Sunshine in the autumn years — East Kootenay Seniors Coalition

I had the ‘pleasure’ recently of spending the afternoon on stretcher #4 in our local emergency room. And before I go further, I want to say that the nurses and doctors on duty were wonderful. They were very busy, and yet they had the time and professionalism to be kind and gentle with me. The lab tech who took my blood was slow and patient, even taking the time to comment on the funny tan lines on my feet (Birkenstocks). I almost didn’t notice the needle going into my arm!

While what I had turned out not to be a serious condition, I did spend a fair bit of time wondering what was going to happen with me and, consequently, with my life. I thought of my kids, my dog, my friends, my house. I had a pretty good idea what my symptoms might be suggesting and that was a pretty scary thought. The outcome could be life altering and I wondered what other people (seniors in particular) must think if and when they find themselves in the same or a similar situation. I myself am one of the ‘baby boomer’ generation who is just beginning to join the ranks of the senior citizens. This is unknown territory. I am feeling my way as I go. I’m not sure what lies ahead. There is fear …. but there is also trust. In the meantime … I’m on stretcher #4… [Read more]