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