It’s a big day ‘cause it’s a big number — 90, to be exact.
Indeed, it was 90 years ago today that my mother was born in Calgary, Alberta, and, believe me, the preparations to celebrate that fact are not insignificant. I’m the youngest of three girls, so you can imagine the flurry of emails as my take-charge sisters set out the party agenda. I pick up the balloons.
I’m quite tempted to use this column to talk about what a cool person my mom is. And the story wouldn’t just be about her accomplishments, although they are significant. But also about her continued engagement with life. But bragging about one’s parent is like bragging about your kid — tedious to others.
What I will say is she ameliorates my fear of aging.
Even more encouraging was reading our story in Wednesday’s paper about B.C.’s Seniors’ Advocate Isobel MacKenzie, who said her job these days is busting myths about growing old.
It turns out my mom who’s funny, insightful and still out dancing, isn’t so special after all (of course you are, mom.) But the fact is, most seniors do not develop dementia or Alzheimer’s; most never live in a care home; most have pretty good lives.
So, why’s that?
When I first started here at the Richmond News, Ward Clapham was the Richmond RCMP superintendent. Determined to work himself out of a job, he put a huge focus on steering kids away from crime. He talked about what he called “the 40 developmental assets” that enable youth to live healthy, productive lives. Most young people don’t have all of them, but most have some and the more they have, the better the chances they’ll live a crime-free life.
What stood out for me was the fact these assets ranged from the very unique qualities of the individual to whether there’s a basketball hoop nearby. Point being, it put equal weight on the individual, family and community at large.
I’d say the same is true for seniors.
Yes, my mom has been blessed with good health. Yes, she has taken it upon herself to be an active and engaged member of her community. (As an old social worker, I don’t think she can help herself from nosing into “mankind’s business” of the common welfare, as Charles Dickens would say.)
But it’s not just luck or personal will. It’s also what we, as a community, provide.
Her body stays strong and limber, thanks to her balance class at Steveston Community Centre. Her mind stays sharp, thanks to the ‘Hot Topics’ debated at the University Women’s Club and her spirit stays whole, thanks to worship at the Steveston United Church — body, mind and soul, all working fine.
I know there are seniors living sad, lonely lives and we all bear some responsibility for that, but there’s also much we’re doing right, and that shouldn’t be ignored. My mom, and a good many of her friends, are proof positive.
But back to the party, which of course is what really matters here. I can’t say I know all the plans. Frankly, I couldn’t keep up with the emails (no wonder I’m on balloon duty) but it’s sure to be a grand affair. Ninety candles is nothing to sneeze at.
