A Christmas rerun: Home, [but not] alone

      

     “He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age.”  

— Ruth 4:15 

     I can attest to the truth of the above verse. God graciously grants renewal to people of the "third age" — like me. 

     Life becomes extra busy for all of us at this time of year. Anticipating one of the most exciting celebrations in the calendar year, we may find ourselves often over booking our schedules. Hopefully, we will all allow ourselves quiet moments to ponder the "reason for the season," listening to what God’s message may be for us. 

     The Christmas story, such beautiful truth, filled with hope; the unassuming way in which Jesus entered the world, coming to draw us to Himself with his offer of peace with God. Amazing, a Saviour born in a manger!  

     Again this year I have taken my turn helping with Salvation Army kettle donations. My station being at our nearby Walmart store. 

     

     Christmas seems to jog our memories, that we are supposed to be "givers." 

     I love it when I see generosity — a $50 bill, or a toonie, often someone’s last, tossed into the bucket. 

     While many of us look forward to a joyous Christmas with family and friends, we are aware this scenario is not true for many. I’m sure all of us know of someone, or of a family that we can reach out to, helping to make their holiday a bit brighter. 
     

     We know Christmas can be an awfully lonely time for many, for various reasons. Let’s be alert to those we can bring cheer to.  

     For the first time ever, my family and I will not be having Christmas in our family home. But, home is where the heart is, so it’s all good. We will share meals here in the dining room at my residence, in my suite and also at my daughter's home. Life goes on, and can still be good, even while there are significant changes happening within our lives. 

     May you all receive the gifts your hearts desire this Christmas and may 2019 shower you with continued blessings!  

       
“The more you give, the more you get, 
Nobody can deny.
And if anyone disputes this, just let them go and try. 
And if this greedy world today would only start to give,
Life everywhere, for everyone, would be more sweet to live. 
For happiness is only found in bringing it to others.
And thinking of the folks next door, 
As sisters and as brothers.”

 — Author unknown

  


P.S. 
     What a pleasant surprise “Christmas gift” I received yesterday — a delightful visit from two favourite nephews, Andrew Eagles, from Delta, B.C. and brother Michael Eagles, all the way from Sussex, N.B.  
     How great it is to realize many in the younger generation remember and respect those of us, now being the older generation. 
    
     Thanks guys — you made my day.

   
     Love you all. God Bless! 

— beulah 

Extending our care, for those among us

     

     I just returned from our dining room where I was served a delicious dinner, ending with a delectable dessert, bread pudding — much like what my mother used to make. 

     Continuing to enjoy my new home, I am getting to know and appreciate many of the fine folk here. 

     I occasionally hear a grumble or two, but generally, most folk are upbeat, gracious and kind — like my new friend Lena, who bears my dear late mother’s name. 

     Perhaps it is her warm smile and friendly persona that so reminds me of my mom. 

     The following poem comes to mind: 

I’ve never seen God but I know how I feel… 
It’s people like you who make Him SO REAL. 
My God is no stranger, 
He’s friendly and warm. 
It seems that I pass Him so often each day…
In the faces of people I meet on my way. 
He’s the stars in the heaven, a smile on some face… 
A leaf on a tree, or a rose in a vase. 
He’s winter and autumn and summer and spring…
In short, God is Every, Real, Wonderful Thing… 
I wish I might meet Him much more than I do…
I would if there were More People Like You.” 

— Helen Steiner Rice.

     I was pleased to have my former Glenmore neighbour call me up today and ask a favour of me — just like old times. 

     She wondered if I would drive her to the hospital emergency room, as she needed treatment on a badly infected finger. Though no longer an-across-the-street neighbour, I was pleased she felt she could still call on me if the need arose. 

     On my return, I stopped to visit with my dear friend Terry, at Cottonwoods, our local extended care hospital. 

     Her recent fall — leaving her with a broken limb just as she was about to be released from hospital — has put her homecoming on hold, once again. 

     But, as always, she shows a quiet, peaceful smile and happy countenance. 

     She has learned to "take the bitter with the sweet," not letting such things spoil her day. I have never, ever heard her complain. What an example she has been to me. 

     Not able to walk on her own until almost six years of age — due to polio — it is obvious Terry learned how to accept life’s challenges early on in life. 

    Now, in her very late 90's, I believe God is allowing Terry to remain a little longer with us for the above reason. 

     My short visit last week to Dave and Carolyn’s home in Kamloops, came as an unexpected delight. 

     Son-in-law James, having company business in the River City, suggested Karen and I accompany him and make a visit of it. 

     

Beulah with daughter-in-law Carolyn Eagles.

Stopping for lunch at Marian's favourite spot, Wendy's.

Marian playing at a Remembrance Day sing-along.

     While there, I had the privilege of attending a Remembrance Day sing-along at one of the several extended care facilities where Marian Owens (my daughter-in-law’s mother), regularly provides music. 

Marian Owens at the piano.

     
     War songs, such as, When the Lights Go on Again all Over the World, brought back poignant memories. 

     I can’t believe how the days continue to quietly slip by. 

     

     

     I just realized Christmas is not that far away. Checking my calendar, I see that I am scheduled one week from today to begin my yearly stint as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army Christmas kettles. 

     I think the following statement is quite appropriate:  

Time cannot be halted in its swift and endless flight, 
For age is sure to follow youth, 
As day comes after night. 
And while being young and frivolous, was very stimulating…
I find that being old and wise, 
Is very compensating.   

—  by Helen Steiner Rice

Wise words, I say.

— beulah

The word tolerance comes to mind

   

  Here I am, still trying to get used to the convenience of living in a retirement facility, where many services are so available. 

   I just came from having my flu shot, downstairs.    

Living here, surrounded by aging friends, all with unique personalities, the word “tolerance” comes to mind. 

     Not only the many seniors here, having to live out its meaning, but, listening to the daily news — much more broad-mindedness  and acceptance of each other is needed in our wonderful, but sometimes crazy world. 

   It is easy to become frustrated when others act or say things contrary to our own way of thinking. Seniors, who usually have all the time in the world, can get impatient when their needs are not met ASAP. 

   Most of the guests and staff I have met here are kind and respectful of each other, trying to practice that virtue. 

   Certainly we all need understanding and love. Jesus knew our frailties when He said, “My command is this; Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15: 12). 

     “Love, God’s love in us, does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy, fretful or resentful; it keeps no record of wrongs.” 

— 1 Corinthians 13:5

   If I am to love all people, God will have to help transform the way I think of others. I can believe the worst about them, or choose to believe the best. It’s my choice. 

   When disagreements occur, we can often diffuse them by giving up our right to be right. Each of us will answer to the Lord, not only for our opinions, but also, for how we treat one another in our differences. 

   Romans 14:10 -12 says it clearly: “You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written, 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, every knee will bow before me, every tongue will acknowledge God. So then, each of us will give an account to God. Therefore, let us stop passing judgment on one another.” 

   Wow! Our deportment before others then, is very important. 

   The management and staff here at our Okanagan Chateau, continue to provide excellent care. 

   Recently, we enjoyed a surprise, noon luncheon, where we were served a variety of Chinese dishes from our local Asian Pear Restaurant. 

   

   Later, we were entertained by Ali K. Zam, an excellent juggler, who kept us spellbound.
   Many quite expensive prizes were given away through draws. 
   The staff continues to find varied ways to keep life interesting for the many residents here. 

   Occasionally, my aging body suggests I should temporarily restrict my activities. As I think back to some of those earlier times when my daily schedule was always so demanding, these now, quiet, retirement days would have been very difficult to imagine.  

   

   “When He takes your work away and bids you no longer do good and obedient things, but only to be good and obedient, surely this is not the death of faith. 

   That may be faith’s transfiguration. You can be idle for Him, if so He wills, with the same joy with which you once laboured for Him. 

   Until later, may you find yourselves enjoying the beauty of these colourful, and delightful autumn days."

— beulah  

The gathering of the clans

“Back on its golden hinges, 
the gate of memory swings, 

And my heart goes into the garden 

And walks with the olden things.”  

— Excerpt from Memory’s Garden, 

by Ella Wheeler Wilcox   

     What is it about “olden things” and “olden days” that often catch our attention? 

     Children beg Grandma and Grandpa to tell them stories of what it was like in the olden days. Many folk are avid readers of history and events that happened in the past. 

     Some folk enjoy visiting thrift shops searching for special antiques to grace their home. Antique shops often display old items that are very highly priced. Such was the case a few weeks ago, when, during my house move, I discovered my own “antique trunk” had found its way to one of our local thrift venues. 

     I had completely forgotten about it as it had been stored in the basement of our ranch-style home. It obviously had travelled along with each of our house moves. 

     Now showing its age somewhat, this antique treasure was none other than the very trunk that carried all of my life’s possessions across Canada sixty-six years ago, accompanying me as a young bride. 

     Amazed to see it prominently displayed at the thrift store entrance — with a price tag … all of $90 — I thought, ‘whoever buys this has my blessing.' 

     It was just another item from my past I was releasing, yet keeping the precious memory. 

     But as the saying goes,“One person’s junk often becomes another’s treasure.” 

     Thanksgiving has come and gone for another year, but always a good reminder for us all to get a grip on gratitude which always determines our attitude.

     I think longing for different circumstances can lead to complaining. 

     A worthy quote from Charles Dickens reminds us: “Cheerfulness and contentment are great beautifiers and are famous preservers of youthful looks.” 

     I could benefit from that! Opening my eyes to unexpected blessings around me, daily, will help me be a happier camper.  

     What a busy but lovely Thanksgiving weekend for our family! 

     It began with a delightful gathering of many from the Osborne-Eagles clans. 

     What a joy to see many faces I had not seen in awhile. 

     It began with cider-tasting, followed by a lunch soiree at the excellent venue-restaurant-lounge — Soma Craft Cidery in east Kelowna. 

     The beautiful, sunny day added to our delight as we got to greet, pet and feed the alpacas in the nearby meadow. 

     
     What a treat for my great-grands, Evelyn and Melissa. 

     It being Evelyn’s birthday weekend, Grandma Karen made sure a large, birthday cake was there for desert time, honouring seven-year-old Evelyn and others with recent birthdays.

     A big thanks to Karen and James who hosted and planned the event. 

     
     Blessed with out-of-town relatives, I so enjoyed son, Roger and grandson Brayden’s stay with me in my accommodating and very comfortable suite. 

     Sarah and Tyler Letourneau did a terrific job hosting our family’s Thanksgiving dinner in their new home. 

     The turkey was roasted to perfection, thanks to Tyler’s watchful eye and expertise. 

     My first in many years, not hosting such a gathering. 

     All the other bountiful and delicious foods were planned, co-ordinated and aptly served with Sarah’s competence.   

     My thankful heart was overflowing with gratitude as I watched the younger generation willingly taking the lead. Families are precious. 

     May I never allow that which is precious to become commonplace. 

     Presently, we here in the Okanagan are being blessed with sunny days, which is enhancing the bountiful and beautiful fall colours of the trees splashed across the landscape everywhere. 

     God designed, cares for, and controls His creation. Can you fathom the mysteries of God? (Job 11:7) 

     Ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you. (Job 12: 7) 

     Even animals testify to the truth that God designed, cares for and controls His creation. 

     

     “In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:10) 

     And that includes you and me. So, not to worry! 
     
     We’re in GOOD HANDS!

— beulah

Here's to making new friends

 

Let me do my best today, not for what my friends may say. 

Not for glory, not for fame, not for all to know my name. 

Not for show and not for thanks, not to rise above the ranks, 

Not to hear the crowds applaud. 

Just let me do my best for God.    

   The above echoes my thoughts, as I have been adjusting to a new and quite different lifestyle here in my ‘now’ home, at the Okanagan Chateau. 

   Approximately eight weeks have elapsed already. I have often felt like “the new kid on the block” as I became familiar with the house rules, which are few. 

   Getting to meals on time, alerting the desk if I plan to forego one, “sign out” when I leave the premises and “in” when I return — all necessary for my safety and well-being. 

   I am getting to know and greatly appreciate the friendly staff who kindly and willingly put forth their efforts in supplying our many daily needs — the cook, the meal servers, the office and housecleaning staff and even Sandy, the all-night supervisor always on call. 

   I feel quite pampered and indeed blessed with three well-planned meals with varied choices each day. 

   I am getting to know lots of friendly folk, as I try to remember names. Our name tags are helpful, if we would remember to wear them. 

   Hearing many of their stories and viewing some of their challenges, I appreciate the positive outlook most of them seem to have. I have only met one gentleman that admitted "he was not a happy camper” any day of the week! 

   I enjoy my table partners, a delightful Italian couple, John and Marg and Jim, who was born and lived all his life in Vancouver. Makes for some interesting conversation. 

   I often see John, who is restricted to his mechanized chair, taking his little dog “Chico” for a walk around the block. What a delight Wilma is! A partially blind lady whose suite is a few doors down from mine, walking confidently with her white cane. 

   Sensing her warm and caring spirit, I soon learned we both love the same Lord. Then there's Ethel, a dear lady all of 98 years young. She was, in earlier years, a part of a seniors’ group Nels and I led at our church. 

   I found Dick and Berniece, also once a part of the same group. Advancing age with its challenges brings each of them recurring hospital visits. Dick’s cheerful word from his motorized chair and Berniece’s quiet smile, always blesses me. 
   
   Paul, who shares a nearby table with two other gentlemen, though quite blind, always enjoys an exchange of greetings each new day as I pass, often commenting on my sunny spirit. 

   Passing Randy’s table, he often states his approval of what I am wearing that day. Randy seems quite young and is an avid sports enthusiast for the Kelowna Rockets. 

     Yolanda, a dear friend who attended bible studies with me in my home, now lives a few doors from me. Anticipating studying the bible with me once again, today was our first, with a few other friends. 

   I have enjoyed having my former neighbour Hedy, and a few other friends at different times, come and share a meal with me in the dining room. 

   How wonderful to still be able to entertain and have others do all the work! 

   Recently, my son-in-law, James, beautifully blessed me with a tasty luncheon and visit to Soma Craft Cidery in southeast Kelowna. 

   Here apple cider is made from 100 per cent Okanagan fresh, pressed apples. It is a craft cider conference meeting place and AirB&B with restaurant. 

   

   Surrounded by trees now showing their beautiful autumn colours and interesting llamas grazing in the pasture nearby, ready to eat from my hand … I was truly delighted with it all!

   Approaching Thanksgiving and anticipating once again, family togetherness, how blessed I am! 

   This year as we can no longer meet at Grandma’s, Sarah and Tyler have graciously offered to host our Thanksgiving dinner, keeping alive our family tradition. 

   As I view the many walkers lining the hall and dining area, I sometimes find myself questioning the how and why I am in this retirement place. Did I make the choice too early? As God’s child, I want to believe that He sovereignly predetermines my life’s activities. 

   So as I cheerfully accept what life brings, as from His hand, I know I will find meaning in life, just where He has placed me. 

   Mother Teresa once said, “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”  

   

   Thinking of OTHERS first. Perhaps that is what makes life worth living.

   So, may I always be young at heart and “loving” — surrounded by so many lovely folk to practice on! YEP!! Think I’m in the right place!! 

   Sending love to all you patient readers.

 — beulah

Abiding in my new abode

     

     “I awoke one morning and thought about all the roads I won’t be able to follow because my time is running out — and all the things I can’t do because my strength is failing.

     Should I run like mad and hide from those dark thoughts? Or, are they only phantom fears? 

     How shall I separate reality from fantasy and not waste my tears on diminishing years? 

     What happened to middle age?   

     Somehow, when I arrived it wasn’t there. 

     That isn’t fair — I seem to have leapt from young to old. 
The face that stares back at me in the mirror has already done its living —  but when? 

     Where was I when it happened?

     I want to stop the ticking of the clock, because its rhythm echoes my numbered heartbeat. I want to restrain its hands from advancing and to halt the sun at blazing noonday to keep away the lengthening shadows — but I don’t know how. 

     So I must endow this moment with life and joy and be brave — I dare not wait for tomorrow, intending to borrow by instalments each illusive day to do my living, then only to lose it again. 

     Thank God for now! 

Excerpts from the poem Life — Stop Crowding Me! 

by Leona Choy  

     I must confess, I have been dealing with similar thoughts these past few weeks, having made the decision to sell my home of 26 years and move to a retirement residence — Okanagan Chateau, right here in our city centre. 

     I felt that it was time to simplify my life — to handle the business of selling my home, while mentally and physically able and to make my own choice where I would spend my days, at least for now. 

     During the last few weeks, I especially enjoyed my patio in my Glenmeadows home, as I gazed across to the majestic Dilworth Mountain. 

     

     My commune with our Heavenly Father brought to mind Psalm 121: 1-2. 

     “I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” Verses 7, 8. 

     “The Lord will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life. The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forever more.” 

     

What assurance! 

     I will miss my patio and the beauty of each changing season. Also, those visits from Mother Quail who often came by to show off her little ones. 

     One early morning — just before I left — a whole group of at least 20 mature quail, (seeming as if to sense that my departure was nearing) came to bid me farewell. 

     Then, I remembered — in my new home I will have a smaller wrap-around patio, but one that which will still provide a place to entertain in similar fashion. It will be my place for my early morning moments with my Father — peering across to view the very same Dilworth Mountain, but just at a different angle, with a green meadow nearby. 

     My patio is too high for quails to visit, but I have already heard their throaty calls welcoming me to my new residence.

     I decided to have a group of my friends join me for “patio chatter” one last time over coffee and treats from nearby Tripke Bakery. 

     They prayed God’s blessing over me and my new venture, with the reminder from Isaiah 12: 2-3:

  
     ”I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, is my strength and my song.”  

     One last patio celebration with family, saw us gathering with Carolyn, my Kamloops daughter-in-law, to honour her recent retirement from a 36-year teaching career. 

     

     This August has been moving month for our family. A week prior to my move, my grand-daughter, Sarah with husband Tyler, moved to a new house they just bought. 

     Then, another move for Sarah to her new classroom where she and her mom, Carolyn, set it all up last week — ready for the coming school year. 

     How blessed I have been, with my family so willingly providing manpower for my move. All hands were on deck come moving day. 

     Dave and Carolyn came from Kamloops to help again with their second move within a week. 

     Within a few short hours, my suite began to resemble “home.”

     

     How awesome that Roger’s three weeks of holidays occurred at just the right time. 

     Hoping for some fishing time as well with his boat, it just didn’t happen — mainly because of the dense smoke from the wildfires throughout our province that enveloped much of the province. 

     Roger, I think, strongly felt, “We make our plans, but God directs our steps.” 

     He and Karen, with James arriving after his day’s work, spent many long hours scrubbing and cleaning, wishing to leave our home in A-1 condition. 

     Son-in-law, Mark — having been away working in Saskatchewan — made it back in time to help by power-washing my patio and driveway. 

     Karen’s short poem said it well. 

     Written on a "Welcome to your new home" card, along with keys and gate openers, we said our good-byes to No. 42 and my Glenmeadows neighbours. 

     

“My kids scrubbed and they worked to make No. 42 shine, 

For it’s held many memories for this family of mine. 

We pray that these walls will surround your loved ones too, 
With a sense of God’s Presence in all that you do." 

    

     One last ceremony — the passing to my dear neighbour Hedy, my trusty well-made, corn broom. 

     Hedy used to borrow it, so I promised it to her after all our work at No. 42 was complete. She says, “They just don’t make them like this one anymore.” 

     Now, I am trying to adjust to what seems a little like “cruise ship pampering.” 

     Three meals a day with lots of food choices, house-keeping each week, delightful entertainment, an available handyman, etc., etc. 

     Before leaving, Roger had my last picture hung, a blind installed in my bedroom to block the morning sun, a night light under my kitchen counter, carpet from my house patio now gracing my narrow but delightful patio, accommodating my furniture and potted flowers. 

     Roger enjoyed the second bedroom at my place a few nights before leaving and shared several meals in the dining room. 

     

     Karen and Debi are keeping me on track with lawyer appointments, address changes, etc., etc.  

     Forgive me for writing such a long blog.  

     Until later, my God will take care of me — today, tomorrow and forever!


— beulah