Pauline C
You will find my photo in the Chaplaincy section of the website as I joined the chaplaincy team in 2016 to support Sister Bernie, who is the hospital chaplain.
I first knew about Mildmay Hospital when my son Paul came here as a patient. He was in Mildmay for over 6 weeks and was very happy there. I used to visit him a couple of times a week, and having been made so welcome, I actually enjoyed being there.
After that, Paul left hospital to go home but unfortunately, he died on 14th February 2014. He was only 35. May he continue to rest in God’s peace. Bernie and the Mildmay staff were very supportive and immediately they gave me and my family such a lot of comfort. Bernie came to Paul’s funeral and that so touched me.
After a while, I wanted to thank Mildmay for all the kindness and prayers they showed towards me and to Paul. At Bernie’s invitation, I then joined the chaplaincy team as a volunteer.
I go into the hospital on a monthly basis but of course during this last the last year of the pandemic I have only been back occasionally. As a volunteer, I enter into a loving, caring community where everyone looks after each other. Mildmay Mission hospital is small but complex and I touch into the love that is present all around there. Everyone works towards the clients’ healing and wholeness as each one is considered to be important.
Whatever their role at Mildmay each person is appreciated for the contribution he or she makes to Mildmay. When I go there the atmosphere is friendly and I feel I am coming home.
Paul’s memory is alive there as he is always mentioned. His name is inserted in the Memorial Book in the chapel. Above all, this is a place of hope, love with an emphasis on the ‘spiritual’ as every person is recognised as such. My wish is for Mildmay Mission Hospital is that it will be there for many years to come. God bless Mildmay!
July 2021