Episode #44 - A lot of road to cover with 92-year-old, Ivan Siriani, from his love of travel and bucket list plans, family trees, and a chaplain chat that brought some peace to his heart.  Ivan is joined on the #ElderWisdom bench for a conversation with hosts Erin Davis & Doug Robinson.

What is on your bucket list?

"My bucket list included a train trip across Canada, Toronto to Vancouver.  I went with my son and it was the most wonderful holiday I've ever had." - Doug Robinson

Ivan's bucket list includes a trip to Newfoundland with his daughter.  She has always wanted to see icebergs. He also would like to go to visit relatives in British Columbia and Calgary.

Before Ivan's wife moved into long-term care, they enjoyed drives all over in the States and Canada, including a lot of the east coast.

Not a resident yet, but when the new Retirement phase opens at The Village of Glendale Crossing in 2023, Ivan will move in.  He has his suite picked out, a two bedroom complex.  Family has done cut outs of furniture and created the full layout.

"My only wish is that they could move the date up on the opening of The Village of Glendale Crossing." - Ivan Siriani

Wife Marjorie lives in long-term care at Glendale Crossing.  Ivan looks forward to being in the same building and being able to see her more often.  

"I saw her and I asked her for a dance.  I think I had an hour with her as her guy was getting a little upset, and then we were politely asked to leave the premises." - Ivan Siriani

"Everybody's journey with dementia is so different and we've had the honour of people sharing their stories with us." - Erin Davis

"I find tracing my family tree keeps me going and is so refreshing. An interesting hobby that fills my time with enjoyment." - Ivan Siriani

Ivan put a letter with contact details in a bag at a distant relative's headstone in hopes to connecting with family.  He got an email a couple weeks later sharing family information and growing the family tree.

“Some family trees have beautiful leaves, and some have just a bunch of nuts. Remember, it is the nuts that make the tree worth shaking.” – Unknown

"Don't worry if the work is hard and your rewards are few. Remember the mighty oak was once once a nut like you." -Unknown

Learn more about The Village of Glendale Crossing and it's opening in 2023 contact Carole Metron at 519-668-5600 or visit schlegelvillages.com/glendale-crossing-london

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The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.

It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions