Vol. 14, Issue 185
Templeton Volunteers
“Dedicated to Excellence”
February 2016
Vol. 14, Issue 185
February 2016
Caregiver’s LIFE…
But I just it in my hand JUST A MINUTE AGO! First, I look again where I know I put it but it’s just not there? Then, I look in the most improbable places, thinking quietly to myself, “oh, oh, am I in the first stages of senility? I have added a new dimension to my life. I have learned to panic first and think later. See, I’m not too old to learn new tricks. I can’t count on my fingers how many times I’ve rummaged frantically through my purse looking for something I know, I put in there only to find it later when I’ve geared down from ‘panic’ to ‘think’ to discover that item never made it to my purse because I got sidetracked. Or, worse still have someone else find it in there after all!! What a long way I’ve fallen from the spirited energetic together woman I was in 1987 when I lost my husband to cancer. I was 50. When I look in the mirror I realize in more ways than one I am not the same person. That woman that looks back at me is not someone I recognize. In the space of seven weeks my mother had a stroke and my husband was diagnosed with cancer, my boys, a cousin and I finished a house he was framing, he died and was buried. He came home long enough to do all the paperwork and check to make sure he didn’t owe a penny. Bizarre! I moved from my home to where I am now, my parent’s 950 square ft. basement home. I temporarily also had my two sons
and my nephew and iece when Mom came home from Holy Family Hospital. I became caregiver for my stroke ridden mother by day—worked from 7:00p.m. to 2:00am at a data centre at night—ate a hot dinner prepared by Helen at 3:00a.m. who stayed the night with my mother. On the way home rom UBC she dropped in to see Dad who was hospitalized with cancer and carried on seeing to my mother and her night long visits to the loo.
Templeton Newsletter Mailing Address: 204– 2929 Nootka Street, Vancouver, BC V5M 4K4 Canada Published every month, if possible. Contributions are always welcome. The articles should be in, not later than day 25th day of every month. Disclaimer: The views expressed in Stroke Recoverer’s Review newsletter: articles, submissions and spotlights are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of Templeton Stroke Recovery or the editor of Stroke Recoverer’s Review. Editor reserves the right at any time to make changes as it deems necessary. It is the purpose of this periodical to share a variety of viewpoints mostly from stroke survivors and volunteers. February 2016 Contributors:
Somehow without thinking about it, as we do now; do what we have to do without thinking we can’t. My life became more bizarre after I met Ollie Stogrin. We didn’t have a clue really what we were doing but we read material from the coordinator’s guide and moved my mother, Ollie’s husband, our treasurer’s and the rep. to Britannia’s Senior lounge and started our own stroke Lai group . Then, on to 700 Templeton Loy Ollie Stogrin Drive in 1995. Kiyoko Akeroyd Chow We sat for hours selling senior lottery Deb Jim Walmsley tickets, van raffle tickets, garage sales, Werner Stephan Jose Suganob etc. Along the way my whole family have Production of SRR: been drawn together to do what they Jose Suganob could to help. Christmas fund raising, Inside this issue: picnics, stride for stroke. When my mother had a stroke everybody felt the effects. That’s why I worry what will happen to Stroke Recovery groups when the likes of our Ollie and Margaret from Coquitlam and Julia Cook and the like are no longer with us. Like us, Coquitlam has Annie and her family. Will temporary University student coordinators bring that sense of community into Stroke Recovery? Does anybody else really care?
—Key Akeroyd Templeton Stroke Recovery, Treasurer
Caregiver’s Life
2
Templeton Happenings Encouragements
3
BLAST 2016
4
Jokes page
5
Nothing to Celebrate Feb
6 Page 2
Vol. 14, Issue 184
January 2016
Last Month’s Happening
Another month at Templeton without a coordinator. Paul left for South America on 17th of January. He was a very good, caring volunteer. Always interested in our members. We miss him as he was always there, to greet the ‘Dart when our members arrived and also, coffee was always ready! Then, the day began as our members helped set-up for the day’s program. He had a way of making members feel. It was ‘their’ group by having them helping him do th setup. (Debbie Chow and her friend always set-up the tables and chairs the night before our meeting. We never saw Debbie early in the a.m. on Thursdays but she was there the night before, putting up the tables and chairs, just before the Community Center closed for the night. Thanks so much, Debbie. It was so appreciated and still is! ) I was quite a shock for me when I arrived on the first Thursday morning and the activity was dark. No, Paul? No coffee? Just our members waiting to get in. Members asking where was Paul. In South America? Yes. He has gone to work there again… We have survived, with many adjustments, new members, new volunteers. Akiko is new and our regular volunteers, Reesa our speech pathologist; Debbie Powell, Olga Mahowich and Ali. Also, all our members are all helping out. Each one seems to enjoy being a part of helping run our program. It’s been a very busy start of 2016. We did go bowling in January and everyone had a great time. And, now that its
‘almost’ Spring. We have to think of having a day trip out as many of our members are new and haven’t been on our day trips. So, that’s on the ‘to do’ list.
Maybe? I should start to write a book?? When I find time, except I would have to have Jose’ to bug to write a few pages each day. Ahh, thanks, Jose’ for bugging me.
We also will be moving to Norah Davis Gardens’ activity room for a month as it’s yearly clean-up time at Templeton again. It’s very nice that Lorrie at Norah Davis is letting us book the space . It is close to Templeton. We will be there for a month and then back to home to Templeton. We are so lucky to find a space so close to Templeton. Thank you so much, Lorrie.
Easter weekend will be BLAST n Camp Squamish. I’m sure those that are going are getting pretty excited. Looking forward to having a great time. I’m sure everyone will enjoy the Easter week end there.
I have been going over some of our previous newsletters and should given credit to the stroke survivors and all the volunteers that write each month in ‘Templeton’s Newsletter.’ As if it wasn’t for the members, there wouldn’t be a mothly newsletter to start with. There’s Karel Ley, Jim Walmsley, Werner Stephan, Loy Lai, Debbie Chow, they all contribute monthly to Templeton Newsletter (edited by Jose’) Thanks so much for all your hard work, Jose.’ It is hard work as he has to ‘bug’ me to remind it’s the end of the month again. As it seem I don’t have enough hours in the day. Also, I’m slow…
Encouragements…
If I forgot to mention, anyone else, please forgive me? As I have been doing this for 20 years? And, so much has happened in that time and still there’s so much that needs doing for and with stroke survivors. I think? Templeton is so amazing! As we still have the members we started out...Jose’ Suganob , Loy Lai, Debbie Chow, Key Akeroyd, John Boynton, whoops! Including me.
—Ollie Stogrin Templeton Stroke Recovery, President
Unbeatable Thought— It takes around two years to learn to speak. But it takes a lifetime to learn what NOT to speak.
Three Things to keep Private 1. Love life 2. Income 3. Next move
Treat yourself to a good time instead of waiting for someone else to do it.
Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Don’t be misguided into believing that changing your hair color, finding a different companion, rearranging the furniture or moving somewhere else will raise your self-esteem. —Loy Lai, Stroke Survivor Templeton stroke Recovery Page 3
Vol. 14, Issue 184
BLAST 2016
January 2016
Easter Weekend at Camp Squamish 2016
Things are lookin’ good for Easter and I’m sure we are going to have a BLAST this year. The crazy highs and lows waiting for everyone to confirm is set. I fail to understand why BLAST isn’t on the top of everyone’s list. I can’t seem to think of anything else.
Everyone seems to be coming in twos. Keeping with that theme, the BLAST Ark will feature the ‘Retro two’ playing at the Saturday Night Dance. After the dance they will move to the campfire and Jaala, Colleen, and John Hedderson. Could be a late one because they are saying overnight and coming to the Railway with us.
Seriously, I am super grateful for everyone’s time. Giving up Easter Weekend to Pay it Forward for Stroke Survivors means so much to us. I say it all the time, and it’s so very true ‘BLAST thrives on the generosity of individuals’ reaching into their hearts and pockets. We have very loyal volunteers. We will miss Judy Bjornson and Susan Bock Smith this year, but they intend on being there next year.
Yes, the ladies in Squamish are all set and ready to start baking for our very special Sunday Tea Party. We are the only group that gets this royal treatment. It began with Dr. Ernie and Lynn Ledgerwood. Now, there are at least half a dozen involved. “My friends rock!” Colleen Fraser from Whistler Healing Arts is recruiting massage therapists for the 6th year, too. She is aiming for 10. If you know any massage therapists who may like to join us we always have room for more and it wold allow for well deserved breaks. Ok, and longer treatments, too.
mention everyone. It’s about everybody making a difference and creating what we need for a Better Life In Stroke Survival. Can’t wait to see everyone. We have one more dinner, Tuesday, March 15th. We had a great discussion last month with new and old campers t make a decision. Thank you. So, that’s it. We’re all set all I have to do now is get it all into print. Deb@TurtleTalk.ca 604-760-7769 11am—11pm 604-872-2666 after 11am
Stroke Survivors, Caregivers, and Friends!
On the waterfront, we have Carrie Come, join us for dinner! Tse doing ‘Sync or Swim’ Saturday Tuesday, March 15th, 2016 morning (maybe to underwater Dinner starts at 5:30 pm music). She is bringing her friend to Moulin Rouge Restaurant do an Aquafit session in the after- Once again, we have Margaret Han(before Tom & Jerry Restaurant) noon. sen at the helm running the show. Lise Chevalier will do Sunday 2828 E. Hastings St, Vancouver, BC Sue Grant is coming with Harriet (Near PNE) from Comox for a part Advance Aquafit. We will have exercise a la Templeton member, Jeanie Choo. Entrees are $10 and beverages are Care Planning session. Martha has been busy at the bank bottomless Jennifer Ferris rom the UBC brain and writing cheques. There are so lab has also been very helpful and many people in the background and There’s lots of room for hopes to make it next year. Life- at camp pitching in. It’s wonderful to guard Aiden Vickers will be return- be stroke survivors Building Life wheelchairs and scooters ing for his second year. Keith Rashid After Stroke Together. Sorry, I can’t from MODC is returning for his 4th year. Brent Page who has been comBLAST 2016 Old New Total ing since inception will not be able 22 8 30 to make it this year. We were fortu- Stroke Survivors 1 1 2 nate to have met him before he be- CareGivers 2 3 5 came established in Vancouver. Friends 2 2 4 Now, everyone wants a piece of him. Volunteers
Total
27
14
41 Page 4
Vol. 14, Issue 184
JIMY’S INTERNET JOKE Church Organist...
A small church had a very attractive big-busted organist, Linda, and her breasts were so large that they bounced and jiggled while she played the organ. Unfortunately, she distracted the congregation considerably.
January 2016
JOKES Forest Gump…
When Forest Gump died, he stood in front of St. Peter at the Pearly Gates. St. Peter said, “Welcome, Forest. We’ve heard a lot about you.”
He continued, “Unfortunately, it’s getting pretty crowded up here and we find that we now have to give people an entrance examination The very proper church ladies were before we let them in.” appalled. They said something had to “Okay,” said Forest. “I hope, it’s not be done about this or they would have too hard. I’ve already been through a to get another organist. test. My Momma used to say, ‘Life So, one of the ladies approached Linda very discreetly about the problem, and told her to mash up some green astringent persimmons and rub them on her nipples and over her breasts, which should cause them to shrink in size, but warned her not to taste any of the green persimmons, because they are so sour they will make her mouth pucker up, and she wouldn’t be able to talk properly for a while.
is like a final exam. It’s hard.’” “Yes, Forest, I know. But this test is only three questions. Here they are: 1) Which two days of the week begin with the letter ‘T’? 2) How many seconds are in a year? 3) What is God’s first name?
“Well, sir,” said Forest, “The first is easy. Which two days of the week begin with the letter ‘T’? Today and The following Sunday morning the Tomorrow.” minister walked up to the pulpit and said, “Dew to thircumsthanthis be- St. Peter looked surprised and said, wond my control, we will not hab a thermon tewday.”
“Well, that wasn’t the answer I was looking for, but you have a point. I give you credit for that answer.” “The next question,” said Forest, “How many seconds are in a year? Twelve.” “Twelve?” said St. Peter, surprised and confused. “Yes, sir. January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd…” St. Peter interrupted him, “I see whatyou mean. I’ll have to give you credit for that one, too.” “And, the last question,” said Forest “What is God’s first name? It’s Andy.” “Andy?” said St Peter, in shock. “How did you come up with Andy?” “I learned it in church. We used to sing about it,” Forest broke into song, “Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me, Andy tells me I am His own.” St. Peter opened the gate to heaven and said, “Run, Forest, Run!”
COULDN’T THANK HIM ENOUGH...
A married couple were in a terrible accident in which the woman’s face was severely burned. The doctor told the husband that they couldn’t graft any skin from her body because she was too thin. So, the husband offered to donate some of his own skin. However, the only skin on his body that the doctor felt was suitable would have to come from his buttocks.
The husband and wife agreed that they would tell no one about where the skin came from, and requested that the doctor also honour their secret. After the surgery was completed, everyone was astounded at the woman’s new beauty. She looked more beautiful that she ever had before! All her friends and relatives just went n and on about her youthful beauty!
One day, she was alone with her husband, and she was overcome with emotion at his sacrifice. She said, “Dear, I just want to thank you for everything you did for me. There is no way I could ever repay you.” “My darling,” he replied, “Thing nothing of it. I get all the thanks I need every time I see your mother kiss you on the cheek.” Page 5
Vol. 14, Issue 184
January 2016
NOTHING TO CELEBRATE IN FEBRUARY Werner Stephan, Stroke Survivor: North Shore Stroke Recovery Center - West Vancouver Group
There are different celebration in Canada: Statutory holidays— established by law and employees’ work must only be performed by special permission and generally a higher rate of pay.
Special Days—like Valentine Day, observed by some, not by law, observed mostly by tradition.
Folk fest in the Canary Island
Celebrations—established by groups not by law, most of them considered bizarre like ‘Ferris Wheel Day.’ Mostly Canadian holidays and celebrations are considered here and also only a few celebrations are mentioned.
—Werner Stephan, Stroke Survivor North Vancouver Stroke Recovery Center (West Vancouver group) Advice from an Old Farmer
Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong.
Let us look at some of them:
Statutory holidays—Only one is observed in B.C. in February Family Family Day Day—2nd Monday February in B.C., 3rd Monday in some other It is the travel experts opinion that provinces. In most provinces it is not February is the cheapest month of the year to travel to comparable desobserved as a statutory holiday. tinations. Not only are most hotels Special Days—Among others Ash Wednesday, observed by some as a discounted, travel organizers offer religious holiday, date varies Valen- trips at lower rates, too. Cruises are tine Day—February 14th, day for offered at deep discounts, ‘last lovers, the roots go back to the minute’ ones at up to 80% savings. Roman god of fertility.
Presidents Day—observed in the USA since 1968, 3rd Monday in February. Bizarre Celebrations: Ther e a r e many of them, most are celebrated by clubs and special interest groups. Some are really bizarre or silly. Among them—Public Sleeping Day, 28th February, apparently the creator was sleeping on the job. Chocolate Mint Day—19th February, I like it!! Created by a chocolate confectioner?
Party time in South America—need I say more? —Rio carnival for the ultimate experience, why not try Rio carnival package—Kenyan Safari, see hippos, rhinos, lions. The trip is every nature lovers dream— Gorillas in Rwanda, meeting mountain gorillas in the wild and enjoying various adrenalin adventures, if the budget allows. Nothing to do in February? Are you kidding?
There are several important criteria to choose an important destination for a holiday, sunny and hot, budget conscious or an adventure holiday. Let’s assume an adventure oriented holiday experience is important and this, of course, influences the most desirable destinations. February is an ideal time to explore South East Asia if the budget allows it—Thailand tour, explore ancient temples, exotic cooking, wildlife—Into the wild in Namibia, Botswana or Zimbabwe— white water rafting, sight seeing—
Keep skunks and bankers at a distance. Life is simpler when you plow around the stump. A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor. Words that soak into your ears are whispered...not yelled. Meanness don’t jes’ happen overnight.
Forgive your enemies, it messes up their heads. It don’t take a very big person to carry a grudge. You cannot unsay a cruel word. Every path has a few puddles. When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty. Like a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time. Page 6