The Rev. Valerie Storms on everything old being new again

Reflections on a Move North

“You’re not from here, are you?” “Where are you from?” “Do I detect a Southern accent?” “You left Florida to come here??” Since the middle of July 2005, these are questions asked of me almost daily. If I had a dollar for every time one of these questions was asked, I probably could retire! Why am I asked these questions and others similar to them? On July 11th, 2005, I began a new chapter in my life’s journey and in my career when I stepped into an office as the Director of Pastoral Care and Education at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola, Long Island, New York. Yes – you did read that accurately – Long Island, New York!

Moving from one region of the country to another is a definite learning experience! I knew there would be cultural differences, and prepared as best as I could for them. However, there are always things one cannot anticipate. For instance, whoever would have thought that a trip to the grocery store would be an occasion to feel homesick? A lot of the foods are different and displayed in different ways, and there are new brands and different store brands, and few of the “old stand-bys.” How would my favorite recipes work with these new items? What if things didn’t taste the same? What if my “comfort foods” no longer comforted me?

Leaving the physical for a moment to look at things spiritual, how could faith traditions with the same names as those in Florida be like brand new faith groups to me? I thought I knew the Catholic faith traditions fairly well, but the way the Catholic faith is practiced in Florida looks much different from the faith practiced by an Italian family that has lived for generations on Long Island. There are Orthodox Jews in Florida, but the Orthodox Jews I have met on Long Island live out their faith in ways I never saw exhibited in Florida. The knowledge Long Islanders have of faith groups differing from theirs is astounding, and persons raised here know the traditions of others and respect them, for the most part, thinking nothing of closing schools for the Jewish high holidays as well as the Christian holidays, and finding the means to show respect for Muslims observing Ramadan. As a person with responsibilities for addressing the spiritual needs of patients and employees at Winthrop-University Hospital, I am learning in my daily encounters what it truly means to minister from an interfaith perspective.

In the midst of all the change and “culture shock” there are some constants that I have found in hospital ministry in both places. People are anxious and scared by the unknown and seek comfort and reassurance. People are concerned for their loved ones and go to extraordinary means to address their needs. All benefit from having someone trained in the art of pastoral care to walk with them literally and figuratively through the experience of hospitalization.

In adjusting to my new home, I am finding that as I embrace the differences, I am also embracing what is second nature to me - serving those who are in need of a reminder of God’s presence, with or without a Southern accent.

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