Not every central Iowa mom can say her son is a monk, but I can. When Hiram and I learned I was pregnant, we didn’t look at one another, all starry-eyed and say, “If it’s a boy, maybe he’ll grow up to be a monk.” As a rule, Protestants don’t say those kinds of things. Plus, we didn’t even know it was a viable career choice in the United States.
But it is. And when the doctor told us our baby had a birth defect that hits only one in ten thousand newborns, we should have seen the pronouncement for what it was: the precedent by which our son would live his life. From childhood he was on the path chosen by one in ten thousand.
Yesterday, our monk sent an email which directed us to the article Orthodox Monks Find Prayerful Life in State written for the Charleston Daily Mail, about the monastery where he lives. And since people are often curious about his life there, you might like to read it. Our monk son is quoted in the article by his Orthodox name, Father Alban. Within the article is a button which takes you to a slideshow about the monastery. Allen (our unorthodox name for him) is in several pictures, including the picture taken in the goat barn.
I hope you enjoy the article and learn a little more about his days. Though a monk’s life wasn’t the life we dreamed about when we found out I was pregnant, we admire his choice and his dedication. And we know that he has found healing and community and peace there. We know he is growing there. Our relationship with him has improved since he went there. And when we’re in one of those awkward social situations where no one can think of anything to talk about, one mention of our son the monk and conversation flows. No wonder we get so many dinner invitations.
If you need us, we’re free next Friday.
