Serendipity

The Winter of my 71st birthday was a slap in the face: I was awakened to the reality that I was getting old.

 

A widow for the past four years I had tried to maintain my home/retreat in the mountains overlooking Kootenay Lake and the house in Nelson we had moved to when my husband became ill. Four days in Nelson, three days in Gray Creek, year round.

 

The Winter of 2008 was my un-doing. Snowshoeing from the car to the house, pulling a sleigh loaded with groceries up the hill, I fell and damaged my knee. The steep streets of Nelson and two flights of stairs in the house made the situation worse. Both my parents had lived to 91, so I could be looking at 20 more years of living - it was time to take stock.

 

• Option 1: The children wanted me with them. I had seen enough families torn apart over whose turn it was to take care of the parent and I heard many people despairing of moving a stubborn parent refusing to be moved. It was not going to be me.

 

• Option 2: Moving into one of the facilities for seniors, a new one going up in Nelson. Paying increasing rents for the next 20 years? Not for me.

 

• Option 3: Buying one of the condo units being built?  They would not accept my large dog. It was not for me.

 

Then in March, I was introduced to the Grandview Housing Cooperative. I loved the concept and took a membership. I was going to Age in Place in a cooperative! The added appeal was the large number of members who were of Doukhobor descent. I equate the culture with frugal, down-to-earth, community focused qualities, qualities I admire.

 

In May I resolved to sell the Gray Creek property, even though we had poured heart and soul into building it. In June I chose the perfect buyer to take the land respectfully to its next phase. In August I exchanged it for a Life Lease at Grandview Heights. A duplex was available with most of the options I liked, and in mid-September I was moved in.

 

Today, 3 months later, I am happy. I feel connected to the spirit of the place - it has a soul - I belong. Open skies fill the rooms with light. I am surrounded by congenial, helpful neighbours. The level, smooth sidewalks make my daily walks pain free.

 

I looked through the photos posted on the website, a record of all the work done. I am grateful to all.

 

Family and friends thought me crazy in August, in December they call me wise.

 

I feel blessed.

 

~ Monique

 

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