.

 

To Those Who Helped: Thank you!

I want to thank those who supported me and helped me to finish this novel.

Of course, Rory Cooney, the composer of Catholic hymns and songs for the song, Safety Harbor, which inspired this book and its concept. In a way, the story mirrors the lyrics of the song.

Secondly, but not secondly, to my wife, Patty, who supported me daily, sometimes hourly, during the inspirational moments and the  days I wanted to quit. She also edited and gave suggestions.

To Patrick Sousa, an good friend, who offered to edit the book, and did so conscientiously and graciously.

To those who read the first few chapters and gave me honest critique and encouragement to carry on: These included Dr. Patty Pickett-Cooper, Wenda Lloyd, Phil Ewing, Char Choate, Patrick Sousa, Rev. Chuck Berger, and Dr. Wendy Dasler-Johnson. Apologies if I left anyone out.

To those who wrote endorsements on the back jacket of the book: Dr. Wendy Dasler-Johnson, Father Phil Shaw, Philomela Ewing, Rev. Chuck Berger, and Dr. John Blackwell. 

As you get older, you realize who your real friends are. They are the ones who come through for you when you need them, not grudgingly, but graciously, and without hesitation.

Thank you. I am indebted to you all!

 

Preface to Safety Harbor

One of the most memorable events in my ministry took place in its earliest days.

“Mother wants to see you,” said one of my parishioners, in a small parish I was serving in the Midwest. “Can you come over right away?”

Her mother was on her deathbed.

When I arrived at the house and entered the bedroom where she lay, I asked, “What can I do for you, Mother?”

“I want to know,” she said, “that when I cross the Jordan River, Jesus will be waiting for me, on the other side.”

I recall no quotes from any theologian or scholar that that have been seared into my memory as has that dear woman’s words. That plea from the depths of her spirit, in her last days, has stayed with me through all of my years.

It has been my experience that the real depth of the spiritual life is not contained within the high echelons of religious institutions or in the public proclamations of the prominent, but in the common life of ordinary people. Here it is, that we live out our lives, with our anxieties, fears, regrets, hopes, and dreams. Here, we wrestle with the great questions of life.

If we are open, it is in this living, that the Mysterium Tremendum comes to us in many ways and in different forms, and miracles happen.

The story told within these pages is of just such a community of people, who struggle with ambiguous relationships, who wrestle with their demons, who experience loneliness and self-doubt, who are flawed, who live with regret, unbelief, and sorrow. Yet, in spite of life’s challenges, they experience joy, healing, and grace, and are capable of noble and heroic deeds.

Welcome to Safety Harbor. I think you’ll like it here!