What is the New Normal? Finding Peace and Joy After My Husband’s Stroke

Originally Published on OST.EDU

Wednesday, September 20

What happens when your beloved is no longer able to be the active partner he or she once was? How can I help someone living through this?By Oblate School of Theology

Date and time

Wednesday, September 20 · 1 – 2pm CDT

Location

Online

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event Eventbrite’s fee is nonrefundable.

About this event

• 1 hour
• Mobile eTicket

What is the New Normal? Finding Peace and Joy After My Husband’s Stroke: A Conversation with Lynn Ann Reesman, M.A.

Forest Dwelling Program Spirituality for our Wisdom Years Webinar

In this eighth of a series of conversations with elders who have entered into the final stage of life with grace and wisdom, Dr Maggie Meigs, Director of the Forest Dwelling Program at OST, will have a conversation with Lynn Ann Reesman.

What happens when your beloved is no longer able to be the active partner he or she once was? How can you find a way of living that affirms love in a new way? My needs, their needs – where is the healthy balance? What are the spiritual gifts that arise from a health crisis that suddenly changes life? How can I help someone who is living through such a challenge?

In their seventies, Lynn Ann Reesman and her husband, Jim, were enjoying an active lifestyle together after their children were raised and their careers were a wonderful memory. In November 2022, Lynn Ann was set to give a talk at the commencement for the Forest Dwelling Program she had just completed when Jim had a series of strokes which left him with substantial healthcare challenges.

Lynn Ann describes her current lifestyle as living a “hybrid life” with her husband. He is living in a residential center close by and she picks him up to spend a few hours in their home several days a week. Through many dark and confusing hours, Lynn Ann was sustained by her faith, her spiritual practices, and the love of many. Nothing was, or is, easy, but through it Lynn Ann has found a new, visceral and mystical connection to all who are suffering. This experience has deepened her in a way that many more fun and light-hearted days on the golf course with Jim could never have done. They remain united in their gratitude and faith, finding new paths to peace and joy along the way.

Please join us as Lynn Ann tells her story which highlights the simple nobility of people who continue to say “Yes” to life and discover new ways of loving through the challenges of aging. She will inspire you and share some practical ways to find the new normal.

Speaker

Lynn Ann Reesman is a wife, mother of 6 adult children, grandmother of 11, former educator and parish Director of Adult Ministry. While retired, she continues to minister as a spiritual director and retreat facilitator. She holds M.A. degrees from Cardinal Stritch University (reading education), St. Francis Seminary (pastoral studies) and Creighton University (spirituality) and is a graduate of the OST Forest Dwelling program. She lives in Jackson, WI, near Milwaukee. She draws joy and strength from prayer, family, friendships, nature, reading, traveling, and creating.

This presentation will be recorded and will be available for viewing through October 20, 2023. Approximately 24 hours after the presentation, a follow-up email will be sent that will include instructions on how to re-watch.

Tentative Schedule

1:00 – 1:45 Conversation with Lynn Ann Reesman

1:45 – 2:00 Questions and comments from participants

Students, staff, and faculty from Oblate School of Theology may attend for free. Please email continuinged@ost.edu with your name and institutional email address. You will be added to the attendees list and receive an access link by email the day prior to the event.

For information, contact Emmett Gonzalez at egonzalez@ost.edu or (210)341-1366 EXT 320.

ALL REFUNDS ARE SUBJECT TO A 10% PROCESSING FEE.