Good People Make Good Things Happen

While I enjoy discussing such topics as sports and politics, I would not be a reliable source regarding true facts related to these two subjects. Teaching school has always been most fulfilling for me, but I would never claim to be an authority in Education.  And while secretly, and mostly for fun, I like to read articles and watch documentaries surrounding the mysteries of “The Paranormal”, I have yet to discover any astounding insights into this “realm of the unknown”.

However, there is a topic in which I do proclaim to be an EXPERT!  Yes, it is right here in our own home. We refer to it as our CARE CENTRE. Now while I am far from being a hypochondriac, the frequency of my “stays” in the Care Centre (a “break” here and a fall there) qualifies me to express my observations and feelings. So pleasant is the atmosphere and so complete is the care I receive, that I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

When first built, I believe this Care Centre was primarily designed for Retired Sisters requiring nursing care, but today any of us can approach a nurse, twenty-four hours a day or seven days a week.  A Sister’s problem could be as small as a toothache or as serious as chest pain and still she would receive full attention.  I have yet to meet a staff member in the Care Centre who indicates to me that I am inconveniencing her. Whatever your request may be, the common response is always -“Not a Problem”.

Image: unsplash/Nick Fewings

Teamwork is at the heart of the Care Centre staff. They know each other’s job(s) and can move in and out of all tasks with great ease and proficiency. And all of this is done amid life changing to death, cords being pulled, and phones ringing to assist in another location. The dedication and kindness of the staff, who treat everyone as family, reminds us all how hurts and pains can be absorbed by efficient and loving people who create a positive environment.

It is for this reason that I wanted to recognize the present and past staff of our Care Centre and to express our gratitude to the many good people - who make good things happen.

Thank you.💗.

-Sister Paulette Mellon

My Heart Is Moved

My earliest memory of Valentine's Day was hearing my mother tell me that my father did not do any shopping except for Valentine's day. “He had to make sure his children would have Valentines” she would remind us.   

Every year, I loved hearing that story. It spoke to me of my father’s love for us, and of a wife who also treasured this memory of her husband who had died much too young, leaving her a widow, with seven children.  My Irish mother had a wise way of basting that story like an egg, and it is forever etched in my memory and treasured in my heart.

In keeping with the theme of love and loss, I find myself reflecting on all the good-hearted health care workers in all parts of our world.  They have been kind and caring for critically ill, frightened, and dying patients with Covid 19. To this, there has been an outpouring of gratitude by the public, rippling through towns, cities, and the entire world. Witnessing the commitment of health care workers, we ourselves have been empowered to rise up, to give more. 

We shift into a deepened oneness with the suffering, the caregiver, the “dear neighbor” hence, consciously expand our circle of loving to include all people.

This Valentine Day I predict there will be more home-made Valentines. There will be more flowers given. This year I will remember the life-giving energy of significant people who currently touch my life, especially those people in the past who have loved me into life. They are etched in my soul. 

 - Sr. Patricia St. Louis csj