On the pilgrim way: ‘Memory is a precious but unreliable gift’

22/09/2017 | Reform

Sheila Maxey on the gift of memory

Memories can be such a rich pleasure but also a ball and chain. A friend of mine feels that she cannot take certain steps in her life because her husband (dead for nearly … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘Was it irresponsible to get “Wayfromit”?’

25/08/2017 | Reform

Sheila Maxey on getting away from it all

Going away on holiday nowadays raises new questions. Can we still cope with being away from home comforts – eg a chair that is easy to get out of, steps we are … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘I find myself unreasonably angry’

30/06/2017 | Reform

Sheila Maxey on dealing with unhelpful anger

Sometimes I just long to be allowed to withdraw from all the clamour and suffering of the world – and I find myself unreasonably angry with those who force me to pay attention … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘They talked about when they were young’

26/05/2017 | Reform

Sheila Maxey hosts lunch for octogenarians

‘How’s your Alzheimer’s, Bob?’ I asked an 85-year-old relative as he arrived at our house for a family lunch for the ‘oldest generation’. It was a serious question. Five years ago, at a large … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘This holiday felt particularly precious’

01/05/2017 | Reform

Sheila Maxey puts happiness into words

We had a brief holiday in Woodbridge, Suffolk, this March. We rented the same place as last year – a little converted Malthouse next to the station, overlooking the railway, boatyard and river. This … Read More

On the pilgrim way: Comforting a dying friend

21/03/2017 | Reform

He joked about it – my husband, Kees, and my old friend and colleague, John, both going into hospital on St Valentine’s Day; and not only that, but at the same ungodly time of 7am, in the same hospital and … Read More