New Member Bio: Mindy Allen
Mindy Allen (she, her) was looking for a home and family. She found both at First Unitarian. Mindy landed at 5007 Waterman Ave. by a circuitous route, but it’s one that reflects who she is.
She identifies as “neurospicy”. That’s a term which is replacing “neurodivergent” to express different ways of thinking or experiencing the world from what is considered “typical”. The neurospicy concept has become increasingly important as people begin to realize that those who are neurodiverse don't need to be "fixed" or "cured”– they just need support and understanding.
After providing end-of-life care for her elderly father in Salt Lake City, UT, Mindy was doing the same for her Mom. “My mother has historically had a hard time appreciating my efforts,” Mindy stated. Finally, the situation became untenable, and she agreed to leave her Mother’s home.
Some friends in Centralia, IL, who she’d met years ago on the Internet and developed a bond with, suggested that she come live with them. So, she moved to Illinois in October.
“It sounded too good to be true, and it was,” she said.
Things were great until they weren’t. Mold was found in the new home, and once again Mindy needed a place to rest for herself and her cats Pearl and Nyx. (The latter cat came by his moniker because she thought she was adopting a black kitten, who she was naming Onyx. But he grew into a Siamese and lost half his name in the process.)
Following her intuition while home hunting, Mindy remembered the experience of Unitarian friends and decided to give First Unitarian a try. I’m kind of a witchy, pagan type,” she said. The First Unitarian choir also drew her, and she joined. “I love to sing. I’m made of music,” she said.
She’s settled in the Collinsville area, was recently approved for disability income, and loves her First Unitarian Church home.
Mindy has embraced Unitarian values. The proposed language of UUA’s Article 2 states: “Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. We are accountable to one another for doing the work of living our shared values through the spiritual discipline of Love.”
Asked what people should know about her, Mindy’s immediate response was, “(They should know) that I love them. I’m working really hard to love people right where they are.”
Putting that love into practice, she noted that, “By moving here, I got the perspective to heal my relationship with my mom, and that makes every hardship worth it.”