I had an opportunity to visit my mother in Chilliwack, BC. My Mom is 85 years young and is still a going concern. She is losing her eyesight to macular degeneration and also has hearing loss as well as the aches and pains of an aging body.
In spite of these discouraging medical realities she is active and always looking for solutions to each set back. A wonderful role model to me for aging gracefully and constantly seeking out life's remaining pleasures instead of greiving over lost pleasures.
I also had the wonderful opportunity to talk with a friend of my mother. Jean Scott will be 100 years old April 20, 2012. She won The Governor General Persons Award in 1990 for her life time of work for equality for women in Canada. Last fall she was flown to Ottawa on October 18 as the oldest living recipient of the Persons Award. October 18 is the anniversary of the winning of The Persons Case in 1929 by Alberta's Famous Five. These five women took on the legal system and eventually won the right to be 'persons' in the eyes of the law. Jean was alive when this event took place!
As part of a set of my songs for my mother and her friends in the coffee room I dedicated The Ballad of the Famous Five to my Mom and Jean Scott. When I was finished Jean wanted me to sing a song from her activist days. I didn't know the song so she sang it in a loud clear voice pumping her arm and encouraging us all to join her.
I was able to get a video of Jean singing this song after most everyone had left the room. I also got a video interview with her. It is amazing to see. Her clarity and determination shine through. It is difficult to believe that she is 100 years old.
She expressed that her only regret is that it seemed she was unable to get women to stand up and be heard in the way that she hoped we would. She is disappointed that so many issues concerning women seem unchanged. She believes that we, as modern women, are responsible for achieving our own independance and credibilty.
I hope that I can continue to maintain the enthusiasm for life that my Mom and Jean express. Our bodies may age around us but our dreams and beliefs can still shine through!!
In spite of these discouraging medical realities she is active and always looking for solutions to each set back. A wonderful role model to me for aging gracefully and constantly seeking out life's remaining pleasures instead of greiving over lost pleasures.
I also had the wonderful opportunity to talk with a friend of my mother. Jean Scott will be 100 years old April 20, 2012. She won The Governor General Persons Award in 1990 for her life time of work for equality for women in Canada. Last fall she was flown to Ottawa on October 18 as the oldest living recipient of the Persons Award. October 18 is the anniversary of the winning of The Persons Case in 1929 by Alberta's Famous Five. These five women took on the legal system and eventually won the right to be 'persons' in the eyes of the law. Jean was alive when this event took place!
As part of a set of my songs for my mother and her friends in the coffee room I dedicated The Ballad of the Famous Five to my Mom and Jean Scott. When I was finished Jean wanted me to sing a song from her activist days. I didn't know the song so she sang it in a loud clear voice pumping her arm and encouraging us all to join her.
I was able to get a video of Jean singing this song after most everyone had left the room. I also got a video interview with her. It is amazing to see. Her clarity and determination shine through. It is difficult to believe that she is 100 years old.
She expressed that her only regret is that it seemed she was unable to get women to stand up and be heard in the way that she hoped we would. She is disappointed that so many issues concerning women seem unchanged. She believes that we, as modern women, are responsible for achieving our own independance and credibilty.
I hope that I can continue to maintain the enthusiasm for life that my Mom and Jean express. Our bodies may age around us but our dreams and beliefs can still shine through!!