It was her birthday. Carlo looked at Hiltrud lovingly and said, “She still has that sparkle in her eyes.”
Indeed she does. Hiltrud has a zest for life which her eighty years have not diminished. If anything, she is more determined than ever to stay healthy and active, to eat properly, exercise daily and get the most out of every minute. Eighty is the new fifty.
Antigonish was a good move for our friends who relocated from Summerside last autumn. This university town is a vibrant place, with the injection of young people every year. Along with a top notch university, St. Francis Xavier, or St. FX, as it is more commonly known, comes the programs and services for students. Many of these are open to the community for participation.
One such program, at the Coady Institute, educates leaders in development from around the world. The students at the Institute are paired with people in the community, such as Carlo and Hiltrud. They are paired with a young man from Uganda.
However, over and above the art, music and cultural activities, our friends live in a community of seniors who are friendly and helpful to each other. Their rental unit with two bedrooms and attached garage is spacious and comfortable and in a triplex. At the end of their street, a new senior’s home will offer various levels of care to its residents.
One never knows what a move will bring. Our friends relocated to Canada from Berlin, carrying a suitcase in each hand and accompanied by their two young sons almost fifty years ago. Now they are in a new province, building their lives at eighty years young and enjoying every minute. That’s sparkle!
44 comments:
Yes, they both look like very vibrant people in that photo -- that's what keeps people young! I've never heard the name Hiltrud before so I looked up its meaning -- "strength in battle." Sounds like a Valkyrie name to me. And if it isn't, it should be!
Wonderful. Th8nking ahead but still loving life.
What a difference from the situation for immigrants in the country south of you, which will not be named. I just read about a woman from Mexico who lived here for twenty years, had three children, and has been locked up since March awaiting a hearing after having been incarcerated by the authorities. Her three children have worked tirelessly to free her, or even get her a hearing, for half a year. Canada is so much more enlightened. Oh, and happy birthday to HIltrud! :-)
what a beautiful story and such a GREAT program!!!
Great to still be enjoying life in later years. Cheers Diane
Indeed it is.
even in a photo they are full of life. Nice to see. I read about the woman DJan mentions and it seems my country is running their own kind of gulag these days. Sad and scary.
You use the word "vibrant" and it certainly describes the couple too, Marie. I never thought I'd reach the 80's and now I am half way through it and loving every minute.
Long may she shine - and light the way for others.
My sentimental self is a bit misty reading this. I hope her birthday was WONDERFUL.
A wonderful story Hiltrud had a wonderful birthday. Sarah x
She exercises every day?? Whau! I love that! Both me and my husband we like to exercise 3 days per week but I do think it would be better to go a bit a more to the gym. We walk outdoors in sometimes in Spring till early Summer. Your friend Hiltrud looks great! Happy birthday to her! Looks and sounds like a wonderful couple! Blessings to both.
Looks like they are in a good place. I like the streetlamps pointing down like that.
They look amazing/so happy! Good for them!
What a happy story, and yes the sparkle still shines. Happiness with one's life is nice to see. Good friends to have!
Nice to hear. We need to be happy and keep adjusting our lives as we go.
Germany to Canada is such a change. That must have been very interesting. The whole idea of moving that far fascinates me. A new move should be no problem, but still interesting.
Thank you for that beautiful story, dear Marie. We are thankful to life or fate or what you might call it. We are thankful to you for reporting so appreciatively and favourably. And I am thankful to Hiltrud for being in my life and help me to reach, what I would not have reached alone.
I love the name Hiltrud too, Debra. I was not familiar with it until I met my friend.
So true, Linda.
Immigration is important to our country, Jan. However, there is an element of society here that doesn't want immigrants. I hope they never have power of political office.
The Coady Institute program is a great one, Debbie.
It is great, Diane.
You have sparkle too, Joanne.
Hiltrud and Carlo are great people, so full of life too, Celia.
Ginnie, good for you. You give me hope for my later years too.
Hiltrud is a great example for me, EC.
Her birthday was fun, Sarah.
They are an active, wonderful pair, Angela.
I didn't notice the street lamps before, AC.
They are in a good place, in every way, SW.
Hiltrud and Carlo are great friends, Bill.
Adjusting as we age and enjoying life is so important, Barbara.
Hiltrud and Carlo adjusted well to their new home this past year, Ratty.
You needed each other in life, I imagine, Carlo. How fortunate you found each other!
Very nice, Marie! Yes they do look young and they look like they are active. So I guess 80 is the new 50! Andrea
A very sweet post.
From people I see, Andrea, indeed it is!
Thank you, Mildred!
That is so, indeed!
It takes courage and determination!
Bless them.
: )
The qualities our friends have for sure, Catarina.
Lovely post and write-up! Wishing your friend a belated but heartfelt happy birthday.
"Eighty is the new fifty", eh? That's really encouraging!
Thank you, Jenny.
Yes it is, FG.
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