Stories from Johanna Woodchild
Although I became a Unitarian Universalist at the age of 22 I had not been active for a very long time. I moved to Charlottesville in 2004 to take care of my grandson while his parents were at work in Albemarle County Schools. In 3 years time I had not made any real friends. My contacts were with other grandmothers and neighbors. I never met anyone with whom I could have a conversation beyond the weather or who won the football game. I decided that it was time for me to go to the UU church. THERE I FOUND FRIENDS IN GREAT ABUNDANCE!
At that time I was looking forward to the 50th anniversary of my high school graduation in Oxford, Mississippi. I had suggested to the reunion organizer that it would be good to have one event during the weekend that would bring the graduates of the white high school and the black one together. I was told, “That will not happen.” The next Sunday I approached the chairperson of the Undoing Racism Committee, Jean Shepard, and told her of my mission. As I talked tears began to well up in my eyes. I said to Jean, “I hadn’t realized until this moment how important this is to me.” I got a wonderful hug and a pledge of support from Jean and I knew I had come home. In Mississippi we did have a very small but wonderful reunion with our fellow graduates of 1978. After I returned to Charlottesville, when I spoke during the “Joys and Sorrows” part of our service about the reunion, it was with a feeling of great joy and satisfaction.
Although I love spending time with my now 3 grandchildren and yes, our conversations are more interesting than the weather and game scores, I still need to have adult conversations with like minded friends. The people of TJMC provide that and so much more. This is my home, my challenge, my joy.