Tranquility

2020 has been a tough year. With the coming of spring, Helderberg Hospice is reminded of the changing seasons of life. Just a few weeks ago, Helderberg Hospice gardens were, like all of us, somewhat dishevelled and frazzled. The garden volunteer team was unable to tend to the garden for an extended period of time due to the Covid-19 lock down. As spring arrives and the restrictions ease, so the garden comes alive with hope, joy and rebirth. It’s a time of learning new skills and habits, acquiring knowledge, and a deeper level of self-understanding, triggering within us anticipation and a sense of purpose and direction. Throughout the seasons both of life and the weather, death is a recurring theme. As the leaves on the trees die and fall to the ground, so do our dreams and relationships come to an end. The dying leaves hold great beauty, but we don’t always see the significance of this process. It can be a heart-rending, painful and frustrating time, especially when we lose our precious loved ones. Just as the leaves die, they break down into mulch and become compost for the soil. This makes the soil richer, and whatever is planted in it grows stronger. Our experiences are the compost for the soil of our heart and soul. Allow them to cultivate and strengthen your heart and character, let the changing seasons of life become something beautiful and meaningful. Hospice invites the community to come and experience its garden, especially the Garden of Remembrance. This garden is a safe and tranquil place for all members of the Helderberg community to visit, honour your loved one by placing a memorial, and spend time remembering family members and friends who have passed on. Opening hours are Mondays to Fridays, from 8.30am to 4.30pm. For more information or to arrange a personal tour, contact Cheryl on 021 856 4608, email remembrance@helderberghospice.org.za, or visit www.helderberghospice.org.za