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Chaplain’s Corner: Celebrating a New Year

By Sarah Sexton | Publish Date January 12, 2026

When I think about beginning a new year, the snapshot in my memory that always pops into view is the one from long ago: Father Time—long white beard, bent with age, and a sash with the new year’s date on it. That snapshot is black and white, so I know it is truly old, perhaps from the newspaper.

My family has been blessed with no losses this past year. Now, my brothers and I are officially the last generation of my family line. This past year, we have celebrated the births of two new babies—two new nephews for me! After Christmas, my brother invited us over for dinner with his two daughters, who now have three children each, all under five years old. The word to describe the activity was surely “chaos.” As my brother and I laughed about the noise, we also longingly talked about looking forward to having all six of his grandchildren together with my two grandchildren. If six create chaos, what will eight do?

I was fortunate to spend time with a mentor of mine, Robert Johnson, a Jungian analyst and author. The Jungian understanding of life is that it comes in three distinct stages. Robert, then quite advanced in age, spoke consciously about entering the fourth stage: actively preparing for the end of his life.

My experience is that most of us do not prepare for the end of life. We all know it is coming, but we pretend it is not. I had one of those realization moments recently when I was discussing buying a new car. During the conversation, I realized that this could be the last car I buy. To put a timeline on it: I am 76. I usually drive a car for about 15 years. That takes me to 90, at which point I want to stop driving. (I may not stop, but from this perspective, it sounds like a good idea.) That thought quickly jumped to: by that time, I will likely be living at Kirkwood and will neither want nor need to be driving.

Of course, life comes at us fast. Life changes in an instant. My plans may not come to fruition, but that does not mean I stop thinking about or planning for the future. Certainly, one aspect of my future—and yours—is that this earthly life will end.

To live consciously with this knowledge does not mean being morose in the meantime. Quite the opposite! I choose to live every day celebrating the gift of life I enjoy. That includes the chaos of grandchildren, the excitement of a potential new car, and the grief of saying goodbye to old friends and loved ones. All of that and more is what makes up the gift of this life. A gift to be celebrated in this New Year and every day.

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