I lived there for 69 of my 75 years of life. Everything was familiar to me. The Hanover section of Nanticoke had been the home of my family for three generations. My grandparents operated a butcher shop there in the 1920s and 1930s. I was educated in local schools and graduated from Wilkes College in Wilkes-Barre, PA. I taught in the Nanticoke Area School District and went on to study and teach radiography at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital for over 30 years. I was well established in the community, served in my church, held women’s Bible studies in my home, and met regularly with family and friends whom I knew for most of my life. God had been good to me; I enjoyed a full and active life. When I retired, I planned to remain in my little pocket of comfort for the rest of my life.
I was blessed with a blended family of 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. When I retired, I became the “On Call Gramma” providing childcare at a moment’s notice. I loved being available and seeing my family regularly. But I always returned to the security and independence of my own home. It wasn’t until Covid hit and I was isolated for long stretches from most of my family that I began to take seriously my son Joseph’s many offers to come and live with them in West Chester.
It was not an easy decision; I wavered several times. Selling the homestead of over 100 years and leaving my family, longtime friends, and church family was difficult. These people knew me well and had seen me through the highs and lows of my life.
Whenever I visited Joseph and Wendy, I attended CFC as far back as the Gauntlet Center days. I was introduced to many of their friends, lovely people of their generation. I attended many events, bought tapes and CDs of the messages, read books by the pastors, and listened to the worship CDs. I agreed with the theology and doctrines of Sovereign Grace. However, the idea of leaving the people I knew well and entering a new arena where I was a stranger was a stumbling block for me. How would I be accepted? Would I be able to establish rich and lasting relationships at this late stage of my life?
This brings me to Ruth, my favorite heroine of the Old Testament. Though younger than I, she left the land she loved and the safety of her home to go to a foreign land with her mother-in-law, Naomi. I am sure she faced some of the same uncertainties that I did about uprooting myself. She trusted God, and he proved himself faithful. I not only had God but a very determined son who made it his goal to “prepare the way for his mom!” Joseph introduced me to several godly women of the church, and the rest is history. I was not only welcomed but embraced and loved.
I have lived with the Stigoras for three years and became a member of Covenant Fellowship Church in 2022. Church membership has always been important to me. I look forward to corporate worship each week and the preaching of “God’s holy and authoritative Word.” I attend a weekly Bible study and am a member of a community group. I serve on the communion setup team and am a member of Covenant Prime for seniors. I have met and become friends with many brothers and sisters in the church. My life is once again full by the grace of God. I am grateful for these relationships that enrich my life and keep me anchored. The Lord walked before me, prepared hearts to receive me, and enfolded me in this new family of believers that I may grow and never be alone, just as he did for Ruth!
