The Gift of Compassion
Stephanie Buckland, Chief Executive Officer, Amana Living
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12
Lent is a season of reflection, service, and renewal. It is a time to draw closer to God in the lead-up to Easter and consider how we can show compassion in meaningful ways.
Compassion is one of our core values at Amana Living. We act with kindness, empathy, and respect, always seeking ways to provide genuine support. This means working together to create meaningful moments for our residents and clients - moments that stem from truly listening and developing a deep understanding of each person we serve.
Last month, Kristy, one of our dedicated Community Support Workers, brought this commitment to life for her client, Barbara. With the help of Barbara’s Client Service Manager, Sarah, Kristy made Barbara’s dream come true by taking her to the beach in a wheelchair. It was a day filled with thoughtfulness, care, and joy. But what made it even more special was that it fell on the birthday of Barbara’s late husband, Peter.
Kristy surprised Barbara with roses and a cake, arranging a quiet memorial by the water. As Barbara tossed the roses into the waves, she watched the tide carry them away, a simple yet powerful gesture of love and remembrance.
Together, they sang happy birthday and shared some cake, and Barbara felt the sand beneath her feet for the first time in years. It was a moment of renewal, of reconnecting with treasured memories, and of finding peace in the beauty of the present.
As the day grew warmer, they found shade in the park, enjoying cold drinks and watching the waves roll in. Later, Barbara told Sarah it was a day she would never forget. This act of kindness - which required time, thoughtfulness, and genuine care - reflects the heart of Amana Living and the values we hold dear.
Lent encourages us to look beyond ourselves and to give not just in material ways but through acts of service, presence, and love. Kristy and Sarah’s actions remind us that sometimes the simplest gestures—a shared moment, a thoughtful surprise, or a helping hand—can have the greatest impact.
As we journey through Lent, may we be inspired to seek opportunities to bring light into the lives of others. Whether through our work, our relationships, or small acts of kindness, we can all contribute to creating moments that truly matter.
