#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench
Society & Culture
Episode #63 - In this heartfelt episode of #ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench, Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle had the pleasure of conversing with the inspiring Royal Hamel from The Village of Winston Park in Kitchener. Royal, who we met at the Schlegel Village Operational Planning Conference in Niagara Falls (Bonus LIVE Episode), shared his journey of faith, positivity, and resilience in the face of life-altering paralysis.
Royal recounted the sudden onset of his condition, which left him paraplegic, and the subsequent challenges he faced. Despite the drastic change in his life, Royal's unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and his 50-year experience as a pastor have been the bedrock of his positive outlook.
Throughout the episode, Royal spoke about the importance of compassion, the power of presence, and the significance of sharing personal experiences. He continues to minister to others at Winston Park long-term care, where he resides, through preaching, Bible studies, and simply being a comforting presence to fellow residents.
Royal also touched upon the importance of modeling compassion to children and the role of faith in fostering a compassionate society. He shared insights from his blog, which has touched the lives of many, and emphasized the importance of gentleness in our interactions with others.
As hosts, Evelyn and Kathy reflected on the wisdom Royal brings to the Green Bench, his ability to connect with others, and the joy he finds in daily interactions. His story is a testament to the power of optimism and the human spirit's capacity to adapt and find purpose even in the most challenging circumstances.
*Link to Royal's blog as mentioned in the episode: https://www.facebook.com/royal.hamel
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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
Learn more about our host, Kathy Buckworth, at kathybuckworth.com
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca
Learn more about Schlegel Villages at schlegelvillages.com
Reflections, gratitude, and tribute to the wisdom of Season 1
Rita Munro - How does your garden grow? Gardening, Nursing, and Journalism
Felix Rommens - Living with hearing impairment, keeping hands busy with art, and growing up during WW2
Dr. Rea Brown - McGill University student, professor & athlete, remarkable medical career and surgeon during the Montreal massacre
Donna Duncan - reimagining long-term care, building community, and combatting ageism
Sheri Noecker - A story of sudden illness, inspiration after a stroke, and the Program for Active Living
Korleen Schmidt - the full circle of life, combining love for geography & theology
Ross C. Morton - Stories of a one-room schoolhouse, importance of sharing history, and reflections of time in the RCAF
BONUS | Jamie Schlegel - What is long-term care, an inside look at the Schlegel Villages organization, and the importance of community
Betty Anne Millar - A fairytale career in the shopping mall industry, dressing to raise your spirits, and planning for later stages of life
Annie Whittle - connection to Harry Styles through a passion for knitting, keeping busy, and how to eat a pomegranate
Brendan Rossiter - Dublin to Canada, wisdom about work, kicking habits and being resourceful
Steve Smith - a fascinating career as Red Green, stories from beyond the show and goose control
Beth Goodwin - Caring for a loved one living with dementia and being in the moment
Kathe Kleinau - Importance of storytelling and a collection of interviews among neighbours
Patricia & Dennis Bayley - A pursuit of passions, hobbies, poetry, traveling and laughter
Deborah Bakti - Author of Now What? Managing the Emotional Journey of Long Term Care for Families
BONUS | Kaye Brown & Jeff Studman - Experience of Covid-19 in Long Term Care at The Village at St. Clair, Windsor
Trish Baird & Merry Snider - roles of RPN & PSW in senior living, relationships and grief
Margaret Collard - a life given to ministry & outreach work, respect and care for everyone individually
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