On the pilgrim way: ‘Love has renewed my zest for life’

30/04/2018 | Reform

Sheila Maxey celebrates life at 80

On a lovely, relaxing holiday by the river Deben in Suffolk, I read a book on dying. With the End in Mind is by a retired palliative care consultant and her passionate concern … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘I find it hard to receive’

27/03/2018 | Reform

Sheila Maxey feels uneasiness over money

We are lucky – or should I say ‘blessed’ – to have plenty of money. So, when my Kindle died last week, in the middle of a gripping thriller, it was a nuisance – … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘My wise guide is moving to Belgium’

23/02/2018 | Reform

Sheila Maxey finds God does not recognise retirement

Sister D – the wonderful, wise nun who has been my guide for more than 20 years – is moving to new responsibilities in Belgium, although she is well into her 70s. … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘Celebration was working its magic yet again’

19/01/2018 | Reform

Sheila Maxey revisits the magic of celebration

We always bring in the New Year in Lincolnshire, with Kees’ brother, Tom, and Tom’s wife, Anna. Because their mother was Dutch, the celebration involved drinking mulled wine, eating oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts) and setting … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘I have been struggling with sadness’

24/11/2017 | Reform

Sheila Maxey wrestles with sadness

Death and dying seem to be all around me, echoed in the falling leaves and morning mists. I have been struggling with sadness and loss, and trying – perhaps foolishly – to make some kind … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘How can they live with a history like that?’

31/10/2017 | Reform

Sheila Maxey explores war and worship

We are just back from 11 days cruising through Ukraine, down the Dnieper River and then up the Danube. Each morning at 6.45am I joined other early birds and sat silently in the bow … Read More