Isn’t it amazing reconnecting with a friend and feeling like no time has passed at all?
Jen and Frances first met while living together at the Lorna Hodgkinson Sunshine Home in Gore Hill, the original organisation that would later become what we now know as Unisson Disability.
Founded more than 100 years ago, the Lorna Hodgkinson Sunshine Home was home to many lifelong memories, friendships, and connections that shaped people’s lives in meaningful ways.
For Jen and Frances, it was where a beautiful friendship began.
Growing up together, they spent years side by side, sharing meals, creating art, laughing together, going on shopping trips, and even making up their own secret handshake. Drawing was one of their favourite things to do together, and their bond quickly became something special.
But as the years passed, life took them in different directions and they eventually lost contact.
Sometimes though, all it takes is one moment and one person to bring a connection back to life.
Ramanjit, a Team Leader who supports both women in their homes, was chatting with Jen one weekend when she showed her a photo from Frances’s recent birthday celebration.
Jen’s face lit up immediately.
“That’s Frances!” she said with excitement and surprise.
She quickly explained that Frances had been her best friend growing up at the Sunshine Home and began sharing all the wonderful memories they had together.
Ramanjit instantly knew this was something important.
Later that day, she showed Frances a photo of Jen. Frances was just as emotional and overjoyed. It was clear the friendship still meant so much to both women, even after all these years.
So Ramanjit decided to make a reunion happen.
It wasn’t completely straightforward. Their first catch up had to be postponed due to health reasons and busy life schedules.
But Ramanjit didn’t give up.
Finally, she organised a tea party and invited a few women from the neighbouring home to join the reunion.
And it was everything they had hoped for.
When Jen and Frances saw each other for the first time in years, the emotion was instant. A big hug, endless laughter, and the kind of joy that only comes from reconnecting with someone special.
They spent hours reminiscing about childhood memories, familiar faces, and the moments that shaped them, while catching up on all that life had brought since they last saw each other. It didn’t take long for their friendship to feel as natural as it always had.
Since reconnecting, Jen and Frances have continued building new memories together. From Easter celebrations to Christmas gifts and special milestones, they’ve found joy in the simple moments, proving that true friendship can stand the test of time and that meaningful connections can always be rediscovered.
“It was such a beautiful moment,” Ramanjit shared. “I felt lucky just to witness it.”
Years after a simple photo from Frances’s birthday helped reconnect the two childhood friends, Jen was invited to celebrate Frances’s birthday… this time, sharing laughter and creating new memories together.
A full-circle moment that neither of them expected, but both deeply cherished.
At Unisson, this is what matters most.
Supporting people to build connection, rediscover meaningful relationships, and experience the joy, belonging and community that make life richer.
Here’s to old friendships, new memories, and the people who help make both possible. 💜
