slowing down

part six • 2010 to 2020

After nearly four decades in St. Albert, Inge and Des sold 58 Falcon and moved to Edmonton to a swinging seniors pad in the centre of the city. They did okay here for a time, close to the library, swimming pool, music hall and shopping centres. They made friends in the building and got used to life on the 15th floor. Inge raved about not having to cook and the posh surroundings.

shameful treatment - upsetting content

Then she had a stroke and then another and another and another and they stopped counting. In all, she lingered 5 years and 5 days in intolerable conditions, dying finally during the height of the scare, as a result of the covid lock down protocols in combination with her interable illnesses.

It is important to call out the sad treatment of people in care. Inge was just one of many thousands who linger on the planet with no life. Friends and activities replaced with pain and unending days of misery and loneliness. It is a full-on national tragedy.

She was allowed a measure of victory as Des visited her about 500 times over her years in care, (before he passed in December 2018); the last time in pajamas with oxygen, determined that she be loved. She had several private companions visiting a few times a week, over the years. And at the very end her companion Kirsten and her daughter were finally permitted to stay with her in shifts, so finally she wasn’t alone and woke after many days for a short chat and two calls to her dear friends Barbara and Ann, saying good bye just ten minutes before she passed. Her friends were gracious and loving and reminded her of the best and dearest days.

oh so Inge
witticisms and aphorisms of Inge's beloved Jane Austen

My idea of good company… Is the company of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call good company.
Jane Austen

Nothing ever fatigues me, but doing what I do not like.
Jane Austen

Arriving late was a way saying that your own time was more valuable than the time of the person who waited for you.
Jane Austen

There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.
Jane Austen

I wish, as well as everybody else, to be perfectly happy; but, like everybody else, it must be in my own way.
Jane Austen, Sense and sensibility

I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading!
Jane Austen

My good opinion, once lost is lost forever.
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

I always deserve the best treatment because I never put up with any other.
Jane Austen, Emma

Laugh as much as you choose , but you will not laugh me out of my opinion.
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

Ah, there is nothing like staying at home, for real comfort.
Jane Austen

but for my own part, if a book is well written, I always find it too short.
Jane Austen