Reflection

was palpable and clear. The motto for the games was ‘Celebrating the Gift of Life’ and as I read this on the banner across the stands at Optus Stadium, I saw it in the laughter and jubilant cheers of the athletes as they passed by. I was reminded yet again of the privilege this life is for each of us.

Last weekend I attended the Opening Ceremony of the World Transplant Games, at Optus Stadium. It was an uplifting and extremely joyful experience. As the athletes entered the stadium grouped in their respective countries, their smiles said it all. Each of the athletes, only alive and able to travel to compete in the Games through the generosity of strangers who in the midst of their tragic loss recognised the opportunity to gift life to others. Their gratitude and appreciation for this gift

The upcoming month of May is a busy month for us at Murdoch and in our communities as we celebrate, amongst other things – Mother’s Day, Palliative Care Week, International Nurses and Midwives day, National Volunteers week, Every Caregiver Counts and Reconciliation week. Each of these, and many other events, remind us of the generosity of others that enables or enhances life.

Whilst Mother’s Day can be a difficult day for many – it is an opportunity to be grateful for the beginning of our own lives. Saying thank you to our mothers reminds us of their life and that of others we love and cherish.

In the world of healthcare, the Palliative Care movement has for many years worked hard to change society’s attitudes to death and dying, creating a conversation that is more about affirming life in its totality than focussing on death. Perhaps a timely reminder that good end of life care involves a recognition of all that each life has held as sacred and meaningful. An appropriate segue into recognising the amazing and transformative work of our nurses and midwives who help bring to birth and maintain life, and those who shepherd others through the last moments of life – again celebrating the gift of life in all they do.

Our Volunteers too, in every smile, every greeting, every task bring others to life by their respect and compassion.

Thank you to every caregiver, every volunteer, every person who lives our values and makes a difference in ways too numerous to mention.

Perhaps May might be renamed, ‘Celebrating the Gift of Life’ Month for us at Murdoch…

Jenni Ashton