Saturday, February 24, 2007

Hot Night Delight!

...
At the end of a hot summer’s day, what better way to cool the body for a good night’s rest than a spot of stargazing from under the Southern Cross, afloat on the cooling waters of the backyard pool, palm trees gently swaying in the breeze… I am a tiny dot in this wondrous Universe, yet I have my place in it.

Friday, February 23, 2007

Fire Training


At work I attended the hands-on demonstration in Bush Court on how to use a fire extinguisher.

We froze the bases of several trees with generous amounts of carbon dioxide.

Now I know what to do next time I have a hot flush — just pull the pin and aim...


Thursday, February 08, 2007

Healing Flow

...
Tonight I attended a short remembrance service at the hospital chapel, along with about 30 others who were also grieving the loss of a family member at the palliative care unit in the past few months. The Chaplain, gifted with a deep understanding and sensitivity in this area, had the knack of touching hearts and releasing feelings so healing could flow.


It was good to have supper together, bonded by our shared experience of bereavement, and to have faced the challenge of returning to these familiar buildings and garden which had become so indelibly imprinted on our lives.

The quiet love and support from the beautiful staff and volunteers knows no limit! Religion is irrelevant—this is God’s Perfect Love
lived out for the dying and the living at this place.





Tuesday, February 06, 2007

End of an Era...and a New One Begins

...
Ten weeks ago, on November 29, my Father died at the age of 85. So ends an era in my life, yet whilst grieving, there is a feeling of completeness and peace. Dad lived a full life and had prepared himself and his family for this time. There were some rough passages in the last years, but with excellent palliative care in his last days, he departed this life in dignity and peace.

Now with our first grandchild due in June, one generation makes way for a new generation. Come to think of it, Barry and I have now moved up the rank to next in line! Ah, but there's a lot of living to be done before then...

~To Staff and Volunteers at Palliative Care Unit,
Hollywood Hospital, Nedlands:

You are God's finest Angels~