Posted on April 2, 2018 under Monday Morning Musings with 3 comments

A cross to bear

 

We all have our crosses to bear.

This is a familiar refrain.

What is your cross? Is it depression? Anxiety? Do you have poor health or dysfunction in your family? Do you suffer from poverty or neglect or have you recently lost your job?

The recent staging of “Everyone’s Way of the Cross” at St.Ninian’s Cathedral during Holy Week reflected upon the ancient story well known to Christians but it was much more than that. It was an opportunity for people of many faith communities in Antigonish to come together to examine the cross of Christ and our own struggles.

Clarence Enzler’s script has been cleverly adapted to appeal to a modern day audience. In 1985, Rev. Donald MacGillivray, along with well-known comedian Bette MacDonald and her sister, Donna collaborated to launch the play in several churches in Cape Breton. Taking the production to a large facility like St.Ninian’s was a calculated risk well worth taking.

The Stations of the Cross mark the journey that Jesus took through the streets of Jerusalem after he was condemned to death. The dramatic entrance of Jesus, played by Nat Tecle, set the tone for the show. The music, skillfully choreographed by St. Ninian choir director Emery van de Wiel, was powerful and moving. Each station of the cross was matched with a piece of music that dovetailed beautifully with what was being acted out.

The large cast moved seamlessly and effortlessly around the vast expanse of the cathedral using the space to maximum efficiency.

While the story of the crucifixion and death of Jesus stayed on script, the use of two narrators brought historical and contemporary context to the play. Sheumais Macleod is the voice of Christ (Christ Speaks). Erin Brocklehurst (I Reply) put a modern interpretation to Christ’s words bringing relevance to events that unfolded over 2,000 years ago.

The staging of a production like this in such a large facility posed many challenges but directors Carol Ann MacKenzie and Rev. Donald MacGillivray pulled it off magnificently. Starting the play after dark was intentional.  When the cathedral lights were turned off, with the audience bathed in blackness, the mood was set instantaneously. Chris dela Cruz’s lighting schemes were brilliant using soft purples and pinks which created a solemn, subdued ambience.

The introduction of each station by well-known thespian Phillip Cooper was masterful. His deep bass voice echoed throughout the church and at times sounded ominous like the rumbling of thunder, a precursor to the execution of Christ.

We live in a complicated world. Religion has always been a topic fraught with differing and often conflicting opinions. What is one to make of the stage production of “Everyman’s Way of the Cross.”?

Many people attended because they are stalwart theatre goers. Others went because they are Christian and the Stations epitomize everything they believe in. And a handful went just out of curiosity. There is little doubt that everyone who saw the show came away with something to call their own.

Indeed, we all have our crosses to bear. None of us will escape pain and suffering during our lives. How we deal with adversity is the nub of the thing.

At the end of the day, we are all called upon to help those whose crosses are too heavy to carry alone.

 

 

Posted on March 26, 2018 under Monday Morning Musings with no comments yet

Don’t forget to check out the performance of “The Way of the Cross” at St. Ninian’s Cathedral this week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday evenings at 8:00 p.m.

 

“Food, glorious food,

Hot sausage and mustard.”

Food, Glorious food. Oliver

Skip the hot sausage.

You are what you eat.

The vegan posse finally cornered me, tied me to the ground and forced me to eat gluten free tofu. If you don’t read my column regularly (shame on you!), then you might not be aware that I have occasionally poked fun at people who are proponents of a vegan diet.  Truth be told, most of the food I consumed last year in India would be considered vegan.

I have been doing a lot of research about pain management and diet continues to pop up as a key factor. There is a substantial body of work that would suggest a plant based diet does wonders for arthritic pain. So, I’m going to give this a go. I have a lot to gain and very little to lose, although my guess is that I’ll shed a few pounds when I stop eating bread , and sweets… and meat, dairy etc.

I have given up on the usual treatments of acupuncture, cortisone injections and coconut cream pie… although the pie gives me a temporary high.

I will start by attending the vegan potluck this Wednesday, March 28^th. at the library at 6:30 p.m. I am anxious to learn more about the vegan diet… especially vegan desserts. How will I live without my precious sweets?

I had a big time déjà vu on the weekend. A friend of mine recommended the Netflix series, “Departures.” It’s about two Canadian guys who decide to take a year and travel the world. They leave their homes, girlfriends and work in order to experience the wonders of travel. In season one, episode three, their journey takes them to India. And just like that, bam, I was back there. They arrive in Delhi where I spent three stressful weeks trying to obtain an exit visa. All the sights and sounds came rushing back.

After spending a few days there and a trip to Jaisalmer, they fly to Varanasi. Of all the places I traveled in India, Varanasi affected me the most. It is one of the oldest cities in modern civilization (5,000 years). I won’t bore you with the details. You can read about it in my upcoming book. But watching this show was so riveting.

I try to stay active and involved. It is not a perfect recipe for happiness and contentment but it sure beats boredom and loneliness, twin killers for so many older people. Every person that I have encountered has a gift of some sort. It could be artistic, acumen in business, photography, music, cooking. Having good listening skills may be one of the best. The list is endless. Some talents are in our DNA but more often than not, skills are honed over a lifetime. So, what do you do with your gifts?

Let’s face it. Many of us are staring down the later innings of our lives. This is “go time” so what are you waiting for? Take these gifts and use them while you still have the chance.

We all have regrets and we can’t expunge some of the stupid things we did over a lifetime. That’s what makes us human.

So, go ahead and share those gifts while you still have the chance.

Have a great week.

 

 

Posted on March 19, 2018 under Monday Morning Musings with 12 comments

St.Patrick’s Day at the RK

 

“Every man (woman) desires to live long, but no man (woman), desires to be old.*

Jonathan Swift

(I don’t think Jonathan Swift was a feminist. Parentheses inserted by yours truly!)

I’m hanging out a lot these days at the RK MacDonald Nursing Home. Some people are convinced that I’m just scouting the place out for a room! Mom moved in as a resident a few weeks ago so daily visits have become the norm.

Years ago, I was driving around the Cape with my mom. Her health was in decline. We drove and sang together, in two part harmony. We stopped in Ballantyne’s Cove for an ice cream. As we made our way along the twisting road with spectacular scenery, she turned to me and said, “Don’t ever grow old.” It really hit me and has stayed with me ever since. Swift was so right. We want to live a long life but we don’t want to regress.

I’ve got news for you. Unless you are lucky enough to be drinking form the fountain of eternal youth, your warranty notice will show up one of these days.

I always thought of the RK and other nursing homes as places to go and die. There’s no denying that many people will spend their final days in a facility such as this. But nursing homes are SO much more than this. They are very much about living, loving and laughing. They are places that ooze compassion and caring. They are filled with physical, emotional and spiritual healing. They are places of grace and gracious people.

I have also witnessed the great work at other public nursing homes, including Milford Haven in Guysborough and the Sherbrooke Nursing Homes. These are also first rate facilities.

The staffs at nursing homes are quite remarkable. This is not easy work. It is tough physically and mentally. From an outsider’s perspective, it appears that this is much more than a job for many employees. It is a calling and a passion. I don’t think you can feign enthusiasm when you’re cleaning up after an accident. I have found the staff at the RK uncommonly kind to residents and their families.

Lest you think that nursing homes are just for the aged, think again. There are young people who have been dealt life changing blows who call the RK their home. They didn’t choose to be unwell just as older people didn’t choose dementia, Alzheimer’s or physical incapacity.

And guess what? Many of us are standing on the precipice, staring old age and infirmity straight in the face. Our turn is coming soon.

Like so many other things that make small communities run, volunteers are an integral part of the day to day life at the RK and other homes. I stood at the back of the main dining room the other evening and watched Bill Grover, Ronnie Hull and their buddies, hold the residents spellbound with wonderful old tunes. The next night, it was the Lion’s Club who came by for bingo. I routinely see university students in the hallways. And Brenda’s greyhounds!The Family Council and Foundation Board are also key pieces in the overall structure of the home.

I will tell you that nursing homes are not the depressing places that one often conjures up in discussions about aging. Yes. We would all like to live long healthy lives and die at home shortly after spending our last dollar at the casino. But for many of us, that’s not how the script will unfold.

I was playing music the other day at the RK. I watched this gentleman as he smiled, obviously enjoying the camaraderie. A few hours later he passed away.

Needless to say, I was quite shocked when I heard of his passing. I spoke to a senior staff member. Her words resonated with me then and now: “Our job is to make every day as comfortable and enjoyable for people as we can. We honestly have to love them like it’s their last day.”

None of us know when the light will flicker for the last time.

When my day comes, as it surely will (unless I make it to the Casino!), I won’t mind one bit if my family puts me in a nursing home. As long as it has wonderful folks like those at the RK, Milford Haven and Sherbrooke, I know I will be in caring hands.

If you come and visit me, pull up a chair, take out your guitar and sing “Heart of Gold” (Neil Young).

Even Neil Young will be Neil Old someday!

Have a great week.