Well Done Good and Faithful Servant part 2

When we moved to Wisconsin in 2016, I knew the people would be a bit different – special and unique. For people to be this passionate about beer, cheese and a football team from a small town up north, there must have been something in the water. My spouse is a living testament to the pride of Wisconsin. When I arrived at Stoughton UMC, I my suspicions were confirmed. The people I met and serve with are one-of-a-kind. The values of family, faith, and the Pack (in no particular order) were a must have for me to adapt quickly to my new culture. These were some values that I learned quickly in my marriage and add to it the Brew Crew! Mike and I pass these values on to the next generation as you can see in the picture with our nephew and his Packers shirt.

One of the first people I met upon my arrival was Dorothy Wood. Dorothy and her family have deep roots at Stoughton UMC. Dorothy was one of my physical neighbors here on our block of Lincoln and Van Buren. The dogs and I would frequent her “front door” and she would joyfully welcome us in for a brief visit. As a neighbor to the church, Dorothy was a regular face around there – from her work at the food pantry to just bringing greetings in the office – we were blessed with her sugar beets and her hand crafted pot holders. She was a joyful supporter of everything at the church from our kids program to our senior suppers.

One of my favorite memories of Dorothy was when those Wisconsin values shone brightly. Dorothy invited me over my first summer here – for a visit. We got talking about beer, cheese, and football. She sang her family praises, and invited me to return for another visit to make a family favorite – grasshoppers. This wasn’t going to be just some small drink – this was going to be pail of ice cream for me to take home afterwards!

When I arrived with my fresh pail of vanilla in hand, she greeted me with a printed copy of the recipe ready to go! It was pretty similar to this recipe. While we waited for the ice cream to soften a little, we enjoyed a scoop of some she had already made for our visit. We shared stories about our families and the love that we have for the church. When the time came, we “winged” the recipe a little, and add a couple of extra shots to the mixture. She sent me home with the one that she had already made – and kept the fresh one for herself.

Even in the cold of winter, against the wishes of many, Dorothy would get out and walk. When she would come by my house, I tried to always get out there and greet her. I would bring the dogs out and she would sit on her walker for a few moments just talking about anything that was on her heart. We had a connection over our birthdays being in December together.

Dorothy moved during the time of COVID for her own health and well-being. I am grateful for the ways that her family kept us updated on her. I wish I had done more to keep in touch. I am confident though in Dorothy’s love for her faith, family and all things Wisconsin.

Dorothy passed away yesterday. Today, I am reminded of Matthew 6:21 – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This Gospel verse speaks of the importance of values and how they reflect what is happening in our hearts. Dorothy has such great pride in her family. She cared for others to the best of her ability. She was strong, stubborn and determined. She wanted the best life she could for all she cared for. A short while after verse 21, it reads in Matthew 6:25, “Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing.?”

Well done good and faithful servant, Dorothy. May the grasshoppers be plenty and laughs abound at your Heavenly welcome!