A person’s age represents a fine cargo of experiences and memories and the people who live at Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre are more than just residents needing care, but rather colourful personalities with rich histories.
The Who Am I initiative, which was launched last year, encourages residents and staff to get to know one another better by sharing their personal stories.
On 13 May, the residents and staff of the centre’s River Lodge Three wing gathered in their lounge to hear about and honour the stories of resident, Lynne Russell, and enrolled nursing auxiliary, Nakedi Chokoe.
What made this event so magical was that Russell’s whole family came to support her, including her husband, Brian and their three daughters, Dale, Bev and Amanda. Her son-in-law, Tony, and three of her grandchildren, Jonah, Tory and Leah were also there to listen to Russell’s life story.
The family said they were grateful to have their mother and grandmother’s story told and acknowledged, and to have the opportunity to remember and celebrate her life and accomplishments.
The family added that it was wonderful that Russell and Chokoe could celebrate their stories together. “What a truly wonderful occasion this was!” said Brian.
“I can’t imagine that anyone there did not enjoy it to the full. I haven’t seen Lynne so happy since she moved to River Lodge Three. This event demonstrated that even in the frailties of growing old, one can still have enjoyment with all one’s friends that surround one each day. Having Nakedi sharing the occasion made it just that much more fun.”
