In honour of our Centre reaching 30 years of community service in 2022, participants from the AACM’s Creative Writing class crafted original poems to reflect their experiences as members. This month, we are featuring My Memoir by Larisa A. Tymchyshyn. See below to read her poem:
My Memoir,
The Active Adult Centre of Mississauga
Prologue
These were my dreams as my retirement approached:
A new lifestyle,
A new way of living
Accepting the gift of time.
Trying new things,
Doing what I once wanted to do,
Locating a meeting place where people gather
To be active together.
Scene I
I found at the Active Adult Centre of Mississauga,
A Centre with a gracious, kindly atmosphere:
Welcoming smiles,
Eye contact and acknowledgement,
Straightforward introductions,
Easy conversations,
Respect for views and opinions,
Expressions of understanding,
Ease, freedom, satisfaction,
Calm, but eager anticipation,
Goodwill spread by member-volunteers.
Scene II
I met the members:
Cordial, helpful, guiding,
Giving attention to each other,
Engaging socially,
Inviting newcomers to join in,
Sharing stories and experiences,
Finding their joy in being with people,
Conscious of being in a secure setting,
Expressing pure enjoyment of being active together,
Many giving of themselves purposefully, as volunteers,
Looking after their own well-being, as well as that of the group.
Scene III
I discovered a caring and a hard-working administration:
Providing a great variety of programs,
Welcoming input from its members,
Pointing out and directing members to agencies concerned with seniors’ needs,
Organizing inclusive programs to unite with and help a lone senior,
Making the Centre a safe and healthy haven,
Focusing on mutual co-operation of members, volunteers and staff,
Appreciating and encouraging the willing and valuable contribution of the volunteers,
Reminding members of current and upcoming obligations to be participants in their
Mississauga community and as citizens of Canada.
They reveal an unstated motto, “We care for our members.”
Scene IV
I became an active member. Over the years, I participated whole-heartedly:
Taking advantage of the many varied programs,
Being challenged by new interests and creative endeavours,
Attending conveniently scheduled events at the Centre:
— concerts and social get-togethers
— exhibitions of possible external resources and services for seniors
— fundraising gatherings
Volunteering my skills as a contribution to the welfare of the Centre,
Enjoying and thriving by being active together with like-minded members.
The Outcome
As a grateful member,
I acknowledge that my retirement,
My “new” elderly life-style,
Has benefitted from,
Has been enlightened and embellished by
The harmonious and caring spirit
Of the Active Adult Centre in Mississauga.
For all these gifts I express my gratitude and thanks,
And wish many happy returns on the celebration of your 30th year.
Larisa A. Tymchyshyn – composed May 18, 2022
