A WIDE UPDATE

Even after the many months of this pandemic, Wide Horizon is still in good financial shape, with much thanks to our generous donors and a significant generous bequest from the estate of a longtime friend and supporter of Wide Horizon. Although there have been long periods when Wide was closed to visitors, new patients, and new residents, we have been able to allow very select admissions under strict protocols and have limited visitations.  Visitors must still wear facemasks and be scanned upon arrival. And, Wide Horizon’s staff members also must still wear facemasks, be scanned daily, and have to do COVID testing twice a week. Nevertheless, given Wide’s status as a state-licensed nursing care facility, restrictions, though not gone yet, have loosened, such as residents selectively and spatially being able to dine once a day in our spacious dining room. We’re grateful.

I attribute our current status to a spirit of giving while still receiving, to an outpouring of love rather than a sense of need. We have sustained our outreach to the community through personal letters and phone calls as well as informational and inspirational talks over Zoom. We continue to appreciate the wonderful attendance of both our online annual meeting in October 2020 and workshop in February 2021. (We plan to hold more virtual events in 2021.) We strive to reverse the thought of being a non-profit organization that greatly needs financial support to survive, to one of an inspired idea called Wide Horizon that exists to bless the world. We are grateful.

We’ve experienced and witnessed many signs of God’s protective presence and power during these past months in particular. Individually and collectively all of the staff at Wide Horizon rose to the needs, banding together in one accord to protect our guests and residents as well as one another. We witnessed healings of quick reversal of symptoms or complete protection from symptoms of COVID-19. There were continual adjustments made harmoniously and uniformly in regard to all the changing requirements Wide Horizon, staff and residents had to do. Our individual and collective prayer, the practice of Christian Science, and Almighty God notably has protected us all. We are truly grateful.

Personally, there have been numerous times when I have felt professionally drained, physically challenged, or mentally spent. Each of these challenges was met – often reaching out to divine Love, Spirit, for strength, health, and energy, as well as guidance, spiritual discernment, and Mind’s ever-present angel messages. The campus atmosphere and setting are always beautifully peaceful (with the exception of the drumming beaks of flickers or woodpeckers on the buildings and rain gutters). The working environment consistently tends to be conducive to healing, for I have often felt better when driving up the main driveway early in the mornings. When I arrive in my office, I am reminded of God’s Word and the many examples of Love’s presence and power in my life (and in the lives of those who serve and are cared for at Wide).

On my computer desk is a deck of cards – Keep Calm & Trust God – which have many inspirational and scriptural quotes. On one wall I’ve posted biblical verses such as: “Fear thou not: for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God”; “…when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I”; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart”; “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God”; “Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find”; “Feed my sheep”; “He [divine Love] restores my soul”; “With God all things are possible”; “Let us exalt His name together.” These help to feed and restore my soul. So, I, with numerous very fine individuals of wonderful diversity, continue to work, watch and prayerfully support Christian Science nursing at Wide Horizon, while serving Spirit, God to the best of my God-given talents. I’m grateful.

“That’s all folks!”

D. Brian Boettiger