I feel delighted that I am asked to write an article for Pormoll, the July issue, since I am no longer a parishioner of Aquem. You wonder why. It is because I have left Aquem and St. Sebastian Parish and moved permanently to “Daddy’s Home of Joy” in Guirdolim, Chandor. Several factors contributed to my decision to make this transition, but I will mention a few. In 2018 I moved from Mumbai for good and settled in Aquem, taking it to be my final destination. I was 73 years then and felt good and positive about the move. I must say that I enjoyed every one of my days since then, because help was always at hand from my immediate neighbours, relatives in Margao and our family friends of many years in Aquem. The nearness of the Church and the shops around (especially AMUL Ice-Cream) fulfilled my needs-spiritual and material. Time passed comfortably for me as I managed Mass daily. I got a taste of Goan food, culture, customs and hospitality. However as time passed so did ageing to happen for me. During the last year or so, I began to notice a slowing down in my activities. I would avoid or delay household chores. Crossing roads was getting scary. I found I was slow in simple mental calculations while shopping. I began to dread visits to the Bank because of the abrupt and superior attitude of the staff. I preferred to avoid social activities, if I did go I would return home as soon as possible. Early dinner, early to bed, early to rise, more time for prayer became my new pattern of living. I was used to living alone and being independent, but I found it was time to admit that I needed help and to accept it graciously. I took this up in prayer and began considering a move to a home. A dear friend, well-meaning and compassionate brought me to Daddy’s Home of Joy in Guirdolim. One look at it and my mind was made up. I wanted to spend my remainder days in this home. It is bright, sunny, spacious and clean…very impressive. After completing necessary formalities in Aquem, I moved here on 30th May-officially 1st June 2024. The main reason for my choice of this Home was the Chapel-always open, daily Mass and opportunities to spend time with Jesus-really and truly present in the Tabernacle. Now I step in anytime and sit for a much needed chat with Jesus. We are a group of elders, and a few not so elderly residents, getting along peacefully. Each of us comes from a different back ground, for which some adjustment is needed. This adjustment we have already been doing in our own homes, neighbourhood, place of work ,etc. A spirit of gratitude is needed to live anywhere happily and peacefully. There is a personal touch by the Nuns and Carers towards those who are slow, forgetful and also to those who need help with their medication. Food is wholesome, generous and at regular intervals-ideal for Senior citizens. No more shopping and cooking…. I share all this, keeping in mind those who are alone and those who may be experiencing the process of slowing down. In the past, going to a Home meant being neglected, isolated or abandoned. If one can look at such a change as healthy, wise and in some cases even necessary, it can bring one into a new life style. My warmest regards to those I shared the Sign of Peace daily at Mass and those I have come to know during Mother Mary’s visits to our homes in Aquem. May Mother Mary cover you and your family with her Mantle of Love and Peace always…
– J. Rodrigues