Wednesday, September 8, 2021
I met Alan shortly after he moved in to Riverbend and spent many a time visiting with him. My father (Bill) was in the same neighbourhood for about a year. Alan was friendly and would engage me in conversation. He smiled broadly when I spoke of my mother's family in Manchester and Blackpool. I brought him chocolate each time i visited as I had learned early on he truly enjoyed a fine chocolate. Alan would declare he remembered me each time. True or not doesn't matter. He had a certain bearing, holding himself upright and walking with intention. He would join us on the couch and watch television, make conversation and encouraged me to 'just take care of her', referring to my mother (Eleanor,also a resident but on second floor) as I gave her a manicure. He was later moved to second floor, but not on my parent's neighbourhood. During Covid I waved to him from outside the building, he waved back with a broad swing of his arms, beckoning me to come in. Unfortunately I couldn't. I left him chocolate though. One time he brought his phone to me and asked for help to telephone his daughter. I dialed the number, he then asked 'what should I say?' He said 'I love you'. I was amazed that he learned the amount of time needed between touching the emergency door and when it would open. I brought him back in once. He was sitting on a chair at reception, we had a 'talk'. I offered to let him hold my hand and I would walk him in to dinner. He smiled and stood up, ready to take my arm and walked in to dinner, happy again. It was my pleasure to know him. My thoughts are with you and your family. Deb Heenan, Red Deer, Alberta
