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Chaplain’s Corner: Finding Echoes of Faith: A Journey Through the Star Wars Galaxy

Star Wars, and its enduring catchphrase, “May the Force be with you” (especially as we’ve just passed Star Wars Day on May 4th), has been on my mind lately. I fondly remember seeing the first movie during a difficult period in my own life, finding a strong connection with Luke Skywalker’s youthful uncertainty and yearning … Continued

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By Sarah Sexton | Publish Date May 15, 2025
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Chaplain’s Corner: The Journey of Holy Week, An Invitation to Deeper Connection

As we approach Holy Week, a time of profound significance for many, I find myself reflecting on the balance between our busy lives and the call to deeper spiritual observance. In the midst of preparations and activities, I wonder if we might sometimes miss the opportunity for a truly transformative journey. Are we overwhelmed planning … Continued

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By Sarah Sexton | Publish Date April 11, 2025
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Chaplain’s Corner: Spring Renewal

This year, we are preparing to celebrate our 45th year in ministry. I think it is appropriate that we are also in anticipation of the arrival of spring. During this season, we focus on reflection and renewal, both in nature and in our lives. Forty-five years ago, in 1980, I was just beginning my ministry … Continued

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By Sarah Sexton | Publish Date March 17, 2025
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Ash Wednesday: A Time for Reflection and Renewal

Yesterday, our community came together for a truly special Ash Wednesday service. What made it particularly meaningful was the spirit of interfaith collaboration, as our own Chaplain Cary Speaker was joined by Episcopal Priest Becca Walton to lead the observance. This partnership beautifully reflects the inclusive nature of our community, where residents from diverse faith backgrounds come … Continued

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By Sarah Sexton | Publish Date March 06, 2025
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Chaplain’s Corner: Epiphany and the New Year

There are twelve days of Christmas. You can start your Christmas shopping whenever you like, but Christmas begins Christmas Eve and ends on Epiphany, twelve days after Christmas on January 6. This year, the season of Christmas consists of two Sundays “of” Christmas. That’s how we know it’s a season – the preposition. Epiphany has … Continued

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By Sarah Sexton | Publish Date January 06, 2025
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Chaplain’s Corner: Christmas Joy

Those of us who grew up in the church usually think that Christmas has always been. Of course, that is not the case. The earliest records indicate that December 25 was celebrated as the birth of Jesus in the fourth century. The origin is unclear. One theory is that Christmas replaced the Roman feast of … Continued

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By Sarah Sexton | Publish Date December 19, 2024
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Chaplain’s Corner: Advent

“Advent” means coming or arrival. This word has a double significance, as in Advent, we celebrate Christ’s coming into the world and look with longing for his coming again. The season of Advent begins with an emphasis on final things (eschatology). We watch and pray with expectant hope for the establishment of God’s justice and … Continued

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By Sarah Sexton | Publish Date December 13, 2024
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Chaplain’s Corner: Thanksgiving

There is a great deal of revisionist history about who first celebrated Thanksgiving in this country, where and for what reasons. I did major in history in college, but I concentrated in world history, mostly ancient history. I do not intend to make a definitive statement about the origins of our Thanksgiving traditions. Instead, I … Continued

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By Sarah Sexton | Publish Date November 12, 2024
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Chaplain’s Corner: Saints and Sinners, Heroes and Villians

Quite a few years ago, parents of young trick-or-treat aged children who were congregants where I was pastor at the time were particularly anxious about Halloween. The concern was that scary costumes and decorations could have an evil influence on their children. The anxiety they experienced seemed to escalate among their friends and neighbors. As … Continued

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By Sarah Sexton | Publish Date October 09, 2024
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Chaplain’s Corner: Changes

September used to be the time when school started. I remember my school principal saying the school year was from the day after Labor Day until May 31. But this no longer is the case – my grandchildren began this school year the first week of August. What do changes do to us? How do … Continued

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By Sarah Sexton | Publish Date September 13, 2024

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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