A SONG FOR MADELAINE
Lise is a woman who lives in a Community Living Timmins group home. She has been there since the 90’s and does not want to leave it for a more adventurous life. At home she has her rocking chair and her social life. She’s content.
Lise lived with her mother previous to that – only after mom was over 90 did LIse came to share her life with Community Living. Having Grown up in a French Canadian family, when her mom passed, Lise’s two sisters in Timmins became her regular companions.
Madelaine would take LIse to the cottage in the summer, home for Christmas, shopping for clothing, out for Tai Chi and lunch and much more. Madelaine ensured that things were right for Lise. She loved her and cared for her: she was always there for Lise.
For many years Lise worked and then retired to the Vic Mahoney Day Program where she visited friends and participated in things she liked to do. French Canadian Culture has always been an important part of Lise’s life. Since Joining Community Living Timmins, she has taken violin lessons, and loves to play along to fiddle music. This past Christmas, Lise performed on her violin at the Vic Mahoney Centre. Madelaine was her guest of honour. (The picture with this story shows Madelaine and Lise after the the party.)
Madelaine was proud and impressed. Always shy, it was for Madelaine that Lise played her best.
Within the week, Madelaine passed away. An unexpected tradgedy for all, LIse’s grief was deep and continuous. But for LIse and Madelaine, their loving relationship on this earth ended with sharing, music and accomplishment.
Brenda Beaudoin, Community Living Timmins Integration Communautaire 2009
