It’s been another amazing year. Who knew that COVID-19 would stay with us, take new turns, and keep us constantly surprised? We are dismayed by the number of people who have been sick and who have died in the US and around the world. Yet, we will continue to hope that the COVID-19 pandemic will end – some day. It certainly has altered the way we think and live.  

Although 2021 has been a difficult year, it has also been growth producing and significant for me. I continue to be involved here at Penney Farms in the community and in the church on the campus. I lead the Social Concerns Ministry and preach here and in other locations (virtually) around the country. I am on several teams here and in other locations trying to help folks find creative ways of being in the world. My newest undertaking is working to ensure that disabled people are treated with dignity and respect as fully functioning people. Recently I’ve made speeches and preached sermons related to how people need to respond to people with disabilities – of all types. A big but exciting challenge. 

One of my greatest joys this year was when Mayo Clinic (my life saver) decided to feature the story of my life living with paraneoplastic syndrome. They published a number of stories and recorded a special four-minute professional video. You can watch the video at https://youtu.be/lB3sV3wJCKo.  I think you will enjoy it.   

Last year I published my book Nine Lives of Joy: The Journey of a Life. The book was a joy to write, and I’m delighted it received wonderful reviews. The paperback is $6.95 and the Kindle version $5.00 on Amazon. I am so pleased that Nebraska Wesleyan, General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church, the University of Maryland, and the Ford Foundation have published articles related to the book and to my work. What a privilege for me.  

I still work with a number of spiritual companions around the country and write this occasional blog, which keeps my hand in writing and helps me be more observant about what’s going on in life. 

I actually traveled a bit this summer and fall to Nebraska, New York, and California to see family and friends. I had not seen my beloved family in California for almost 2 years. We had a glorious time staying in a beautiful house on the ocean front near San Diego. No housekeeping, no cooking, just enjoying one another. And, of course, I continue to “travel” to Mayo Clinic frequently. Mayo has done a magnificent job of keeping me alive and well, and I am enormously grateful for my health care providers. 

Thank you for your support and good thoughts as I continue to try to live life fully in spite of the challenges I face. Yes, pain and loss at times can bring out the best in us. Please plan to visit me, if possible – it is beautiful here in the winter.  

May we care deeply for one another and bring peace to our world. Thank you for being a part of my life. I send you peace, hope, and love.    

–Joy Carol

www.joycarol.com