NEWS

Susan Abbott and Jacqueline Bussie

How fitting that in April, National Poetry Month, residents at The Pines honored the memory of their friend, Dr. Anthony (Tony) Abbott, an award-winning poet and well-loved English professor, emeritus, at Davidson College. Tony’s death during the pandemic kept friends and family from gathering in person to celebrate his life and the many contributions he made to the town and the college. Anonymous donors contributed funds to provide a program at a later date that would honor Tony’s life. In accordance with the wishes of Tony’s family, the gathering was not to be about him. Rather, it was to be an illustration of what he valued.

Jacqueline Bussie, one of Tony’s former students, who is an award-winning author, public theologian, and religion professor was the speaker. She is like family to the Abbotts. Currently, she is the executive director of the Collegeville Institute, a residential center in Minnesota, that brings together diverse groups of scholars, writers, artists, and faith leaders through its various programs. She is also the author of two books. Her most recent book, Love Without Limits, has won three major international awards and its second edition, paperback and audiobook version, will be released on August 2 of this year.

During her presentation, Dr. Bussie spoke about the divisiveness in our country. She told us that “Understanding and agreement are not the same thing. Love demands only the first, not the second.” We have created many divisions among ourselves, but there is one unifying concept: love. She urged us to find ways to “love without limits.”

Following her talk, those present adjourned to a wine and cheese reception where they could speak with Jacqueline and with members of Tony’s family.