On the pilgrim way: ‘When I get anxious, I think of Agnes’

25/01/2019 | Reform

Sheila Maxey looks ahead, inspired by Agnes

‘Out with the old and in with the new!’ we used to say, cheerfully and loudly, on Hogmanay, at midnight, when I was a child. We would shoo the old year out at … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘It is a bittersweet time’

27/11/2018 | Reform

Sheila Maxey sees grief and new birth

Since our granddaughter, Ciara, committed suicide two months ago, I have phoned her father – our son, Peter – most days. As I listen, I hear the healing power of the everyday: Ikea … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘Grief has cut us to the heart’

30/10/2018 | Reform

Sheila Maxey grieves a terrible family tragedy

On 28 August, our 24-year-old granddaughter, Ciara, took her own life. It was a deliberate act, not a cry for help.

Our son, Peter, had long been separated from Donna, Ciara’s mother, and … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘Shetland’s beauty is sheer gift’

01/10/2018 | Reform

Sheila Maxey discovers Shetland’s gifts

We are on the Shetland islands. Our holiday house looks down a voe (small bay/creek) past a little pier, through the gap in the bare hills to further shores or islands. The sun sets in … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘How could I be so blind?’

28/08/2018 | Reform

Sheila Maxey opens her eyes to positive things

It feels as if I am drowning in sad news and sad situations at the moment. A 50-year-old person I know has separated from her partner of 15 years. A 20-something year … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘What gives me hope? It’s a difficult question’

26/06/2018 | Reform

Sheila Maxey considers what gives her hope

I have always found change exciting, even liberating. The beginning of a new school year, going to a new place on holiday, changing jobs, even moving furniture around during a spring cleaning surge. … Read More