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Chaplain’s Corner: The Shared Secret of Summer: A Listening Ear

By Sarah Sexton | Publish Date June 08, 2026

Even though I have been out of school for a very long time—having recently attended my 50th seminary reunion—I still instinctively associate summertime with school vacation. Now, I get to watch my grandchildren eagerly look forward to their own summer adventures.

Summer at Kirkwood, however, has its own rhythm. It reminds me of a distinction shared with me by the adult daughter of a retired couple. She noted that working people take vacations, but retired people travel. Many of our residents here do just that, exploring new places alongside family. Of course, sometimes it is the resident who treats the whole family, sponsoring a memorable cruise for grandchildren with their beloved grandmother!

Looking back, I fondly remember the anticipation of those childhood summer breaks. Later, as a schoolteacher, I came to understand the complex debates surrounding year-round schooling. But as a student, my summers eventually shifted. By college, I was taking classes year-round, and in seminary, my summers were spent serving churches. The quintessential summer internship was youth ministry. It was labor-intensive, required incredibly late hours, and was packed with camps and conferences. It was exhilarating, joyful, and entirely exhausting.

These days, as I happily head to bed by 9:00 p.m., I look back on those nights when I stayed up into the early morning hours listening to teenage angst. I listened to stories of broken hearts, social pressures, intense academic stress, and the emotional scars that young people carry. Though I was young myself, my sacred task was to be an available, adult presence—to show those adolescents that they truly mattered simply by hearing them.

Decades later, life brings me to Kirkwood, where summer activities keep moving forward at full speed. Our residents aren’t taking a vacation from life, but the fundamental need to be heard remains exactly the same. It is a universal constant. No matter our age, and no matter how deeply our families love us, we all need someone to listen.

Listening to one another is how we show true respect and reverence for a person’s life story. I consider myself incredibly fortunate that, after all these years, listening to those stories is still my favorite piece of the journey.

Have a wonderful summer.

Peace,

Cary

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The Residents

Our residents come from different backgrounds and bring their unique qualities, talents, and life experiences to complete the Kirkwood community. Here are just a few reflections from some individuals who call Kirkwood their home.

My time at Kirkwood was spectacular; they taught me how to walk again. The staff was outstanding, and the care was beyond reproach. When I arrived, I had a long way to go. I was very sick. The first night, they had to lift me as I could not move by myself. When I left, they were chasing me down the hallway. They taught me how to perform the activities of daily living again. It was the best care I could have prayed for, and on top of that, the food was spectacular.

Eli Gold Past Resident

I fell in love with the cottage and the view from my back porch. I am excited to have a yard for Ginger, my poodle, to play in and my own garage, all within an established retirement community!

Charlotte Hamilton Current Resident

My husband and I looked at a number of places when deciding to move to a retirement community. For the most part, we found communities that said, ‘We’re going to take care of you.’ But Kirkwood was different. It wasn’t just about taking care of us. It was also about having fun, having friends, and living life to the fullest. The attitude at Kirkwood was positive and the atmosphere was comforting. We simply couldn’t resist. Without a doubt, the location was ideal. The Cahaba Room that overlooks the river, the mountains, the trails – there were just so many things about life. The community was lively. It was alive.

Alice Brooks Current Resident

We realized we were approaching an age where we might need more assistance than what just downsizing could provide. Knowing we have my sons nearby and the levels of care should we need it is comforting, and the beautiful hillside, river, and the woods makes it that much more appealing. We don’t know of any other community that has the woods, the various levels of care, and so many different amenities.

Phyllis and John Guschke Current Residents

We were moving my parents down from the Cleveland area to be near us. I looked at almost every retirement place in the Birmingham area. The second I turned into Kirkwood’s drive and drove up the hill, I knew that I’d found the perfect place for my parents to live in Alabama. In the six years that my parents have been at Kirkwood, I have always felt nothing but love and helpfulness from every staff member. Everyone is always helpful with a pleasant attitude. You can truly see and feel the family atmosphere. I’m happy that my parents can call Kirkwood their home.

Brenda Sheehan Kirkwood family member

When we learned that Cedar Ridge was being developed, that seemed to fit our needs very well. It is the ideal place for the next phase of our retirement.

Carol and Arthur Stephens Current Residents

One thing that we feel is very important here at Kirkwood by the River is the relationship that we have between the staff and the residents. They are dedicated to making our life here as safe and secure and pleasurable as possible. That goes a long way.

Fred Rogers Current Resident

The community's cottage living surrounded by a wooded, natural environment with access to future healthcare services is what attracted us to Kirkwood!

Rick and Jane Ricketts Current Residents