Reflection: New Year's Eve 2021

I think for many of us, this has been a year we will be glad to turn the calendar over, and put so much of it behind us. For me, it's been a year where I have had to dig deep to find resilience, strength, motivation and even hope some days. By the years end, my passion for nursing wilted like flowers on a hot summer's day and inspiration wasn't far behind it. I faced many challenges as a Palliative Care nurse this year, as I know most, if not all of my nursing colleagues did too. Sadly our challenges are not over as we head into another year, we face new ones now every day. However, while I may have lacked my own inspiration, I was inspired by so many others this year. The courage of my patients and their families is what keeps our perspective in check, along with the mate ship and support of my frontline colleagues (you know who you are). I was encouraged by the many kind words and offers of help you gave me throughout year. 

I have always been inspired by the stories of the ANZAC nurses, who, despite being overwhelmed by sheer fatigue, fear and uncertainty, they banded together. We have had many days like that this year and will have long into 2022. I'm honoured to serve alongside and 'in the trenches' with you. Thank you.❤️

To my family, I am grateful every day for the blessing you are to me, for the joy and love you give me. Home has been my place of solace, and time with my family refreshes my soul, especially my grandchildren.

My faith will always be the foundation on which my weary soul lands. God's mercies are new every morning and great is His faithfulness to my life. In my heart, I know I will face some big changes in 2022, so I am reassured that all my tomorrow's are in His hands.

Tonight, as the countdown begins, I am reminded of the Serenity prayer 🙏.. 

"God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference".

I pray it for all of us. 🙏

Happy New Year. 🍾🥂

On Christmas Eve 🌲🎁

Reflective Day. Remembering past Christmas's and the now empty seats at the table, thankful for many blessings that God has given me over my life. A family. It really is the most precious of all gifts. Never to be taken for granted, in it we connect, we love, we share, we celebrate, we grieve, we reach out to embrace, hug, kiss, laugh & cry.  I have spent time today, looking through photos, fond memories come to mind,  a mixture of emotions rise, smiles and a few laughs at some funny moments (our family certainly has many of these.. especially with my brother, Rod Linklater), holidays, family occasions and everyday activities captured across decades. Babies are now parents,  adults and grandparents. A few tears falls as I look back on loved ones no longer with us. A sadness too, as I miss my family in the States 🇺🇸. I am not the only one... I have many dear friends who tonight are missing their family members separated for another Christmas day. You are all in my prayers tonight. 🙏

I spend this evening watching the Carols, I'm a traditionalist at heart, with fond memories there too!  The Hallelujah Chorus is sung, I can only imagine how this must sound in heaven... for tonight a little heaven comes to earth as we remember and give thanks to God for the gift of His Son, Jesus who came to light a path of Salvation for all those who choose to believe.

Merry Christmas 🎄