This last year through the pandemic offered many opportunities to reach out to old friends and make new ones.
(Photo MWCN)
I particularly want to share how the Pandemic brought five ladies together. I created a chat line on Facebook Messenger and invited, Mary, Paulette, Janice, and Dorothy. After a few attempts at zooming and persevering we helped each to master new technology and have now become known as the ‘Seniors Five’. It was not long before it became our routine to get together from 3:30 to 5:00 o’clock daily. We always had lots to talk about sharing what we were doing and what our days were like. Whether it was laundry, banking or what’s for supper the list can go on. We became a close group who could even share about our aches and pains.
At one point we decided to meet at my house for Chicken Tuesday as my solarium was perfect and we could sit apart. Masks were a must and sanitizing hands also when necessary. After supper we played Six or seven games of Bingo. You could be a lucky winner of a dollar per game, and it was so much fun. A few of us were bigger gamblers and played four cards for a nickel a game. Tea was served afterwards with some dessert that was always a surprise of the day such as home baked goods or even some special store-bought treats.
During the year of 2020 we became adventurous and decided on creating theme suppers instead of simply chicken. Hence, we celebrated Christmas in July with the solarium decorated and real Christmas china dishes were used for the meal. Oh yes and Christmas music played in the background.
The Harvest theme was another one. Hamburgers and corn were on the menu. We always wore our special masks for that occasion complements of Paulette.
An Hawaiian theme was beautiful with colorful decorations carefully purchased at the nearest dollar store. Pork with Hawaiian vegetables was served and delicious pineapple upside down cake was dessert, courtesy of Dorothy. Yummy!!!!!
Another time we had a picnic on Isle St Bernard in Châteauguay where we sat by the water sipping on wine and eating, cheese/ crackers and sandwiches. Everyone chipped in to make everything so perfect.
Farkle is a game that I personally think teaching these ladies was hilarious. We play every day except Tuesday. We giggle, make funny faces and one of the ladies sings Farkle which means it moves to the next player. This game is for all ages, and it only consists of six dice and a paper to keep score. Whoever reaches 10000 points first gets to wear the Farkle Crown.
This is how we ladies bonded, kept ourselves from getting depressed and cheered each other up. We are now five very special friends.
The pandemic caused lockdowns, and guidelines we had to get used to but we, Senior Five concentrated on having fun and creating new adventures within our own circle and our own community.
The Senior Five: Maureen McGuerian, Paulette, Dorothy, Mary, and Janice
This story is told by Maureen McGuerian who is an Irish lady and is sharing her love of people with a little group of women. Maureen has created something positive, during the pandemic, within her circle and her energy and sparkle has made a difference in the lives of these fabulous 5 seniors. Thank you, Maureen, for going above and beyond. You have created lasting positive memories at a time where it was hard to find.
MWCN is an essential service helping Seniors through the pandemic. For more information, stories and references please check out our website at mwcn.ca
Pauline Wiedow
Executive director of MWCN
www.mwcn.ca
