Editor:
If you’ve lived on the Sunshine Coast for a while, chances are you’ve been the subject of rumors. Gossip seems an inevitable product of close-knit, small-town life. Maybe you’ve been lucky enough to hear what’s being said about you! How did that make you feel? Seen? Valued? Or perhaps angry?
Misunderstood?
Did you laugh or cry?
The best one I heard about myself lately came after a 10-day healing trip to visit my lifelong friend in Los Angeles (this was after the fires and before the militarization). He sings with the Gay Men’s Chorus there. Apparently, rumor has it that I’ve been hired to sing with L.A. Opera. Cool! Not true, but cool.
Here’s what is true: my husband and I are moving soon, back to the U.S. during a time when our energies and voices are needed by friends and family terrified over what’s happening to our country of origin. We’re sad to be leaving this place that we’ve loved and hoped to make our home. Sadder still that rumors played a big part in what drove us away.
I’m grateful to Coast Reporter for publishing so many of my rambling thoughts while I served as a faith leader on the Coast, and to any of you with whom Pat and I created beauty and community. And, there are two things I need you to know before we go.
First, I never, ever tried to close the food bank at St. Bart’s. It’s part of the reason I came here in the first place! Please continue to support the good work of volunteers there and everywhere.
Second, we’re not leaving because we failed to “fit in.” Despite my former-New Yorker’s quick actions and sharp tongue, my fierce and open heart “fit” with many Coasters and I’m proud of what we accomplished together in such a short time.
Just do one thing for me, please? Be kind to strangers. When the next newcomers arrive (and there’ll be more coming), talk to them, hear their stories firsthand before judgement. Only repeat what’s spoken in love. None of us are perfect, and we all deserve a chance, or two.
Oh: it’s also true that we had a tiki bar on our back porch. You can visit us in Bellingham now for a drink sometime!
Cheers,
Rev. Dr. Joyce Parry-Moore