This all went to sleep (and it was a good idea) after the discussion of the exit from the Ashland church. I decided to simply leave cold turkey, so I never lingered around, giving explanations to people or complaining or anything like that. Most of the people there never got a word of explanation from me, though I know that Sharon Broeder's dying wish was that I would return and Andi Shifley was in tears, begging me to reconsider. I didn't want to start any kind of political battle.
So I've been gone for three years. Occasionally there's a death and a memorial service and I return and see old friends. I always have good times with the Reeds and others and get cold shoulders from the nuns.
Soon after I left, a new treasurer was appointed, a woman who had corporate experience and was brand new to the parish. We met to go over all the stuff I had been doing, and she was full of praise for my diligence. She lasted about a year, then got forced out. After she left the parish, three of us got together: her, me, and Allan Andersen. We traded stories about how toxic the priest was—and I remembered some of the ugly stuff from when Allan and Mike McKinley were negotiating the lease with the Montessori people in the basement. All the accusations that were flung at them.
Anyhow, all that is behind. I'm in a good place now, and I don't expect to ever be on a Vestry or serve as a treasurer. Shelby has become a good home.
