When a new tenant in retirement living asked me, “Can you be my friend?”, the question touched something deep within me. As a chaplain, I walk beside people during some of their most vulnerable transitions—welcoming them, supporting them, and encouraging them as they find their place in a new community. This reflection explores what “friendship” means in the context of spiritual care, and how chaplains balance compassion, presence, and healthy boundaries while helping new residents feel at home. Continue reading →