It was just a year ago I started an online course offered by Patti Digh called Project 37. It was one of those serendipituous events that often heralds God’s presence. I saw a post on Facebook by one of my friends and made the decision to follow this rabbit into the hole opening up before me. The title of the course was based on Patti’s father’s diagnosis of cancer and subsequent death 37 days later. How would each of us face the same fate? Each day she asked us questions, gave us projects, and generally pushed us to the edges of our comfort zones. It was just what I needed to come out of the grief surrounding my own mother’s death only 3 months after her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Death was not the issue. Life and the living of life to its fullest was the issue.
“If you had nothing to lose what would you do?” That was the question on September 1, 2014. Part of my response was: “to fix up my body and to run away without a plan…nope I need a plan or purpose. What would be the most fun for a painting class?” Later that day I googled painting classes in Greece. Up popped the Aegean Center for Fine Arts. No way. I was looking for a 1 week or max of 2 weeks for an adventure. No way I could take off for a whole semester. Even then they wouldn’t accept me. I’m too old. I’m not talented enough. Two days later was my 65th birthday. I realized grief had sucked me back into the whirlpool of fear – comfort was so alluring and easy and needed. My mother and her mother never lost their zest for travel and life and exploration. My hiding out was definitely not part of my heritage. So I made a vow to lifre one year without fear. I would make choices that were slightly uncomfortable, reach a little further than I thought possible, and take risks beyond my normal hesitancy. Exactly one year later, on September 3rd, 2015, on my 66th birthday, my 15 pound lighter body will board a plane in Houston taking me to Rome. I will make a train connection to Florence and spend the night before heading to Pistoia where I will join unknown fellow students and faculty for the Fall semester at the Aegean Center for Fine Arts. Be careful what you wish for – the power of the universe is mighty indeed! As I prepare for this odyssey, I will share with you my excitement, fears, and joys with this new blog. Join me and together we will set forth into the unknown!
Lisa Oberreuter 