When I was working at Island View we hosted many events that were a collaboration between the marketing and activities departments. One fall event that we had was a walk through the Arnprior Grove’s Old Growth Forest. There was a group that drove themselves there that were all prospects and I drove our bus with residents who wanted to attend the walk as well.

I had contacted an expert to talk about different aspects of the Grove while everyone walked the trail. One resident was Mary. She was 100 years old at the time and when we returned to Island View I asked Mary if she enjoyed her walk. She said yes but “that man wouldn’t stop talking so I could just listen to the trees”. I said that I could take her back another time, but she said no you are too busy.

Well a few days later we had one of those beautiful, sunny, crisp fall days. I called Mary and said let’s go. The two of us drove back to The Grove and walked in. She kept looking up at the sky and saying look and the colors. The sky was that amazing clear dark blue with the colorful leaves on the trees. I took a number of pictures and then we sat and listened to the trees. I printed the pictures I had taken and took them to her a few days later. I told her, in the spring we can go back when the trilliums are blooming. Her reply was “that is a bit ambitious”.

Sadly Mary passed away that winter and we never did get the chance to go and see the trilliums, but every spring when the trilliums bloom, I am reminded of Mary and the time we spent together listening to the trees.

At this time I am missing these opportunities that are part of every day working with seniors.