Three Score Years (plus Ten....x2)

Just before the old year turned, the sun rose on December 30 and so many of you sang out: "Happy 80th Birthday, Isabel".

THANK YOU from Isabel and from all of us for the:

* Visits from friends and family throughout the last weeks and months.

* A multitude of paper & electronic cards and letters that we have read to Mum, and then three-holed punched for her red binder so that she can read and re-read each one.

* Phone calls and phone messages that provide that wonderful feeling of familiar voices.

* Pinks and reds of roses, amaryllis, cyclamen, and poinsettias that grace Isabel's window sill.

* Prayers and birthday wishes that have come in so many forms.

The visits are sometimes quiet ~ and sometimes raucous! At one point during a gathering in the sunny solarium with Isabel and Abernethy friends of nearly 60 years, the Resident Care Co-ordinator sauntered in (with a twinkle in her eye) and chided the boisterous party-goers for keeping the other residents awake during their afternoon naps.

Grand and great-grand nieces and nephews have climbed up on Isabel's bed to get a better look at her letterboard while she uses it when sitting in her wheelchair. Christmas concert numbers have come from school and church stages to be played or sung by these small folk for Isabel's enjoyment.

Isabel has attended a variety of concerts and informal carolling with friends in the concourse and throughout cozy corners of the Wascana building.

As her daughters and families gathered to celebrate Isabel's birthday, we formally toasted Mum and requested a response. She solemnly looked around the room and then quickly tapped on her letterboard "I AM SPEECHLESS ~ FOR ONCE". And then she grinned.

Mum has not had audible speech for 17 months, but her wit rolls on!

Here's to you Mum ~ and your 80 years of determination and courage ~ wisdom and wit!

And here's to YOU ~ our family and friends ~ for your enduring and loving support of us all!