Finding the Good in Difficult Days: Associate Pam Korte

I am four years retired from teaching at Mount St. Joseph University. I was already used to a lot of solitary time as an artist and reader of books. I miss my small communities: book clubs, Bellarmine, art and craft group, prayer groups, but I am also well habituated to solitude. I walk the dog more and look for the face of God in every day’s natural beauty. One day it was the welcoming faces of open daffodils that seemed like the smile of God; on Easter, a sidewalk full of Maple wings reminded me our spirits are meant to soar; and on another day, the absolutely endless blue sky spoke of infinite love. This “looking business” is the job of the artist and has become my inspiration and consolation. If the “church” has left the building I am reveling in alone time for prayer and wonder.

I worry and pray for my family and lift up the leadership of the Charity Family to keep our Sisters and employees safe in the Motherhouse to the disparate places Charity serves. I can’t even imagine the decisions that are being made to weigh safety and the call to serve. May all be well.

Around me, my neighbors are sewing and sharing masks, cutting grass of common areas, sharing food, sharing plant starts for gardens. I bake for those who don’t. Fresh bread has become an obsession dredged up from when my boys were little. I hope the spirit of our better angels takes hold and lives strong into our unknown future. May our empathy last. May the consciousness of personal sacrifice for the common good take root deeply.

Associate Pam Korte says her dog, Quinn, is the face that gets her out and walking every day.

Associate Pam Korte photographed unfurled hosta leaves opening to God and sunlight.