Lovely Liveliness

What a joy-filled 91st birthday celebration for Sr. Gladys Hayward. Featuring newcomers to Résidence Bon-Secours, Sisters: Françoise Boisvert and Joan Foliot who read the Birthday Beatitudes and a poem from Joyce Rupp, respectively. Special thanks to Sr. Kay Duffin for singing spontaneously “My best to you.” The “Psalm celebrating God’s Providence” was read by Carmie Rizzo who happily organized the celebration. The Mary of Peace community members were delighted to visit with distinct guests, Sisters: Lorraine Caza, Marijke Gerretsen and Patricia Simpson. With a beaming smile Sr. Gladys expressed her gratitude for the “presence” of all as well as the presents and all the cards she received. An ideal, Autumn Monday enjoyed in great company, with music, chatting over coffee, delicious walnut/cinnamon cake and chocolate-covered macadamia brittle. (What more can my Jesus do, whispered one Sister to another).

Throughout the day, impromptu, informal choirs united to sing birthday blessings to Sr. Gladys. Firstly, near her front door whereby all the Sisters of her wing sang in English and French. While Sr. Claudette Marcoux sang in Japanese. Secondly, the nurses and préposées at lunchtime delivered an animated rendition of “Happy Birthday!” Thirdly, at collation time Sr. Lorraine Costello sang a Spanish version. Interculturality at its best! The Sisters also had the benefit of singing to Patricia Simpson for her recent birthday.