Long Live the Lazy

Regular followers of our blog posts are aware that I have a propensity for using taglines as the starting point for my shared reflections. In that vein,  La-Z-boy furniture company launched its new tagline, “Long Live the Lazy.” Coincidentally, I first heard the now repeated line last Saturday.

Part of my weekly routine is my habit of enjoying a “me day” on Saturdays. Reflecting on the tagline, the word lazy piqued my interest. Professor Google provided me with multiple synonyms for lazy. As you have noticed, many of them have a strong, negative connotation such as slothful, good-for-nothing and negligent. I was a little more committed to being lazy when the professor introduced me to the word otiose. The Oxford Dictionary states the adjective otiose as, “serving no practical purpose or result.” Truthfully, as the term ‘Me Day” indicates, Saturday is my one day to set my list of tasks aside and enjoy a day of leisure, thus availing myself of a set time for living life in the spirit of “Long Live the Lazy.”

This restful otiose approach to life was first recorded in Genesis where God took a “Me Day” also.

-Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ

Image: Angelina Kichukova @anynieel/Unsplash

Unusual Summer Visitors

Yvonne and Steve Houle with their rescue Alpacas.

On a bright and sunny mid-August afternoon, our Sisters gathered in our beautiful, enclosed garden to meet Reuben and Gibson and their expert caregivers, Yvonne and Steve Houle.  These large, elegant alpacas from S.A.M.Y.’s Alpaca Farm and Fabric Studio in Kerwood, Ontario are not traveling animals. They made a special visit in response to a request from a staff member who knows them and their work. 

When the two shy, gentle alpacas were led into the garden, we were awed to see them approach us with a timid, personable stride.   The Sisters were eager to stroke their long necks and offer oat treats which they gently nuzzled from outstretched elderly hands. 

During the afternoon, Steve and Yvonne brought the animals to meet each sister, some of our staff, Hospice staff, and several visitors.  Cellphones quickly appeared to capture the striking scenes of joy and interaction.  Special treats including cooling punch, alpaca-themed napkins and alpaca-shaped sugar cookies kept us fed and hydrated as we watched the alpacas admire their own images in the care centre windows. Throughout the garden, our animal visitors mingled among the fascinated onlookers. 

Steve and Yvonne were generous with their time, answering our many questions.  We learned that alpacas, originally from Peru and Bolivia, have made their way to Canada but not in great numbers.  They are raised for their fiber. May is shearing time, and the fiber is sent from their farm to a mill in North Bay, Ontario where it will be transformed into beautiful, treasured sweaters, etc. In fact, one of our Sisters has an attractive alpaca towel. 

All too soon, it was time for Reuben and Gibson to join the 48-alpaca herd back on the farm.  As we bade farewell to Yvonne and Steve, we were loud in our gratitude for introducing us to another one of God’s beautiful creatures. 

-Sister Jean Moylan, csj

Resiliency and Hope

Photo by Sister Loretta Hagan, csj

August 13, 2023 was a typical Sunday morning. My plans for the day were to attend Mass at Assumption Parish in Hay River, NWT and then possibly travel down the highway to catch the last part of the music jamboree in the hamlet of Enterprise. That afternoon our lives would be changed, and our plans up-ended.

These are the words that began a blog I wrote on October 2, 2023, titled A Journey Through Wildfire Evacuation. I told my experience of the evacuation in Hay River, NWT (North West Territories) which lasted 5 weeks. The words that ended my blog are as follows,

We know that next spring there will be new growth, bright green amid the charred trees still standing and beautiful purple fireweed will bloom.

Well, spring has come, and summer 2024 has arrived, and the fireweed has grown and blossomed.

The journey did not end with the blog in October of last year. Little did I realize the deep, lasting effects of that Sunday afternoon in 2023. A strong wind, a certain colour in the sky, the smell of smoke, or smoke blowing in from distant fires, would cause anxiety. Tears would flow at the most unexpected times or circumstances. It did not matter in which direction I drove that I was not met with vast expanses of burnt trees. Tears would run down my cheeks as I drove.

Photo by Doug Swallow

And then, guilt set in. Why was I feeling this way when I had not lost my home as many had in Enterprise and in Patterson Road?  I did not experience the flames and falling trees as folks did who left, not much later, the one road out, compromised with debris. I was blessed to have been given a ride out, with my cat and a beautiful home to stay in, while others had only a hotel room with children and pets, in some instances.

Picture of the fireweed by Doug Swallow

On three separate occasions, three people who know me well suggested that perhaps I should see a counselor. In December I took their advice. It was the best decision I could have made. With guidance, I saw that I did lose something in the loss of the trees, in the displacement or perhaps death of some animals and their habitat. I was not able to help, as I would normally do in a crisis. My feelings were validated, and I was given strategies which would help me in times of anxiety or sadness.

Last week Sister Loretta and I drove along the back road to see the fireweed. Yes, that is what people were saying, “The fireweed has come”, as if it were a soothing salve. It gives me hope.

On Saturday we went down the highway to Enterprise. Approximately 90 % of homes and structures were destroyed in the fire, and yet the annual music jamboree was held. There was great joy in coming together as a community and yes, tears were shed as we remembered.

Today marks one year since the evacuation alert sounded. Today we see the gift of the fireweed…and resiliency and hope.

Sister Maggie Beaudette, CSJ

Photos: Doug Swallow, Sister Loretta Hagen

Day Tripping: An Enjoyable Way to Vacation

Here we are, half-way through summer 2024.  There are still sunny vacation days left to think about and where we might travel for a little excitement and change of pace. For me, this summer’s excursions were fun and not far from home.   

Being a lover of Shakespeare, dear friends treated me to the Stratford Festival where we saw the delightful, “Twelfth Night”.  Although it was staged in modern dress, we were whisked away to another era of fantasy and revelry.  It was a perfect day in late May to leave the city and spend time with loved ones in the theatre and parks of beautiful Stratford, Ontario. 

Sister Jean on the farm

A month later, I enjoyed an annual family gathering called “Moylan Mayhem” on my nephew’s 172-year-old farm near Seaforth.  My great grandfather officially leased the land in 1852 from the Canada Company.  Now, my nephew, his wife and their four beautiful daughters represent six generations having lived on the homestead. There is no better place to gather for a weekend with our tents and trailers to reminisce about days of yore, present times, and future plans. 

Next on my leisure list, was a glorious time at a cottage near Camlachie, only an hour’s drive from London. (Pictured below, Sister Florian, and a stunning Lake Huron sunset) Amid the rest and leisure, there was a visit to the well-known Victoria Playhouse in Petrolia.  It was uplifting, and delightful to attend the original cast and crew presentation of, “Sweet Soul Music”. Some were inspired to sway and dance in the aisles to the time-honored sounds of Motown music of the ‘60’s. After the performance, I was thrilled to meet one of the fine co-producers who was a student at Assumption High School in Windsor when I taught there in the 80’s. 

Finally, back at home, I realized that every venue I visited was no more than an hour’s drive from home.  Unaware of it, I was day tripping!  What a wonderful, economical way to experience the sights and sounds of summer.  I can rise early, pack a delicious lunch, hop into my car and enjoy day tripping. 

You too, might get the day tripping bug. Think of all the interesting places near home that you might want to visit or revisit at leisure.  There’s no need to hurry.  You can return home and sleep in your own bed or stay overnight or for a week, knowing that home is only an hour away.  I’m planning my next day trip to Huron County Playhouse in Grand Bend.  Maybe I’ll see you there! 

-Sister Jean Moylan, CSJ

World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

July 24 celebrates the role of grandparents and elderly persons in our world. I solicited the help of three grandmothers and one grandfather to learn more about their experiences as grandparents. What joys did they identify?  How did they, their children, and grandchildren benefit from these relationships? What burdens were involved in being a grandparent?  Did these grandparents have any recommendations or advice to offer first-time grandparents?  

Grandparents take great joy in their relationships with their grandchildren.  A few examples of their comments are:  

• “What a joy when a grandchild [infant] smiles and squeals with delight when they see you.”  

• “I love their phone call or texts to ask how I am or to seek advice.” 

• “It is wonderful to experience your children being parents; you see a new dimension in their personality.” 

• “Playdays and sleep-overs.  We made blanket forts, did dress-ups, had tea parties, and created and performed skits.  We taught them how to cook simple foods.” 

• “My heart is full when they run up to give a hug or hold my hand.” 

My consultants reported many benefits of their roles - for themselves, their children, and their grandchildren. Some of these were: 

• “Being able to pass on family traditions, history and wisdom to grandchildren,” 

• “An opportunity for an enriched life and for being needed as one retires and grows older.” 

• “Being around grandchildren who are thriving offers hope for the future, a lens to observe what is important to a younger generation, an opportunity to see human beings develop from helpless, dependent infants into competent, capable, and well-adjusted young adults.” 

• “Parents receive support of many kinds, such as trusted childcare, babysitting, sick child relief, financial help, and advice when difficulties arise. “ 

The wise grandparents who responded to my request also identified some burdens. For example:  

• One couple noted that when their children have ongoing health issues there exists instability and challenges for the grandchildren.  

• One grandmother stated: “I always worry when grandchildren demonstrate behaviours that are not very healthy”. 

• Another grandmother noted that at times the parents' demands seem excessive, e.g., full-time childcare, financial help, or other matters at a time when one grows older and has less energy.  

• Differing ideas and beliefs about children’s needs, rules, gifts, and routines within the imperative of respecting parents’ wishes can be a source of distress.  

• It is difficult to create bonds with grandchildren who live in other cities. 

And yet, despite difficulties and burdens, one grandmother commented: “The gift of grandchildren surpasses any negative experiences.  I always feel blessed to have them.” 

Some additional comments & advice from the Grandparents:

• Respect the parents’ wishes 

• Love your grandchildren 

• Model honest, open communication. Foster compassion and forgiveness in relationships.  

• Provide experiences to grandchildren in place of material gifts 

• Contribute to or open a Registered Educational Savings Plan (RESP) for the grandchildren.  These are lasting gifts!

• Fair and equal are not the same thing; some grandchildren or their parents may need more support than others.  

The heart-warming responses from grandparents illustrate their importance in our society.  We need to acknowledge their contributions to the health and welfare of our children.

May all of us, on July 24 - and all year, honour the grandparents and elderly people who pass on love and wisdom to the next generation.  

-Sister Patricia McKeon, csj