Monthly Archives: December 2005

A rest home?

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Do seniors really want a rest home?

As a youngster I remember senior citizen homes being called “rest homes”.  I guess the idea was to move the retired people into places where they had no responsibility.  Into a caring environment with all the amenities necessary to live out the final years of life.  Into a place where the former leaders of a society would be given the honour due them.

Our town is looking at a seniors facility – a bridge between regular housing and the highest level care facility we have in town.  One of those who had been researching this found that words count!  We could not call this “assisted living.”  Even though the idea was to have meals and some home care available.  This must still be “independent living.”  Seniors do not want to “rest.”

So, I”ve coined a new name — “Assisted Independent Living.”  Don’t take the acronym seriously (AIL) — this has nothing to do with what the seniors would be doing in this home!!!

Through the Looking Glass

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Tuesday we’ll be looking through these windows and up the stairs as my parents arrive.

They will come to Saskatoon on a WestJet flight (should be a merry flight!).  We’ll pick them up and bring them back to Kindersley for 10 days.

We’ll tour around town, visit with friends and see the sights. 

There is one building they will not “see.”  This morning, at 8:00, I attended a meeting of those interested in getting an independent assisted living facility in the town.  Maybe we’ll see some former residents  return.  The building is not yet a “sight” to be seen, but one to be “hoped” for — and for many citizens the sooner the better.

Oh brother, how old art thou?

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Each time one of us slips into the 50th year, I’m reminded that we’re only half way there!  My brother hits 50 this coming Monday.  He’s doing well for his age.  A wife, a son, aches and pains – normal things for normal people.

My grandfather used to say that he would “live to be a hundred or die in the attempt!” 

So, my brother, I wish for you the same.

Living with loss

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Last night was a journey for me.

I spoke at a session given by our ministerial.  The two month, once a week group was dealing with “living with loss.”   Each person (regularly three attended) had a death in their immediate circle in this last year.

I figured I could just walk in – easily provide the information for my session called “God/Faith and our loss, ” and walk out!

As I began to prepare, I wondered if I coudl feel for this group.  Little did I know! 

My wife almost died five years ago.  My father-in-law died three years ago while we were swimming a river together.  This summer my younger brother died of cancer.  Right now I am walking through cancer with two of our congregation.

My thoughts were not in a “three point aermon” outline.  They were in a story form based on my experiences and upon what I know of God.   I know that God is in charge – that is a faith statement which has observations of his workings mixed in.  I know that God strengthens those who call on him – faith and fact mix once again.  I know that where I have suffered I can comfort others, just as God has comforted me.

Nothing profound.  Just God, me and the others sitting around a table.  Talking.  Laughing.  Crying.  Hearing each others’ stories and trusting God to speak.