Church lawns fill with folding chairs for car­ols, kids rehearse their nativity lines with tea towels on their heads, and once again we pause at the old, beautiful story of a baby born in a stable — God choosing the simple and the small to show us He is with us.

At Kerin Health, the lights are still on. The tinsel on the front desk is slightly crooked.

Someone’s brought in shortbread. The tree in the corner is looking a little droopy after a month of being “reorganised” by many tod­dlers – mostly my own two-year-old, a tiny interior decorator with very big opinions.

Most mornings begin the same way — a deep breath at the door, mustering energy for another day amidst the juggle of school presentation nights and Christmas parties.

We wouldn’t have it any other way. Be­cause between the carols and the chaos, there are quieter moments. A farmer com­ing in straight from the paddock, hat in hand, finally making time for his sore shoul­der. A Mum in thongs and a messy bun, baby on one hip, whispering that she’s not just tired, she’s overwhelmed. An older gent who “hates a fuss”, leaving his appointment standing taller, with a joke for the girls at the front desk.

These are the stories of this year. Of bodies worked hard and hearts stretched thin. Of neighbours checking in. Of country people doing what they’ve always done — showing up for each other.

Christmas, for Kerin Health, is less about perfect tables and more about full ones.

Less about having everything “sorted” and more about being together, sharing food, stories and second helpings.

Our team will be taking a break over Christmas to rest with our own families, so the clinic will be closed for appointments during that time, reopening in early January refreshed and ready for a big year ahead.

Behind the scenes, there are plans on whiteboards, new faces joining the staff, and some exciting announcements coming in the new year — more support for rural families, more women’s health and preg­nancy services, more ways to care for the bodies that carry our stories.

From all of us at Kerin Health: thank you for trusting us with your aches, your tears, your hard days and your hopeful ones. We can’t wait to show you what’s next.

Companions Thru Cancer lnc was estab­lished to provide and promote a confiden­tial, non-denominational, non-religious sup­port network distinct from other groups,societies, associations and the time, for people whose lives have been touched bycancer in some way.

Companions Thru Cancer lnc began from a newspaper article featuring Dianne Tan­swell’s 40th birthday party, headed ‘Cancer a word, not a death sentence’. lt expressed Dianne’s passion to form a support group in Parkes for cancer patients and their carers’. This article prompted well-known sports­man Len Gosper to contact Dianne about her idea. Together Dianne, Len Gosper and Dorothy Tanswell formed Companions Thru Cancer on 10 December 2001. Un­fortunately, all three founders were cancer patients and have sadly passed away, but their legacy lives on.

Companion Thru Cancer lnc meet every third Wednesday of the month for social outings where friendships and support have grown, and many experiences have been shared in a relaxed and informal at­mosphere. This sharing and friendship is reflected in the group’s logo designed by local artist Julie Hamilton, in memory of her late mother, Patricia Bigelow.

Companions Thru Cancer lnc have in the past made donations to Care West Lodge Orange, Currajong Enterprises, AngeI Flight, Currajong Disabilities, PCYC, RuraI Fire, Encore and Red Cross to name a few.

The group have also fundraised for Relay for Life and annually hold a Biggest Morn­ing Tea for the Cancer Council.

This year they donated $1,000 to the Parkes Domestic & Family Violence Com­mittee.

Companions Thru Cancer lnc was formed to share experiences, to laugh, to cry and to embrace life! lf you would like to join please contact: President Mavis Moon 6862 2582 or vice president Kay lvey 0459 931 799.