Seniors are Special!

Growing up most of us are lucky to have grandparents! The best part is that they are all so different and can teach you so much.

My Dad's Mom who we called Nana was a very religious woman. Losing her husband when I was only about four everyone wondered how she would survive without her soul mate. Faith can be such a wonderful, powerful and comforting thing. She began going to church every day of the week finding comfort there. I was always curious about her Catholic faith and wanted to learn much more about it.

I recall go to church with her and seeing her pull out her Rosary which I thought was so pretty. Holding it and praying in silence. I wanted to be a part of it too. I had a gold cross necklace that she gave me and decided I would hold the cross in my hand and pray too! (although I was never really too sure what we were praying about).

She was so much fun to play with and visiting her apartment was a lot of fun. We would walk to Wendy's for a chocolate frosty and would take a short cut by hoping a chain link fence. I thought "How cool is my Nana she can hop a fence!"

I have since taken it upon myself to learn the Rosary and it's value. It has helped me in countless times of uncertainty and sadness.

My Grandpa (my Mom's Dad) was another favourite to visit for me. He would always talk to me and made me feel grown up! I remember being at his funeral and one of my younger cousins explained that he always appreciated when Grandpa would shake his hand and call him sir. He made all of us feel like a respected grown up. (hard to find when you're a child)

Grandpa was fairly predictable in what to expect when you spent time with him. Always having a project on the go or if you spent the night you would hear him on his ham radio at 5:00am every morning hearing him announce over the speaker "Good morning to everyone out there this is VE3 APW." (also known as VE3 Alpha Papa Whiskey) He was a chain smoker and as a child I found the smell pleasant and still do. A reminder of someone who was always so good to his grand kids.

He worked for the Region of Durham for many years eventually becoming the administrator of Hillsdale Manor (Now Hillsdale Estates & Terraces). When I was in high school I decided to volunteer at Hillsdale for my hours because Grandpa had worked there. It was that year that he was diagnosed with lung cancer and had a wish to die at home.

I began visiting him every weekend and weeknights when I could. Unfortunately I was unable to really help care for him because his dignity was important to him and with much hesitation allowed his kids to care for him. Seeing his happy demeanour change was heartbreaking and I didn't know what else to do.

Then I remembered when I was small and he would call on my Birthday which was always when he was in Florida. He would say "Hey Kate you're lookin' good!" I loved when he said that to me. I then started making a point of telling him he was lookin' good every time I came to see him and would make him smile! That was a great feeling and I then made it my goal to cheer him up every time I came to see him.

He died in his home with family around him.

Having such great grandparents truly helped to shape my interest and goals to this day.
More stories to come on special seniors in my life...