Ron Smith Care Centre residents were handed mini biographies
Two lives were toasted at Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre when residents Ms Lynn Kingston and Mr Frank Lucas were ceremoniously handed mini biographies.
Two lives were toasted at Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre when residents Ms Lynn Kingston and Mr Frank Lucas were ceremoniously handed mini biographies.
August 26 saw a long-time dream of the care centre’s liaison officer Ms Phyllis Phillips come to fruition, when the first two ‘My Story’ booklets were handed over to Ms Kingston and Mr Lucas in the presence of family, friends and loved ones.
The idea arose when Ms Phillips went on a trip to Australia. It involves a friend, volunteer or loved one spending quality time with a resident taking trips down memory lane and capturing their story. A booklet is then produced, complete with photos across the ages.
“This is a therapeutic, meaningful project,” said Ms Phillips. “Through the people-centred Eden Alternative programme, Rand Aid acknowledges the importance of its residents as individuals. Who they are and what they are is as important as the care they receive. We are not just here to look after our residents,” said Ms Phillips.
Ms Kingston’s story was captured by Elphin Lodge resident Ms Jean Johnson, while Mr Lucas’ was documented by his wife Pat, who lives at Elphin Lodge, and his daughter Ms Jill Middleton.
“This is a wonderful honour to bestow on my father,” said Ms Middleton at the hand-over tea. She said that the book will be handed down the generations.
Mr Lucas has achieved much in his lifetime, including being mayor of Bedfordview. His greatest success is the close-knit family he heads. All four of his children, a number of his grandchildren and even a great-grand-daughter were present on the morning.
Ms Kingston was deprived of oxygen at birth and has lived with cerebral palsy. Despite her challenges, she contributed positively to society, working for 46 years as switchboard operator at her alma mater, Forest Town. She also helped to raise Mr Lucky Dinake, who today is a PR councillor for the DA in Bedfordview.
“You might see a little person sitting in a wheelchair but she is phenomenal. A real dynamo,” said Ms Johnson.
“Lynn was and is a mother to me. She was my best friend, substitute mother and partner in crime in our incredibly alternative family. She endured so much difficulty with so much grace and inspired me to be the man I am today,” said Mr Dinake.
