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	July 2004
		A good question by Eric Cave
			The question was asked of a colleague, recently, whether he found the chaplaincy work left him feeling ‘stolid’. It is a good question to think about: What impact does this continual interaction with people at their point of need have on me? In recounting the conversation my colleague went on to tell of an experience of going in to the chapel in the hospital and meeting a young woman, along with her partner and the woman’s mother . All were struggling to come to terms with the death of the young woman’s child. The Chaplain was able to sit with them, listen to their anguish and hurt and offer some consolation and hope. Kept well It is easy to miss the importance in a comment, the quiet statement of faith of hope and encouragement. As I was passing through the hospital foyer, a man spoke my name, and turning I greeted him and asked where we had met. He recounted my taking a group on the psychiatric ward perhaps twelve years ago and how that had helped his recovery. Proudly he said that he had kept well except for a short return to the ward about six years ago. I asked my CPE students if there were moments of importance for them during the past week. One recounted with excitement the moment of being asked by a nurse to spend time with a resident who was ‘not herself’ that day. The student did as was asked and the resident was able to tell the student what was on her mind. Resident and staff found a resolution to their dilemma. Beneficial Another student spoke of his ability to provide hospitality to a friend who was in town because his wife was receiving treatment. And another told, with some animation, of the patient who had returned to hospital having been sent for treatment elsewhere. Said the patient, ‘I was left alone for four hours when along came the Chaplain and stayed with me’. Referral can be so beneficial especially for those with little support. We who are involved in chaplaincy are so appreciative of the care and support we receive, and thank you for your continued prayers as we engage in this important mission of God’s Church. Eric Cave is Senior Chaplain, Anglican Chaplaincy Tasmania