Harnishes

Plow Creek Mennonite Church

Harnishes

Jim and Donna Harnish came to Plow Creek in 1974. Jim has been a potter, house painter, and a peace activist, among other things. Donna was the church historian, librarian, and piano teacher to many children here..

Donna died December 4, 2006 after 8 years of being bedridden due to Alzheimers and a stroke.

In May 2005 Plow Creek held a reception honoring Jim and his artistic sculpture.

THOUGHTS ABOUT DONNA

December 13, 2006

Donna died 10 days ago after 8 yrs. and 8 months of care here. I don’t miss having to care for her bony body. That became so painful. But Donna really is gone from us now. Maybe she prays for us now. There are changes in my life. More flexibility with my time; no more nights over there; less laundry; less responsibility.

Donna really left us long ago, and so slowly. Words left. Her smile left. Her greetings of recognition of us left. We became familiar but not known. Slowly her desire for life left. Yet her spirit hung on, almost fiercely, to life. We don’t know what it was like for Donna, this journey. I think she felt our love as we cared for her. So much care given.

Donna received our care with so little complaint, and no spirit of demand, even if she had had words to use. She just received, and stayed emotionally at peace in her ordered, known world.

Slowly in her journey, Donna and the Lord taught us about faithfulness, about receiving without needing to give in return. Yet giving us a gift in that lesson. Building relationships came as well, and a deeper understanding among all of us here of what community is. Important gifts from and through someone who seemed so helpless. We so easily define our worth by what we are able to do. Yet Donna had worth simply in her being. As we all do. Thank you, Lord, for your gift of Donna’s life among us. Gift given years before in a bright smile and laugh, a warm heart—and her gift given in her helpless years. May we all be gift to those around us, according to your good will.

By Louise

The Faithfulness of Our God

Louise Stahnke

Plow Creek Fellowship

Jim and Donna moved here in the 1970's, when they were in their 50's, and actively contributed to our life together for many years. Ten years ago, Donna began to need more and more care, which Jim gave her in their home in Tiskilwa. Then in 1998, Donna had a minor stroke that added to problems with Alzheimers. The fellowship gladly set up a small apartment for Donna near our other homes on the farm, where help could be given. And Jim faithfully came out here day after day to give many hours of his time and care as we provided total care for Donna.

Volunteers provided relief at night and for breaks for Jim, when he would take them. And we began to understand what faithfulness means as we walked together day after day, doing small things together, becoming community in a deeper sense as we gathered around Donna in her needs.

In July of 2004, Jim's mobility problems increased to the place where he knew he was no longer safe driving or being in his house alone. After a fall and a day of hospital tests, some of our men moved Jim's bed from the house to the apartment with Donna and he has been there with Donna since then. A lift chair, walker, and wheelchair make it possible for Jim to continue to do what he can for his wife. And the people of Plow Creek have gathered around them. The family that shares the duplex is quick to find their way downstairs to Jim when the power goes out; others bring in food regularly for Jim, do shopping, move Donna to and from her chair in the afternoon, and share Sunday lunch time with Jim while the rest of us eat together. Night time relief for Donna's care continues as well. Jim and Donna continue to give and receive, and we are all blessed by their presence with us. If we, broken and imperfect as we are, can show such faithfulness, how much more is the Lord able to be faithful to us in our every need?