One of my 2021 goals is to give back to people and families who stepped up during the pandemic. I've donated sessions to a few frontline workers but this one has a special place in my heart. Emily is the Rector at St. Peters Episcopal Church here in Poolesville (fun fact, I think we'd had coffee at least three times before she told me that!) She is one of the funniest people I've ever met and the joy that she brings to everything is contagious! Emily's shepherding of her congregation (and community) through the past year has been a shining example of a religious leader who exemplifies all of her church's teachings.
Emily was one of the first to offer online streaming services at the pandemics start and now continues to offer outdoor services so that those who are not yet comfortable indoors can still celebrate. At Christmastime, she organized a drive-through Christmas pageant. A Very Covid Christmas allowed families to drive around town and see their Poolesville neighbors display various scenes of the Nativity - all from the safety of their cars while enjoying a specially curated Spotify playlist. But it was her quieter achievement that drove home what an amazing person Emily is: As soon as the vaccine became available, she worked tirelessly to ensure that all of her congregation had access to an appointment. Working off of a spreadsheet, she was online in the wee hours of the morning checking CVS, Giant, Walgreens, Mass Vax Sites etc. Once her congregation was covered, she moved on to others in the community, not stopping until everyone who wanted an appointment was able to have one. Anyone who has tried to secure an appointment for themselves or someone else knows what a huge undertaking that was.
I was so excited to give her even a little of the joy that she has given others, but in the end I think I was the one who walked away with the bigger smile. I may have also threatened to steal that little piece of baby boy perfection.
The Lloyd Family