I regret playing hooky last week, but my 96 year-old mother, Dorothy S. Joyce, was and is experiencing serious health issues. Although her mind is still as sharp as a tack, her body is betraying her. She first entered the Cornwall Community Hospital two weeks ago with what turned out to be a heart attack. Then, to add insult to injury, a week ago Monday she suffered a debilitating stroke that robbed her of the rich gift of language. The crushing frustration that clouds her face is heartbreaking. And yet, she continues to be true to her upbringing, as she struggles to thank the nurses who provide her with the necessities of life.
In my family, death and Christmas seem to be inexorably entwined. My father died on Christmas Eve. And my mother’s younger brother, my favourite uncle, left this world on Christmas day. And my mother seems intent on continuing this doleful tradition.
And yet, even as she lay on her Stryker ‘electrified patient platform’, my pre-stroke mother still brought laughter to my heart with two quick quips. The first came in the ICU when my brother enquired as to what type of magazines he should bring her. “Not fashion,” was her immediate reply. The second was when she was experiencing great difficulty breathing. The nurse informed her that her O2 level was fine, implying that it was all in her head. But the nurse said that she would listen to mom’s chest. I thought mother’s response was especially apt. “Don’t listen to my lungs,” she said, “listen to my lips.”
As I sat by her bedside last Saturday, in a noisy four-bed ward that afforded her no privacy or even one shred of dignity in these concluding moments of her life, I was struck by the contrast between our human health care system and the one reserved for the care of our animal companions. Because, when it comes to which one is the most humane, there is no contest.
Farewell Old Foe
I was further saddened to learn last week of the passing of Amelia Ayre. Amelia and her late husband Burt used to live on Dunvegan Road… lot 16 of the 9th of Kenyon, to be precise. The couple bought the property in the 1970s and converted its log cabin to a lovely rambling house that showcased an eclectic collection of art from very near and far. Their old/new home also served as the epicentre of the “from away” social scene during the period of the couple’s tenure.
The log portion of Amelia’s home was actually the original Skye School, S.S. #5 Caledonia and 20 Kenyon. Built in 1865, it was sold in December of 1896 to Donald Bethune for $20. Bethune dismantled the structure and reassembled it on his Dunvegan Road property on the east side of René and Sherrill Trottier’s farm. After the Bethune family left, the building remained vacant until Amelia and Burt purchased it.
To be frank, Amelia and I had our ups and downs. However, she earned my eternal gratitude for her acceptance of our son at a very difficult time in his journey of recovery. It was shortly after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and he was totally alone except for family. Amelia was sensitive to our son’s plight and took an interest in him. For a number of years, the two spent countless evenings arguing, discussing and watching a wide array of movies. A strange relationship albeit, but one that I believed benefited both.
For those of you unfamiliar with Amelia’s background, I’d like to quote from a draft of the obituary notice that was penned by former Dunvegan resident, Bonnie Laing.
“The doyenne of Dunvegan has left the stage. Amelia Ayre, aged 97, formerly of Vankleek Hill, Dunvegan and Montreal died peacefully at her residence in B.C. on December 12, 2016. Born Milka Chaban in Cardiff, Alberta, Amelia was predeceased by her husband Burton and two of her children, Stacia and Steven. She was a loving mother to Zoё, Brandon and Larry, a proud grandmother of Lily, Nika, Sarah, Rebecca, Emily, Fernley, Adrian, William, Elizabeth and Dinah, great-grandmother to Josh, Max and Elinor and a warm and generous friend to many.”
I’m told there will be a celebration of her life held in Dunvegan next spring. In the interim, memorial donations can be made to Child Haven International or the Glengarry Pioneer Museum, two charities that Amelia strongly supported.
And with that I say goodbye to an old friend and adversary.
Kirk Closed Sunday
Saturday, December 24th, the old stone kirk north of the Dunvegan crossroads will throw open its doors to welcome the community to its annual Christmas Eve service. The celebratory service begins at 7:30 PM. And if it’s like others in the past, it will be conducted by members of the congregation and will feature carols and readings. Everyone is invited.
PS: There will be no worship service on Sunday, Christmas day.
St. Nick Report
President Ben Williams of our amazing Dunvegan Recreation Association tells me that the recent Visit with Santa party was an unprecedented success. “Word must be spreading about our DRA events, since the turnout was far greater than I had hoped,” Ben told me. A total of twenty youngsters and almost as many adults attended the Santa Party this year. And while there were many familiar faces in the crowd, there were many new faces as well.
I’m told everyone enjoyed this year’s new games and crafts. These included making one’s own candy cane decoration, fishing for candy canes and blowing the snowball (sic). “Even some of the adults caught the Christmas spirit and joined in,” reports Ben.
After the craft and games period, the crowd took a break for a snack and a drink while enjoying the holiday classic Charlie Brown’s Christmas on the hall’s big movie screen. But the real highlight of the event was when the sound of sleigh bells announced the arrival of Old St. Nick. While holding court, Santa listened to each child’s Christmas dreams, and his elves distributed seasonally appropriate goody bags.
Ben wanted to be sure I publically acknowledged the DRA’s volunteer elves: Mona Andre, Tyler Pritchard, Laurie Maus, Sean Burgess and Mike Hall. Mr. President also wanted to thank Nancy and Gord White for the wonderful decorations that make the hall so festive. He told me there were a plethora of positive comments on the decorations. I concur. Thank goodness we have Nancy and her warehouse of Yuletide trimmings.
Cool Euchre News
Last Friday’s bone-chilling temperatures played havoc with the attendance at the DRA’s final Euchre Luncheon of the 2016 season. Nevertheless, a core crowd of euchre enthusiasts, including former Dunveganite, Donald Clark, braved the elements to attend. Even Ann Stewart dropped by to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. She couldn’t stay as she was on her way to Ottawa for tests. However, she pledged to return as soon as she could after her next (and hopefully final) operation. How’s that for volunteer spirit?
After a piping bowl of beef, barley and vegetable soup, stacks of homemade egg, chicken salad and salmon sandwiches and a seemingly bottomless tray of Sandra Diagle’s Christmas baked goods, the group got tucked into their card play. And here are the results. Winners of the informal 50/50 draw were Gabrielle Meloche, Eileen McGillivray and June Raymond. Arlene Munro took home the “Most 4s” prize. And Dytha Dixon claimed the door prize. As for the top euchre scores, Dytha Dixon was in first place, Gabrielle Meloche was in second and June Raymond came in third.
Don’t forget that DRA Euchre will be in hibernation for the months of January and February. However, we’ll be back with a bang in March.
M&M… a real treat
It amazed cast, crew and me alike, but Dunvegan’s smash hit, Music & Mayhem (or M&M, as I call it) was sold out for all three performances. And rightly so. The hard-working, all-volunteer troupe led by Rosemary Chatterson reprised last year’s success and more. In my next column, I will tell you a bit more about the fascinating woman behind this amazing and entertaining fundraiser. But, in the meantime, I wanted to thank everyone who made this success possible.
First off are two young ladies who grew up in downtown Dunvegan: Alyson Graham and Wendy Macleod. They were in charge of stage and prop management. Next, there’s John Macaulay. He handled the sound console and our hall’s new lighting system. As I mentioned earlier, Nancy and Gord White deserve thanks for decking our hall with boughs of Christmas. As do Jim and Marlie Tilker and Sean Burgess for staffing the entrance table.
Then there are the performers. The impressive line-up featured Audrey Nixon, Jim McRae, Gerry Schmidt, Shashtin and Jim Winchester, Rosemary Chatterson and Allan MacDonald. Flip Flockton (as narrator), Scott Graham (as master of ceremonies) and Elizabeth Caddell (as accompanist).
Last, but in no way least, are local ticket outlets the Maxville Home Hardware, The Quirky Carrot and the Review… and this year’s major corporate sponsor: the Caisse Populaire Desjardins in Alexandria.
Huzzah to one and all!
Season’s greetings
Emboldened by the recent election south of the border (don’t blame me; I didn’t vote for him), I feel free to cast aside the shackles of political correctness, throw all caution to the wind and wish all who take part in the annual celebration… a very Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year.
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