This is a hard blog to write. I had an appointment with Dr. McCarren on Thursday. I was scheduled to have a chemo treatment on Friday. Dr. McCarren suggested that I should consider stopping all chemo treatments at this point. My lesions have not grown but they also have not been reduced from the treatment. Also, during this time, I have received a number of tumors, including two during this past session. Dr. McCarron said that she thought she would be doing more harm than good by continuing.
This was hard news to receive, but not terribly surprising. I agree with Dr. McCarren. I am at peace with this decision. I did not receive chemo treatment on Friday.
This has been a very difficult past month. I have had various side effects, which have been difficult to handle. Fortunately, members of my family and community have been there for me throughout the month. They have been very supportive.
I plan to spend my last days in PEI. My mother and siblings will look after me with the assistance of home care. It is important that I leave quickly as I am finding it harder to travel. My hope and expectation is that my body will be returned to Guelph for burial in our Jesuit cemetery. Death could be quite far down the road; it could also be quite soon.
I am living in the midst of mystery now. There is so much I want to do; so much to be done. There have been so many prayers! Why this result? I know that my thoughts beyond reaching PEI in the next couple of weeks will focus on the journey beyond. While I am approaching this part of the journey with peace, I recognize that there is still much need for prayer to sort out a few things, including some of the mix feelings I have. I am grateful for this time. Life is a real mystery.
All of creation is groaning. I do not have control over the life of Earth during this time of illness as well. Like Earth, I continue to groan.
Helen Cameron said:
Dearest Jim, Be sure of our continued prayers for you as you make your journey towards God via PEI. I hope there will be a Jesuit presence with you as well, while you are with family.
Thank you for all that you have given us – me – in this extraordinary journey of faith and illness. You are a great example and witness, and my prayers go with you as you leave for home.
Blessings, Helen
Kathleen Storms said:
My prayers are with you, Jim, as you continue to live life to the full. You have been such an inspiration as you faced each new turn in the road. i am sure now you will show us how to face the final journey home. Blessings!
playtrain@gmail.com said:
Hard to write. Sad to read.
Prayers, love, gratitude for you, Jim.
I’m truly sorry we never got the chance to work together after Regis. However, like our Lord, you have poured yourself generously out in service and lived the mystery with such grace. In friendship and solidarity I say, peace be with you, Jim, your family, your Jesuit brothers. Thank you for the gift of you. God Bless!
Steve
Andre Auger said:
Jim:
Thank you for sharing such difficult news with us. As you advance into this mystery, the only thing I can offer you are my thought and prayers. May you continue to feel God’s loving and reassuring presence at every step of this difficult journey.
Andre
Maria Protz said:
Dearest, dearest Jim:
This is very, very painful news to learn and is challenging the faith of all of us who’ve been praying so hard for you!
I have to say that I have been praying your rosary diligently since my last comment, but I’ve honestly lately been “stuck” with the one prayer where Jesus calms the storm . And maybe your very sad news today fits with what I’ve been feeling so far away. I keep hovering around the image of Christ sound asleep in the boat while the storm and disaster wrecks all around Him and the disciples panic in sheer terror. And then he chastises them for their lack of faith because he was with them all along, even though it was horribly storming. They should not have feared.
So lately when I’ve been praying your rosary, this has been the part that I’ve most resonated with. I’ve been l finding that I just want to hunker in with Him too- peaceful in the middle of crazy chaos. I haven’t understood why, but I wonder if today’s news says something about it.
Your sense of peace with this latest news- shows me just how close you are to Him and just how deep your beautiful faith in Him is and what an amazing give you are to all of us! He will not fail you! Nor shall we.
Thank you again for sharing your journey and this particular difficult moment. We love you very, very much.
Maria Protz
Fontaine Waite said:
Dear Jim: How our hearts ache to hear this news. And yet, to hear your desire to go back to PEI reminds me of St. Francis who asked to be laid right down on the good, sweet earth, our Mother earth, as he was dying. PEI is and always has been your bit of earth. I so wish we could have walked those beaches together one day. One day, in the next life, perhaps we still shall. But, your spirit and soul are also in and around the land of Ignatius Centre Guelph. I will always be talking to you there AND when we visit PEI. Ken and I (and the CLC group) will continue to hold you in prayer in these days of your journey back to God more fully…these days of mystery. I also thank you for sharing this blog with us all. You are incredibly brave, and you are teaching us all how to walk with illness and death as it is also our journey. We love you. With all our hearts. Fontaine and Ken Waite
Bill Robins said:
Dear Jim, Please count on continued prayers from the Jesuits in Nepal for consolation, that during Advent you may relax with God and all the people in your life, in confidence as you prepare for your next step in life. In Christ, Bill Robins
Greg Champion said:
James, I love reading your blog posts. I want you to know both Nancy and I are thinking if you and praying for you. I really look forward to seeing you this coming month.
Many hugs,
Greg
Susan Neath said:
Dear Jim;
I am deeply saddened by the news but I wish you the best in your travels home and may you find great strength being with your family as your travel your next journey. You are a wonderful friend and I wish you all the best. Susan Neath
bridblog said:
May the grace.& peace of Our Lord ,be with you Fr Jim.god bless you abundantly,in this your hour of need. You are an inspiration to all of us.I admire your courage in the face of this horrible illness,that has been so cruel to you.your faith,that has sustained you during such pain.wherever you are,our love & prayers will go with you.We love & bless you.Please keep in touch,we will keep you & your family in our hearts. God bless & give you His strength,& a safe journey home,to you family.. Pete & Bridget.
Sr. Ann Marie,fcJ said:
Dear Jim,
What a hard blog to read –and hard for you to write! Thanks you for sharing this latest news with us all. I am so saddened to hear the news that the treatments did not work and I assure you of my prayers as you move on now in this next lap of life’s journey. I will continue to hold you and your family and your Jesuit community in my prayers. I know that God will carry you through it all a day at a time but, as you say, it is indeed a mystery! I know you will be surrounded by love and care in PEI and am glad that you can be there among your loved ones in your beloved land –the ‘other Island’. Thank you for the courage you have in sharing this difficult journey with us.
Love & Blessings of courage and confidence,
Ann Marie, fcJ
Susan Glover Takahashi said:
Dearest James,
i am sad. not surprised, but sad. You have taught us so much, sharing your faith and your journey. Allowing us to share our faith and journey with you. We are with you day and night, in the light and the darkness. Our prayers will be with you. May we have grace as His will is done. WIth MUCH love, Susan & George.
arlene cameron said:
Dearest James,
Saddened to read your news- glad to hear you are coming home to be with family. I offer a prayer for you and your dear Mom each day as I drive by your home on my way to visit my Mom in Wedgewood Manor.
Travel safely- if I can do anything, don’t hesitate to ask.
Arlene Cameron
Vicky Chen said:
Dear Jim,
I wept when I read this most recent blog. Many others probably did too. I am consoled that you are at peace – talking about your final days with us and accepting the mystery of life.
When I was in Hong Kong for our 50th high school graduation reunion a couple of weeks ago, the Canossian Sisters gave us each a rosary of sorrow – seven sets of seven beads – to meditate on: 1. The Prophecy of Simeon, 2. The flight into Egypt, 3. The loss of the Child Jesus, 4. Mary meets Jesus carrying His Cross, 5. The Crucifixion, 6. Mary receives the body of Jesus from the Cross and 7. The body of Jesus is placed in the tomb. I will think of Kay and all your family in PEI. My love to you and to all of them.
Yes, groaning with the earth that you so love and have served, but like the recovery of the earth, you know you will resurrect. We will continue to need your prayer and help here.
In loving communion and see you one day,
Vicky
Helen Darby said:
God bless you on your journey home and may you go knowing that you have made a difference in this world where we are called to be the people of the resurrection.
Peace! You never know what peace is until you walk on the shores or in the fields along the winding red roads of Abegweit on a summer twilight when the dew is falling and the old, old stars are peeping out and the sea keeps its mighty tryst with the little land it loves. You find your soul then . . . you realize that youth is not a vanished thing but something that dwells forever in the heart. And you look around on the dimming landscape of haunted hill and long white sand-beach and murmuring ocean, on homestead lights and old fields tilled by dead and gone generations who loved them . . . you will say, “Why . . . I have come home!”
Lucy Maud Montgomery
Helen Darby
Vicky said:
What a beautify citation! Thank you.
olga said:
Dear Jim…My feelings after reading your message are so mixed so many thoughts and memories….your homily at Richards funeral (I often read it for comfort), and your friendship with him and Maria, our pilgrimage to Spain and the river at Manresa where we stood where Ignatius may have stood so many years ago, your generous presence at Halton schools where you introduced Creation spirituality to teachers, your presence at my home retirement gathering, meeting your mother and now imagining her pain but also her faith through your illness. So many other events at Loyola over the years where your gentleness and quiet manner drew so many to you and to Christ within you. We will continue your work and your vision because it now is ours too. But yet we have hope and there is peace as we continue to pray with you these next days and months. Thank you for you, your passion and example of Jesus alive. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do by sharing your journey with us …how fortunate we are to have you in our lives. I remember being in PEI with the family so many years ago, how beautiful and peaceful it was! My thoughts and prayers for you, for us, continue Jim. Blessings and Love, Olga
Nicole Levesqlue said:
Dear Jim:
I have been trying to digest your news since reading your blog on Sunday. I can’t do that so I move to the place where you have taught me how to be hopeful as we both journey through this ugly cancer road. You have been my treasure and a heroic example of how to move forward, and because of that, I never lost my continuous stance of laughter and ready joyfulness. You have been and will continue to be for all our tomorrows, both here and the everywhere of peace and joy, my treasure of great price. You have been that for so many…..countless numbers. PEI will be your place of the joy of and from your childhood that was filled with innocence and expectations. Imagine being so lucky as to be cared for by your Mom and siblings during these next weeks. Yet another gift. You know what to do and how to do it. Your courage and strength will see you through. The whole world groans with blessings on you and for you. We will remember you with love and the continual prayerful stance and attitude that St. Ignatius taught all of us connected to the Jesuits. What a gift you have given to us. As we move through this beautiful season of expectation, know that we join with you in filial love.
Love and an abundance of blessings, Nickie
Andrea Peloso said:
Jim, this news brings tears to my eyes. I want you to get better and thrive.
You are so important to everybody. Though I have not spent a lot of one on one time with you personally you have always been there in a positive way in my life and the life of my community. You are important to me in the kind and intelligent presence that you have, the services you have given, the huge impact you have had on the land and the spirituality of Ignatius, I have been inspired by you and care about you. Also, you mean so much to my friends and family: to my parents, my former family clc community, to my dear friends Shanti and Andres, to Dan. You have had such a huge influence in our lives and we care about you very much.
I hope this is a time of healing for you and that stopping chemo proves positive and gives you more energy. I hope you are able to be near the ocean. You are in my prayers but I really like taking action. If you feel inspired at any point to write out action points that connect to your legacy for land, I will take inspiration from these in my own ecological activism and if I can help with your own projects in any way, I will. Blessings and continued thoughts and prayers.
Keith Kennific said:
Dear Jim, My prayer with those of this parish community of Pius X accompany you. Peace, Keith K.
PAtty Flinn said:
Thinking of you James and glad you are able to come to PEI .Your Mom and family are looking forward to having you home.Thoughts and prayers.
Marilyn Gostlin said:
Dear Jim:
I wept when I read your blog – for you, your family, your Jesuit brothers, and your dear friends. I am so glad that you are returning to the place where you began, the place you so love. You have taught me and many others about courage and about living with pain and perhaps some fear and yet you continued to be that peaceful presence. I carry you in my prayers and pray you enter this next journey with gentleness and confidence that you are so loved by God and and all those your life has touched..
I wish you peace, Marilyn Gostlin
the Whitney-Brown famly said:
Dear, dear friend,
May the waves roll you home… Our hearts ache that your time here is drawing to an end, and we also are so grateful for our friendship with you and your family, and the blessing your life has been and continues to be.
As Mary Oliver writes in her poem “In Blackwater Woods”:
To live in this world
you must be able
to do three things:
to love what is mortal;
to hold it
against your bones knowing
your own life depends on it;
and, when the time comes to let it go,
to let it go.
We will hold you even more constantly in our hearts during this next stage of your journey, however long or short it may be. Go in peace, home to PEI and home to God, held in our love and the love of so many.
mike darmon said:
Jim ,there have been many times I have wanted to talk to you and express my sadness that you should be the one who has been struck by this cancer .I have hesitated out of fear that it might be best to respect your privacy or maybe out of my own fear about dealing with such an emotional subject.
I have also wanted to express my thanks to you for the visit and kind words you gave to me at my mothers visitation following her funeral.
Do not regret what you may not be able to do as you have done so much good already.
I do hope our paths cross again .
Mike Darmon
Lissa said:
James, I am saddened by your news but continue to pray for you and for what it is that God has planned for you. We do not know. Yes, life is a mystery as is what comes after. I do know that we can only live in the moment and cannot focus on the past or what is to come. Everyone has there crosses to bear. Yours has certainly been a heavy one. I only wish I could help you the way you helped me when I needed it. I thank you for that. I am pleased that you are returning home and know it must be difficult to leave a place you love so much and have made your second home. I hope to see you soon. Love and hugs, Lissa
John Morris said:
Dear Jim:
I recall your big long steps climbing up Saint Jeroni the tallest of the peaks at Montserrat, 1234 m. The wind was blowing fairly strong above the tree line. We both appreciated the hand rail and steps for the last 200 meters or so up to the peak.You took many pictures in all directions from that 4 meter diameter peak.At the top I noted that you always tried to stay back about 1.5 meters from the drop off in all directions. I could not coach you any closer to looking over the edge.
My prayers tears are with you now as you approach the edge. John Morris
edward koopman said:
Jim:
May the Peace of Christ and the Hope our our Resurrection because of His Resurrection sustain you as you you go through this next part of your life’s journey here on earth.
Edward Koopman
Jean Selinger said:
Dear Jim
I so enjoyed seeing you many times at Holy Rosary and having a PEI friend so near. God is with all of us as you go on your journey. Love and prayers, Jean
Susanne said:
Dear Jim
I read this latest post at work, and I couldn’t just sit and weep but I need to do that. My heart is breaking with sadness for you and your family. I am so glad you’re returning to your beloved PEI — you are and always have been an “island boy” — and now the island that is you is returning to the mainland of the Divine Mystery. I hope someone in your family will continue to use this blog as a way to communicate with all of us who have been following your journey, praying for you, hoping and insisting to God on a different outcome. Two qualities of yours will always characterize you as I cherish your memory — your gentleness and your courage. May the Good Spirit embrace you and gently bring you home. Please pray for us when you are finally home. With love, Susanne DeCrane
John Buttars said:
Jim, my heart is breaking this morning and in grief. I am so grateful for what you have contributed to the ecumenical community and to the community beyond the churches. You are a bearer of good news even in the midst of personally dealing with very rotten news. I find myself contemplating once again the challenging path of Jesus: “Faith without certainty, Hope without finality, Love without dominating power.” May your trip home to your beloved island be as comfortable and easy as possible. May our prayer and love sustain and uplift you on the days ahead. We love you. Thank you for just being you and sharing your journey so transparently and graciously. You continue to provide such amazing leadership, even when it would be so easy to see yourself marginalized by your illness. Blessings, John Buttars
Judy Vestrup said:
Dear Jim- you don’t know me, and so I have hesitated to write- until now. When I made the Spiritual Exercises in Guelph in 2002 you taught us how to pray with the land. That was a marvelous gift. Then, when I returned on retreat in May this year- I spent time on the meditative walk of the Stations of the Cosmos; it has remained with me, and taken me on a search for a new understanding of the Incarnation, an understanding vast enough to encompass all of God’s good and mysterious creation. That was another marvelous gift, from you and your colleagues at Loyola House. Sadly, I also learned in May,of your journey with an aggressive malignancy. Since then I have prayed daily for you, for your Jesuit companions on the road, and for your family and friends. And will continue to….My Anglican community of St John the Divine, in Victoria BC, has been praying as well.
I just wanted you to know how much your life and your love of the earth, and of all creation matters, even to those whom you do not personally know. May your travels back to PEI be easy ones, and may this Advent time of waiting, be a holy and graced time for you and all who love you. Blessings, comfort and peace.
Judy Vestrup
Sam Turton said:
I can only imagine how difficult this is. But I know you will walk this particular valley with awareness. I’m so glad that I walked with you on the efforts to protect the Ignatius Jesuit Centre, and immeasurable\y sad that we won’t share that type of experience again – in this form. My heart is with you as you walk deeper into the mystery. Sam.
Margie Gillis said:
Dear Jim,
You are a solid citizen of the Kingdom! Your passion for life and your care for the goodness in God’s great creation has been a gift that shines forth now and will shine eternally. As you make your final steps in this great journey, know that you do not walk alone-ever! You have been embraced by Divine love and have been graced with a voice and presence that has echoed the words of Micah, Amos and Isaiah and the Gospel of Jesus! You have cried out for and on behalf of creation in word and in deed! Thank you for your strong spirit and for having the guts to fight the good fight until the end! Your journey and courage in sharing this most intimate ‘sacred path’, will bring hope and confidence to many.
Now as you head homeward, take heart and trust in the amazing grace of God’s embrace! You are being sent forth with great love and hope. Know that you take a part of our hearts with you! Your great Profit family and Jesuit brothers will ferry you safetly with their prayers.Godspeed to you Jim, until we meet again! With Mother Mary’s words and ‘Fiat’ to comfort you: ” Let what you have said be done unto me”! Surrender your heart to the great Heart, and all shall be well! Peace to you Brother. May God keep your feet secure and your heart serene! “You have given your all, and now you return the gift! A proud fellow Easterner, from the “Other Island”! Fondly. xo Margie Gillis
Joanne Berlette said:
Dear Father Jim….I am not sure that you will remember me but we met briefly when I stopped by the Centre regarding wedding paperwork while on my way to camp and canoe in Algonquin Park. Your gentle and kind spirit made me curious about you so I Googled you and found this blog. This allowed me to understand why you were visiting K-W on a regular basis and it also gave me the privilege of your honesty and struggles in dealing with cancer. Most importantly though, you gave me a glimpse of true faith. I have read your blog for over a year now I have worried when there have been lapses in your posts and concerned that things were not going as I had hoped. It now appears as though your journey will now take you to your beloved PEI and your family to await your call to eternal life. You have touched my life in this short time; I can only imagine the impact this is having on your family and very close friends. I wish you, your family and friends peace and may God hold you all in the palm of his hand. God bless.
Marie Burge said:
Dear James,
Thank you for all the ways you are sharing your life, pain, and joys with so many people. I feel so privileged to be following you and accompanying you in this part of your journey. Your ministry during your health trials is truly a sign of hope to all of us who love you. You know how to be unafraid of the new way of life God is offering you with the usual God-generosity. I am sure like all the rest of us, you cannot begin to imagine the joy that awaits you in days ahead. I am with you in your continued path to fullness and pray with you for complete acceptance of whatever God asks of you. One of my favorite bits of the Holy Word, next to the “our groaning for fulfillment with all of creation”, is the expression of Jesus, “I have a baptism with which I am to be baptized and how I long for it to be fulfilled”. Be full of grace and joy my friend.
with a good hug,
Marie
Diane Baltaz said:
Oh, Jim! You are making good decisions but I am tearing up just to read this. You understand the Greater Glory of God and have done much to enhance it. and PEI is your spiritual place — may you be consoled there.
Mary Ann said:
You restored my faith in God again Jim Profit. Spending time at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre of Guelph (when I still lived in Guelph) reminded me of my childhood home in the Ottawa Valley. I was so grateful to spend time on the property and be part of the blessings of the land. When spirituality became earth-based with the courtyard garden, farm, the animals, the community, I could say God again. (I may still say “she” at times though.) Sarah and I are so glad to know you. Sending love and blessings from Vancouver Island for your journey, Mary Ann Moore.
Peter & Barbara Peloso said:
Dearest Jim,
It is with heavy hearts and tears that we have pondered your most recent blog. We are so sorry.
Within the sadness there is also a great sense of gratitude. Gratitude that you are our friend and the gift that you are to us. You have made our lives better by being part of them. We know that hundreds of others would echo this same thankfulness.
The wisdom you brought to IJC over the last several years has brought a new awareness of ecology/spirituality. This too has had a ripple effect around the world and has been an example to many.
In short Jim, you have made this earth a better place by being here!
We will certainly continue to hold you in our hearts and prayers as you enter into the Great Mystery ahead, as you enter into total union with God who is all love and all compassion.
With much love,
Peter & Barbara
elizabeth oleksak said:
Dear Dear Jim.
Your news leaves me with such a heavy heart and tears, tears of gratitude and tears of sadness as you embark on this last part of your journey. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to know you and to share your richness with Genesis staff and so many participants who I know have been praying for you. You were so insistent that Marion and I visit you at Guelph the summer of 2011 when you were just beginning to see the doctors. I have a picture of you at Lake Huron gazing out over the water, it is over my computer and I often wondered what thoughts were going through your mind then. I will hold that visit in fond memory. Remember the little Gingko tree we planted at Genesis one summer from the seeds of our very old mother tree? It has done so well and will be honored to grow there in your memory.
I don’t want to say good-bye right now as I hope there will be a chance for one more blog message. So glad you are going home for this last part of your journey where love and tender care will carry you. I will pray also for your family especially your mom. Blessings my dear friend, mentor and inspiration.
Love and gratitude, Elizabeth
Ethel Peltier said:
Dear Father Profit,
I want to thank you for sharing your journey with all, it could not have been an easy thing to do.
The garden behind the rectory has been dormant for many years, I think of you every summer, and remember what once was a lovely garden,that you created, and gave life and beauty to.
Find peace in PEI with your family, Father Profit., I am truly blessed to having known you, you will always be in my prayers.
A big hug is going out to you, from me,
Baamaapii Miinwaa ka waabmin, Ethel Peltier.
Mary Elizabeth Clark, SSJ said:
Jim,
Although we never met here, perhaps sometime we will in the here after, I just want you to know I am praying for your comfort.
You are an inspiration to all of us cancer survivors! Mary Elizabeth Clark, SSJ
Shirley Shigwadja said:
Dearest Jim
It was hard for me to read your messages every time I read them, but you’re in our prayer & thoughts. Me and David wanted to visit you one more time before winter. But I have lots memories of you and pictures. God bless you on your journey home and may you go knowing that you have made a difference here in Wiky for short time you were here.
Wherever you are, our love & prayers will go with you.
May God bless you and give you strength and a safe journey home,to your family in P.E.I.
We will keep you and your family in our hearts. We love you Jim!
With much love
Shirley Shigwadja & the family
Joan O'Keefe said:
Dear Jim, my prayer continues as it has for a couple of years now. The community of life is sad and yet grateful for what you do, more so for who you are. wishing you enough for the journey to your Island and for whatever time after that.
Joan
deep said:
Dearest Fr Jim I can feel what you are going through I wont preach but surely Christ suffers Christ with you May Christ hold your hand tight and embrace you and give His warmth
Irudaya Jothi SJ said:
Dear Jim,
Love from your companion (Calcutta Jesuit) in Calcutta, India, Happen to read your blog for the first time.. hope not the last time..!
I am 46 years, but I often think and reflect about the inevitable even of life called ‘death’. all those who read and write in your blog will have to embrace it one day.
But the mystery of life of oneself and death of someone is taken for granted by me.
We believe in Hope of being in the presence of our creator,, that comforts..!
Never had a chance to meet you on this planet.. but sure to meet you with Him..!
Remember me when in Paradise if you happen to be before me there..!
Love
Jothi SJ
Diarmuid O'Murchu said:
Hi Jim. Like many others, I am saddened to hear this news, and I admire your wisdom and integrity as you hold it all within. May your family have the grace to journey well with you during this painful but gracious time. And may the Spirit of the land be your daily grace and sustenance.
Claudia McTaggart, SNDdeN said:
Dear Jim –
As have so many, I ponder your message and its meaning. I am sad, angry, living into this mystery with you and so many whose lives you have graced and blessed. My gratitude to and for you is beyond words.
I carry you, your family, your Jesuit community and the multitudes who accompany you in grateful prayer and affection.
Blessings always,
Claudia, SND
sarah j clark said:
Dear Jim ~ Thank you so much for being open to sharing this journey with us … yet another blessing of the many of thousands you have given, and continue to give to all who have had the honour to know you. My heartfelt and continued prayers for this next part of the journey, for you and your family, and community. With love and deep appreciation for all the ways you have made this world a much better place. ~sarah
Bruce Burton said:
Dear Jim,
Your latest blog with its sad and disappointing news was hard for us to read. You have fought so long against this terrible disease. As you return to PEI, it is marvellous that you are able to be at peace with this new stage of your journey. We shall continue to keep you and your family and your community in our prayers.
We thank you for all that you have done to promote greater awareness of ecological spirituality. Your work has been truly inspirational for us and for so many others. Your wisdom (and radiant smile!) will always stay with us.
With love, Bruce Burton and Ferdinanda Van Gennip
Kate Vsetula said:
Dear Jim, Your latest post makes my heart ache. Your journey has been a hard road, but one that you have traveled with grace and honesty. Lately, I have been walking the land at Ignatius in the early mornings. This week the mystery of life and your energy surrounded me on my walks. The sun shining through the apple orchard, the ice dew on the hedgerow, the corn dancing in the wind. Thank you for all you have shared with me. Your love of God and respect for all shines bright. May your trip home to PEI bring you peace. With respect, Kate
julianiimi29 said:
Jim, all the very best to you and your family and I am still praying for you. I hope that you are taking it really easy on your self for now on I hope that you are still being at peace at home. Did you know that I was there one year, I thought of you then for a moment. Just take a moment In til the Lord one day will call you home. I heart with always with you and will always be there with you at this time in life. One day you will fly with your wings and fly away. No one knows when our Lord tells us people to come home to him face to face with him in his glory. What I am trying to say is all the very best for the very last chapter to come to an end. All the very best for now and I will always keep your in my mind and heart for ever in my own heart for sure.
Karen Calzonetti said:
And did you get what you wanted from this life even so? I did. And what did you want? To call myself beloved, to feel myself beloved on this earth – raymond carver
Dearest Jim … Thank you for your generous spirit, and abundantly kind soul. You are such a gift, and we are all better for knowing you. Pray for us, and know we shall look after one another. Rest well my friend. With love.
Cheryl Ann said:
Dear Jim,
I have been following your blog for almost a year; praying for your health to return to what it was. It is hard us as we know you still want to do many things. I am sure you know you have touched many people’s lives; certainly mine.
I continue to pray for you. Make the most of your time on our beloved island.
Cheryl Ann McKenna
Maureen Smith said:
Dear Jim,
It is with a heavy heart that I’m receiving your news. Thank you for the gift of yourself, your friendship and your faith over these years. PEI will be welcoming you home. I will be in touch.
Maureen
Chris Mara said:
Dear Jim,
…to be home in PEI, surrounded by love of family and good Earth… thank you for our time together in Wikwemikong… thank you for letting me help put the gardens in behind Loyola house… thank you for baptizing Xav and Baz and for your constant friendship, thank you for your gracious stewardship of the land, your great and generous heart, and being part of our lives… (Creation is groaning… my small heart is groaning too…)
Love Always,
Chris Margit Xav and Baz
Lisa Calzonetti said:
Dearest friend – this morning I awoke to a light dusting of snow falling silently on the earth; a sense of joy filled my heart knowing that you are on your way home to your family. Today, I do see God in all things and I am comforted. With love, Lisa.
Graeme Sheffield said:
Dear Jim,
I am saddened to hear of your recent developments. I have been walking the Ignatius grounds lately with Kate, and you have been in our thoughts as we explore the beautiful lands there. Every corner we have turned has reminded us of you and all you have done for our fair Earth. Your strength and passion for life, your honesty and integrity in your work and towards others, and your respect for all continues to be an inspiration. It has truly been a pleasure to have met you.
Peace to you
Graeme
Peter Cameron said:
Dear Jim – May your journey home “down East” be full love and support. We will miss you. Love Karen and Peter
Barbara Guy Long said:
Hi Jim,,our meeting was short with Judith Rosenburgh.years ago..but you shared our vision about the Living Room and gave us permission to proceed with it….that is over 11 years ago now and it still stands and even in its decaying state of going back to the earth ,,people come there to pray……Thank you…go happily into your next journey…Its time for the oak leaves to fall and you have been one of the strongest ones…..You will always be remembered….Barbara Guy Long
Timothy Schwinghamer said:
Hello. I used to live in the Ignatius Farm Community. I suppose that Death ought to be utterly terrifying. I also suppose that, owing to my being queer & also owing to the fact that I do not believe in anything, my comment here isn’t going to have a similar flavour to those that precede it. I just want you to know that I’m thinking about you – and I think that it is a good thing, to return to one’s family, and to be able to return to one’s own land. That’s what you were always about, anyway.
I want you to know that although the Jesuits didn’t accept me – and despite the fact that I was mentally unhealthy for a long time – I’m at McGill now and I’m starting a postdoc this semester at Macdonald campus, which is the agricultural & environmental campus in Ste-Anne de Bellevue. So, you know, I’m doing this work here, partly because of your influence (and the influences of Fr. Bill and Heather, etc.) on my life. Those who know/knew the farm community will know that the “etc.” includes a very long list of people whose presence in my life I will treasure until I succumb to the Earth, too.
I have grown and healed and learned and now I spend most of my time designing experiments & helping graduate students manage their agricultural and ecological experimental data.
Anyway, I hope your days are full of love,
Timothy Schwinghamer