Chaplain’s Corner
1 December 2014
by Padre Art Turnbull, Branch 15 Chaplain
December is a strange month. Some places in Canada are deep into ice and snow. In our part of the world we begin the month with freezing temperatures while the leaves still fall from the trees. In the latter parts of the month there will be the official declaration that Winter is here. Then we shall probably have a green Christmas awash with gently falling rain. Skiing in the mountains while golfing in the valley! Strange country.
Winter is a season and condition that is hard on seniors. Veterans do not miss out on the difficulties of this time of year or life.
Some of our veterans have gone, or will shortly go, south for the winter. Warmer climes will be sought for vacations or for longer stays. Those of you who go need to ensure that you have adequate health and travel insurance. Some of the language used by insurers leaves room for confusion. If you are going out of the country, or province, for few days, or a long period, know your insurance coverage. Veterans’ plates do not make for immunity from “pre-existing conditions”.
For those who are staying home in beautiful B.C. there are other considerations to be made. Though it does not usually amount to being a major concern there can be days of major storms of winter ferocity. Shovelling of that white stuff is not recommended for those who are now officially labelled as seniors. Death caused by snow shovel exertion is just as deadly as any other cause. Veterans used to doing for themselves take pride in so doing. Perhaps it would be wiser to wait for others to do the doing. As older and wiser citizens you can afford to wait on time for the snow to melt and go away in a most natural way. So be patient, not a patient.
Other outdoor activities such as taking the daily walk can also be set aside on days inappropriate. Golfing and gardening are just around the corner.
There are many opportunities in the slower winter months for creative activity. That hobby you have neglected can be resumed. Social activity indoors can offer you time with old and new friends. Family life will offer inter-generational companionship, and challenges. Our community provides a whole range of facilities for keeping busy. Try swimming or seniors’ badminton. Volunteer to help with one or another of the Community Services programs. The Legion Branch can use your gifts. Go to the public library to read the daily paper, find a new book, or read a story to children. Take time weekly to visit an old friend or look up a veteran, especially one who is not able to get out and about.
As your Chaplain I encourage you to have an active and a safe journey into Winter. As our lives grow older and signs of physical limits begin to appear, there is also time to reflect, time to share, and time to distill the wisdom gained in one’s life. Being alive and vital is an achievement to be met each day.
The Book of Ecclesiastes in the Jewish and Christian writings, says, “Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eye to see the sun. Even those who live many years should rejoice in them all; yet let them remember that the days of darkness will be many.” (Ecclesiastes 11:7-8 NRSV)
Whether you are going to be away in the sunshine of your life, or staying here close to home, on the sunny days be invigorated. Receive each day as a gift, rain or shine. All of us at your Legion Branch will be with you as we all journey into Winter.