While on a vacation with my wife last week, we learned the news that my former boss, Bishop Edward Salmon passed away foll
owing a battle with cancer. He was 82 at the time and lived a very full life, touching the lives and ministries of many people I know. Bishop Salmon served as the diocesan Bishop at the time I was hired in 2001 in South Carolina. He was, and I know this sounds odd, the first bishop I met who was useful. I noted that in my mind after I met him when interviewing for the position I am still in today. Having not grown up in the Episcopal Church or the Anglican tradition, the only bishops I met prior to that were in England and they were more or less figure heads. I learned a lot from Bishop Salmon. He really emphasized to me the importance of being upfront and truthful with people, even if that is uncomfortable. He did that better than I did however. He kept me very busy in my work because he put such a strong emphasis on the importance of youth ministry in our churches. I regularly received phone calls from clergy or church leaders saying “Bishop Salmon told me to call you because…”. He valued non-ordained youth ministers who were called and trained to serve the church in a very specific ministry. I was also impressed because he had a way of pushing churches towards making decisions that led to growth.
So, my vacation was one that included mourning for a man who was a significant influence on my life. I knew of his battle with cancer and that his weak heart limited the treatment he was receiving. Yet my vacation was also anticipating a different kind of mourning. A week after returning, my wife would be facing a mastectomy. There is a very significant mourning that goes with that. I am not sure I need to explain that, but it’s very real to me at the moment.
Now, this week I will attend a Eucharistic service in memory of Bishop Salmon and the next day take my wife to the hospital for her surgery. I cannot imagine the emotions that will flood my mind and heart in this week.
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