SoCal Flipbooks

Health Matters: Providence St. Mary Medical Center | 11 'A Symbol of Hope' In times of vulnerability, Reflection Pointe offers a place of solitude and peace. Tucked behind Providence St. Mary Medical Center is a place of refuge, solitude and peace for those who seek it. At the northeast corner of the medical center is a walkway lined with scripture-engraved stones that cuts through a grassy knoll. The outdoor area, aptly called Reflection Pointe, offers patients' loved ones, caregivers and physicians a moment of respite beyond the walls of the hospital. "From the healing perspective, Reflection Pointe is a symbol of hope," says Judy Wagner, Providence St. Mary 's chief mission integration officer, of the healing space, which was designed more than a decade ago. "Many times, our visitors are in an extreme state of vulnerability. Having a peaceful area where people can center themselves and reflect is an important dimension of whole-person care." From the messages that are etched along the pathway to the statues of Jesus overlooking the area, Reflection Pointe is surrounded by intentionally placed items that reflect the hospital's heritage and offer comfort and solace to those who visit. At the front of the walking path stretches a pomegranate tree originally planted by the medical center's previous sponsors, the Brothers of Saint John of God. For the Brothers, as well as the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, who took over sponsorship of St. Mary after the Brothers' departure in 1992, the pomegranate tree symbolizes hospitality. " 'Hospitality ' is an ancient word which means both host and guest," writes Sister Madeleva Williams, a Sister of St. Joseph of Orange. "Its meaning holds the promise of sharing the best of what we have. It is a word overflowing with abundance, like the pomegranate—a rich ruby fruit from the desert to comfort and to delight." In addition to the walking path, Reflection Pointe features a gazebo, multiple benches and two picnic tables. It is conveniently located just beyond the hospital, no more than a short walk from the back exit. "Reflection Pointe is a bit hidden from public view, but it is such an important extension of the hospital and our healing environment," Wagner says. "It can sometimes be hard to think about the future in a hospital setting, but that is what's so beautiful about this space and the opportunity it presents. I hope people can walk away from it with a little perspective, thinking, 'Hold on—pain eventually ends.' " Visit providence.org/locations/socal/st-mary-medical-center to learn more about the services the hospital provides.

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