My late Aunt Jean’s recent memorial service has been one of several things recently that have prompted me to ask myself what people will consider my impact has been on those around me when I shuffle off this mortal coil. I’m sure that interring her ashes will have the same effect. Rather strangely, the event that prompted the question most strongly was the leaving do of someone who I rarely wanted to see, cost me quite a lot of money and also brought some pain. It was the retirement party for the dentist who I’ve been visiting for 23 years. Like many people, I do not relish trips to the dentist but this one was able to calm my fears and gently explain what was needed and guide me to choose between various options before treating me. The pain incurred was mainly the injections which I dislike hugely. It felt a huge endorsement of his work that so many wanted to mark his retirement.
Jean left most of her estate to various charities in her Will (including the St Martin’s PCC). As one of the executors, being able to make significant payments to charities has been a privilege and continued the generosity that she showed during her life. The responses from those charities have been heartening.
Today marks the start of Christian Aid week which is one opportunity to help with giving towards financial and educational support to assist people to be strong in the face of incredibly challenging circumstances where they can achieve so much with a little. In the face of unprecedented wealth for a few, huge inequalities at home and seemingly forgotten areas abroad blighted by famine and the impact of climate change as well as huge structural disadvantages, perhaps the question to ask myself is ‘how can I live more simply that others may simply live?’
Jeff Claxton
