We do not remember days; we remember moments. — Cesare Pavese, The Burning Brand
CATCH
Following Christmas dinner, my family was relaxing around the kitchen table. We had all enjoyed traditional turkey, sweet potatoes lightly glazed with brown sugar, and a final wedge of pumpkin pie topped with a dollop of ice cream. The good cooking smells still lingered; the oven remained warm. My sister, our chef, was basking in the compliments—“Fabulous meal,” “I really couldn’t eat another bite,” “Everything was wonderful.” Dad had risen from his chair and was contentedly standing nearby.
My nephew, never one to sit still for too long, began dribbling his new basketball around the table and throughout the kitchen. Upon nearing Dad, he stopped—almost uncertainly. With shaking, wrinkled hands, Dad had reached out for the ball. He did not speak, and the boy, confused, looked up and over at us. It took some convincing, but the ball was gingerly passed over.
I watched my father closely to see what he would do. A playful smile appeared on his face. The twinkle in his eyes shone brighter than any Christmas lights. Holding the ball and reaching forward, Dad bounced it on the floor then caught it.
This action was repeated. Nodding approvingly, he then turned towards our assembled group. Gently tossing the ball away, Dad began a game of catch.
The ball continued to be passed through eager pairs of outstretched hands. Cries of “Over here!” rang through the warm kitchen. Dad’s active participation in this game was remarkable to me, since he had advanced Alzheimer’s disease. This dementia had robbed him of many memories and the recognition of people, places and points in time. Despite this, Dad clearly recognized the ball and what you could do with it.
In my younger years, playing with Dad was rare. To his credit, Dad worked hard and provided for us. He was very private and never showed nor shared much emotion; his game of choice was chess, which he did eventually teach me how to play. As an adult, I had become a caregiver and watched helplessly as Dad declined. Connecting moments between father and son had been few and far between before he took the basketball.
I’m not sure how long we played catch. Watching the clock was not important. Dad gleefully led us until he began to tire. What I do know is that our game ended all too soon, and it was time to face the reality of dirty dishes piled high on counter-tops. The moment, though, will certainly last forever. On this Christmas, Dad gave me a special memory—one that I will always treasure.
[Source: 6 Christmas Stories of Wonder and Love, Readers Digest, February 3, 2020]
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR from the Seniors Outreach Board & Staff!
ATTENTION: CHANGE: FROM NOVEMBER 25, 2020 TO AT LEAST January 12, 2021 - After assessing the Alberta Health guidelines, and the announcements by the Premier, the Minister of Health and the Chief Medical Officer of Alberta on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, the following decisions have been made:
THE COMMUNITY DROP-IN CENTER in Three Hills remains CLOSED!
THE COMMUNITY BUS RUNS in Three Hills until at least January 12, 2021 WILL NOT OPERATE. SENIORS OUTREACH ANNOUNCEMENTS: Please note the Attention/Changes within our re-launch of activities and programs
ATTENTION: GIFTS FOR GRANDPARENTS: Seniors Outreach will be stuffing and delivering these gifts within the next week. Instead of receiving donations of items this year, Seniors Outreach will accept financial donations for the Gifts for Grandparents program this year. From these donations, Seniors Outreach will purchase needed items for the gift bags. Please call 403-443-2555 or 1-888-443-2555 (for the Carbon area) at our main office or connect with our Coordinators in Carbon, Linden, Acme, Trochu & Torrington) to financially support our Gifts for Grandparents program (by cheque or cash), or send an e-transfer to office@seniorso.ca.
ATTENTION: CHANGE: Orders on the Frozen Meals on Wheels Grant will be limited in terms of WHAT ONE IS ABLE TO ORDER (10-14 Items per person) and our value of an order will be BETWEEN $80 TO $100 per person as we go forward. We will only be able to have a limited number of orders go in every two weeks. Please try to have your orders in to Seniors Outreach no later than the Thursday before the Monday order date. The next order date will be January 11, 2021 and that delivery date will be on January 19, 2021. This order date is already FILLED! Please provide your order for January 25, 2021 as soon as possible. If you are not able to have your order in for the next order date, your order will go in on the following order date. If you are paying via e-transfer funds to Wheatland Meals on Wheels, DO NOT DO SO before you have provided your order to Seniors Outreach. Thank you!
FOOD SECURITY: OUR SPECIAL THANKS TO FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA (FCSSAA) for their willingness to provide grant support.
The frozen meals on wheels menu is available for seniors at the Seniors Outreach main office [128 – 3rd Ave S, Three Hills] in the Provincial Building or for those under age 65 at the KRFCSS office. You may work out your order on the telephone with the reception desk/staff at either location.
Low-income adults and families should call Kneehill Regional FCSS at 403-443-3800 to order.
Low-income seniors (Ages 65+) should call Seniors Outreach at 403-443-2555 or from the Carbon area 1-888-443-2555
CLIENT SERVICES: Until at least January 12, 2021, both the Main Office and the Extension Offices will be dealing ONLY with clients who make an appointment first, before coming into the offices. Seniors Outreach MAIN OFFICE is open for regular hours –Mondays to Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
Extension Offices: will provide client services in person (with an appointment) inKneehill North: Trochu office at Frank VanderKley’s Law Offices – presently on Tuesdays & Wednesdays (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) Torrington office at the Arena is open by pre-made appointments on Thursdays (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.). Kneehill South; Acme office at the Acme Seniors Association – Thursdays (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) Carbon at the New Horizon’s Centre – Tuesdays (9:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m.) Linden at the 50+ Club (Care & Share Centre) – Thursdays (1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.) Please be aware that the doors may be locked at the extension offices. The coordinator for the extension office will let you in at your appointment time!
CARING CARS/WHEELCHAIR BUS USAGE: For medical appointments one may call to book Caring Cars/Wheelchair Bus for those who need this support.
PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO the Three Hills Capital, the Seniors Outreach Website, our new Facebook page, other news sources, or word of mouth regarding any further changes to our operations.
