July 30 2026
Friendship finds its way home
This International Day of Friendship, Calvary St Francis Aged Care residents Laraine and Gwen share how a chance meeting grew into a lasting friendship built on laughter, kindness and connection.
Friendships can begin in the most unexpected places.
For Laraine and Gwen, it started around five years ago at Calvary Chiara Respite Cottage in Lakelands. After losing touch for several years, they were unexpectedly reunited at Calvary St Francis Aged Care, where their friendship has continued to grow.
When they first met, Laraine was attending respite care at Chiara Respite Cottage, while Gwen stayed there when her daughter went away on holidays. Although they shared the same room, they attended at different times.
One day, Laraine noticed Gwen playing word games. With a friendly smile, she introduced herself and said hello.
Before long, the pair were chatting, joining activities together and discovering they shared a similar sense of humour.
As their friendship grew, so too did the memories they created together. They enjoyed spending time playing word games, trivia and table games, while the many social activities at Chiara Respite Cottage gave them plenty of opportunities to laugh, connect and simply enjoy each other's company.
It was these everyday moments that laid the foundation for a friendship built on kindness, honesty and laughter.
Eventually, life took them in different directions.
After leaving Chiara Respite Cottage, Laraine and Gwen lost touch and had no contact for several years. Then, through the manager at Chiara Respite Cottage, Gwen learned that Laraine would soon be moving to Calvary St Francis Aged Care.
The news couldn't have been more welcome.
Their reunion marked the beginning of a new chapter, allowing them to pick up where they had left off and continue enjoying one another's company.
Today, Laraine and Gwen enjoy participating in activities together while also valuing their independence.
Whether they're sharing stories, enjoying a laugh or simply spending time together, their friendship continues to bring happiness to both of their lives.
Laraine admires Gwen's strength, and both agree that their friendship has been built on humour, honesty and kindness. Looking back, they treasure the many happy memories they've shared and are grateful that life brought them back together.
Their story is a reminder that friendship can flourish at any stage of life and that meaningful connections have the power to enrich our wellbeing, reduce loneliness and create a true sense of belonging.
As we celebrate International Day of Friendship, Laraine and Gwen have a simple message for others.
"Never underestimate the value of friendship. A good friend, a shared laugh and an honest conversation can make every day a little brighter."
