My name is LeeAnne Watkins.

Trump was just re-elected. Well shit.

I’m 58 years old, and figure, God willing, there’s a chunk of time left on this earth to use my skills for good. Or at least some good energy, and good will.

The skills? Well, I spent almost 30 years as a priest in the Episcopal Church, which I loved to pieces. Loved the church, loved being a priest. I can still say both of those things are true, although I’ve turned in the proverbial keys for leadership in the church and gave up the privilege of administering the sacraments as a priest in the church’s name. Now I use the experience from that season of life serving people who are at the end of life, and those who love them and those who serve them, in hospice.

Summer of 2022 some new friends and I had a dream of starting a non profit hospice, which, thanks to Episcopal Homes, became a reality, and Beyond Hospice was born. Now I am our Director of Spiritual Care and Bereavement Services, and loving that work.

I don’t know what the future holds for this country, but my Baptismal Covenant still holds - working for justice and peace, respecting the dignity of every human being, with God’s help.

So maybe, my words can help. Here are some words.