Compared to most of my fellow advocates in the Saints John & Paul Parish in Willetton, I am relatively new. 

I have just completed a full year of participation as an advocate and, on looking back, it has indeed been a rewarding experience – both for Jamie and myself. My friend, James aka Jamie, is coming close to his 60th Birthday and currently lives with his sister, Yvonne, and her family. Whilst Jamie is accustomed to having younger and older people around him, you can tell very quickly that Jamie is very measured in what and when he says things. From my friendship with Jamie, I have come to understand and appreciate better, that sometimes saying ‘less’ is better. Jamie has a few health issues and the use of hearing aids does not help him in a big way. I have learned that it is always good to communicate in a face-to-face situation with Jamie to allow him to understand me better. I have also learned to talk slower and louder. I decided very early in my friendship with Jamie that it was necessary for me to make time for him outside the usual integrated sessions. I went out for a movie and had a meal with him and my wife during one weekend early in our relationship. 

The activity was very helpful for each of us to get to know each other better. I was utterly surprised when Jamie tapped me on the shoulder as we were walking into the movie theatre and said “We should get some popcorn” and proceeded to confidently march towards the food counter for that purpose. Besides the camaraderie that ensued from the integrated and social nights, I tried to entice Jamie into joining me for sign language classes conducted by AUSLAN which are held every third Sunday.

I learned that Jamie already knew some sign language but, alas, I could not sustain Jamie’s interest in these sessions. I understand Jamie, who holds a job working four days a week, would like to be able to sleep in. Small choices like this made me aware of the right to choice even though we may think that our choice is for his own good. 

Jamie is an accomplished rose gardener. He is a frequent contributor of roses for the integrated sessions. His family is very delighted that he can share this ability with the group. Jamie’s enjoyment for good things extends to classical music and things to do with the British Royal family. He is also a big Eagles fan and, as such, has his down moments when the Eagles fare poorly. Jamie personally experienced a sad event recently. He lost someone very dear to him – his mother. It is known that Jamie is very attached to his late mother. 

Although Jamie is known to speak fairly little in public situations, Jamie, very touchingly, made an announcement requesting special prayers for his late mother in the very first integrated session after her passing. Jamie springs pleasant surprises on us now and then. And it was during the agape of one of our integrated sessions when Jamie, without any prior notice, took something out from his pocket and proudly showed a medal which he had obviously won. 

When pressed, he related that it was from a running event during a sports carnival. We were all very happy for Jamie.

From your friend, Patrick