely thank you. Or it did, because suddenly the world was hit with the threat of a deadly virus, a lethal and invisible assassin stealing the lives of millions in a cruel and devastating manner. It emanated from China and spread rapidly across the world - nobody was safe. Almost overnight our lives changed. Shops, pubs and other public buildings were shut down including the churches. Only shops and businesses deemed to be essential were permitted to remain open. We were all required to stay in our homes and only go out for food and a minimum amount of exercise - it was extraordinary!
Yet we endeavoured to live our lives as normal although life was anything but normal. I for one have been so frustrated not to be able to give personal help and guidance to individuals in need. Making a telephone call or connecting on zoom is not the same thing at all. We have all had to keep two metres apart so no physical contact, no reassuring arm around the shoulder or gentle hug. I have watched the lives of the villagers here change beyond recognition in many cases and actually, I suppose I can include myself in that.
Not so long ago I was all set to throw in the towel, leave the church and move away to start a new life. Don't ask me what that new life would have involved, I haven't the faintest idea but I was set on this plan. I am also sharing my life with two lodgers which was certainly unforeseen. Mind you I wouldn't be without them now. Louis and Monty came to stay when their mistress, Sally Johnson, sad lady, tried to kill herself. I found her and managed to get her to the hospital but she died subsequently. Having decided that the only sensible thing to do with her two terriers, Louis and Monty, was to offer them dinner, bed and breakfast at the vicarage, what else could I do but allow them to move in permanently when she died? I haven't had dogs since I was a boy, what with moving about as I have done it wasn't feasible but I have to say they are wonderful companions if a little challenging at times.
Biggest drama for me though was seeing that Caroline Archer has moved into the village. I knew Caroline when we were at college together; pretty little thing, nice girl as I remember and I believe she was a bit sweet on me. I, however, only had eyes for the lovely Rachel but sadly I came to realise that she was shallow and flighty. Very attractive, mind you with cracking legs! Oh don't be shocked, I might wear a dog collar but there is a red blooded man under the cassock.
I wasn't sure that Caroline would remember or even recognise me but she did and I find that there is more than a glimmer of attraction between us. Who would have thought it? That realisation was what it took for me to decide that leaving the church and the village was not an option. Luckily the Bishop shared that view and I think he was of that frame of mind when I mooted the move. Lucky for me!
Of course it hasn't been a case of happy endings all round but I will leave others to tell their stories. And it's not as if we are out of the woods yet. I fear for us I really do. The government has thrown money at just about any cause you care to mention. People talk about 'government money' but it's our money! We are going to be picking up these bills for many a year to come! And having put in place restrictions on movement these are all being lifted in the name of boosting the economy! The virus hasn't gone away - we are at serious risk of seeing another spike - the signs are all there. It has started overseas and it will happen here you mark my words. People have abused the restrictions from the beginning which is bad enough but it's worse now. Holiday makers are flocking down to us and beyond into Cornwall. Cornwall has only got one hospital!
I have a very nice life here and if things progress with Caroline it could get even nicer. I know I am very fortunate and I thank the good Lord but not everyone is so fortunate. Even in this small village there has been hardship and heartache and whilst we have been lucky enough to avoid any instances of the virus we cannot take it for granted that it will remain that way. A good chunk of the population here is over seventy years of age and many have underlying health issues so we are a vulnerable community.
I know Dave is going to open the pub soon subject to regulations so it won't be the carefree refuge it once was. I always used to enjoy going to the pub; people raised eyebrows to begin with but it's at the heart of the community, why wouldn't I go there and socialise with my parishioners? Besides which Dave keeps a jolly good cellar and can be relied upon to serve a good pint of honest beer and some decent red wines. Poor Dave lost his daughter to the virus but he has had the family to stay recently and things seem to be looking up for him and his ex-wife which is good. I was hoping to reopen the church but the Bishop won't hear of it yet even though I had thought through suitable precautions and restrictions.
So life goes on but not as we have always known it. Who knows what is waiting for us around the corner? So carpe deum! Seize the day say I.These dogs are a shining example of the joys of living in the moment. Do they fret and worry about what is to come? No, they are currently snoring quietly secure in the knowledge that they will get some exercise before the day is out as well as their food with a couple of treats thrown in along the way.
I expect you will be hearing from me again in the not too distant future but others in the village are going to take a turn at this. So bye for now and stay safe!
With Blessings from the Reverend Donald Dunwoody
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