The Garden

We spent an hour in the garden today.

“Shall we go outside? It’s a beautiful day,” I said shortly after I arrived.

“Okay, I’ll put on my coat,” she replied.

And just like that, off we went.

As we slowly walked toward the sitting area at the bottom of the garden she looked around and smiled.

“The grass needs cutting,” she said. “My gardener came the other day and trimmed the roses, but I bet she has not done them to my husband M's standard.”

She laughed.

And just like that, the mood for the next hour was set.

There was a cool breeze, mixed with moments of warmth as the sun occasionally broke through. Sitting there, the conversation naturally flowed. She chuckled as she recalled receiving flowers from a neighbour years ago that “never lasted and never grew.” Then she spoke about the flowers she loved most flowers gifted by friends abroad, flowers she photographed each year when they bloomed.

“One winter we thought this one would die,” she said as she pointed towards it. “But it never did. It will probably outlive us all.”

I paused and smiled.

Gardens hold far more than plants and flowers.

They hold memories.

Memories of trees being planted, summer parties, children playing, loved ones sitting together, cups of tea shared, and people who may no longer be physically present but remain part of the garden's story.

As we walked back towards the house she turned and said:

“Thank you for taking me outside. The weather hasn't been good recently and I plan to come into my garden more.”

Sometimes care is not found in large interventions.

Sometimes care is sitting outside with a cup of tea and a biscuit.

Sometimes care is listening.

Sometimes care is noticing.

At Pimelea Care Services we believe person-centred care matters because the word “care” means different things to different people.

Let us continue valuing the meanings behind the words we use.

Let us continue challenging and reshaping perceptions of what care should look like.

Because one day, we too may need care.

And when that day comes, perhaps we will hope that someone takes the time to sit with us in our own garden.

#PersonCentredCare #ReflectivePractice #CompassionateCare #SocialCare #PimeleaCareServices #MakingMemories #CareWithDignity

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