Cultivating Hope
By Nav Grewal
In heart of Whalley, amidst chaos and hustling bustling of city - there lies a safe haven of compassion, love and kindness- Olive Branch. Within these walls, stories of resilience and hope have been etched ever since we opened in Nov 2020. One of these many stories is one of Kim’s that is close to my heart and I have had the honor to witness unfold in my time here.
When I walk in the doors of Olive Branch early morning, its hard to miss the colourful garden ready with flowers to bloom, as I walk further I glance around and smile at never ending addition of small flowers pots. All of these make me think of Kim and her efforts; I can’t help but remember the conversation I shared with a volunteer last year who affectionately spent a day working with Kim on her garden, he shared “he is certain that if Jesus comes back, this is where he would like to hang out” . As time goes on, I agree to this even more as I am constantly amazed at willpower and resilience of our residents.
Kim, affectionately referred “Mama Kim” became part of SUMS 5 years ago, carrying with her the weight of life troubles and loss of her partner . Yet, within her, there burned a flicker of resilience, a determination to rise above her circumstances. As she settled into her new home within our shelter, she found solace in the unlikeliest of places - our modest garden. Through her tireless dedication and unwavering determination, Kim has transformed not only the earth beneath her feet but also the lives of those around her. Just as Kim has nurtured her garden back to life, she has also nurtured her own spirit, blossoming into a ray of hope for all who know her, never missing a chance to celebrate life and its gifts.
As we continue our humble journey together, it’s a blessing to be part of Kim’s and all our residents’ story by showing up everyday and helping to best of our abilities. May we cultivate hope in our hearts and sow the seeds of kindness wherever we go, knowing that even in the darkest of nights, the promise of a new dawn awaits.
