Reflection

When someone we love dies, it often feels as though we pass through many storms and times of calm.

We all experience these things differently and each circumstance is unique. Yet a few things remain the same for us all.

We need to grieve. To acknowledge that something significant has happened and life will never be quite the same again. We all do this to some degree, and often we expect that after a storm of tears, or an outburst of anger, that we have finished, but surprisingly we find there is yet more in store.

It is important to recognise that grief is a normal experience and that the process of grieving does require experiencing the pain that accompanies the loss of a loved one. Grief is a process towards healing, not an event. It is a journey, not a destination. Through it all, no matter what, God is with us. We are never alone.

Rev Dr Bruce Grindlay
Coordinating Chaplain,
Resthaven Aberfoyle Park
Resthaven Marion

Change and Opportunity

The thought of change is never easy. In fact it can be quite daunting and unsettling.

Of course, we have all experienced a variety of changes along life’s pathway.

As a person begins to think about entering an aged care facility it is perfectly natural to have mixed feelings.

One of the most significant changes that needs to be faced is that of leaving the place we have called ‘home’ for a time; often a very long time.

The thought of losing some of our independence can cause us to feel unsure. Then there is the thought of maintaining our dignity in a new place with people we don’t know.

Well, after a few deep breaths we might like to consider the positives of making such a move for our own health and perhaps own family’s peace of mind too.

In time perhaps we will discover the changes we have made have actually led to a new opportunity for us to grow as persons as we receive appropriate care and become a respected part of a new community.

Rev Kingsley Congdon
Chaplain