From cot to comfy chair – embrace it all

IT was Joycie’s 100th birthday at Rowes Bay RSL Care, and it was simply marvellous. One of the greatest joys of my job, my life, is getting to meet true North Queensland pioneers like Joyce Bradley and the wonderful caring people of RSL Care.

I was asked to join in the celebration and I was running a few minutes late … strangely enough. I ran in and Joyce grabbed me, gave me a big cuddle, and as bright as a button, in fact brighter, said: “Pricey, you were at my 80th.” Of course I remember, but just in case I didn’t, Joyce did.

One hundred years old on Tuesday and totally with it. In fact she wanted a Harley ride for her birthday so Kerry Storey and the team at Sun City Harley organised it.

Joyce loved it, so after she achieved that, it’s skydiving, a space walk, climbing Everest, and making it rain for Townsville.

I hadn’t seen one of those cards from the Queen for ages – it’s superb, and she signs every one, in fact on the bottom she wrote PS. “Joyce have they built that pipeline yet for you?” True!

To Joyce and family, thanks for the honour of being there. Thank you Joyce, see you next year!

After a hug and a piece of cake, I slowly walked down the corridor filled with rooms with a comfy chair and family photos. One of the smiling volunteers walked past with a pot of tea, a well lived gentleman with a walker and woollen slippers, says g’day and wanders off. A couple of staff help a lady into her room and into her comfy chair.

Made me wonder about this journey we all take, if we’re lucky that is, from the baby capsule to the comfy chair.

Last week I met a lovely young lady Jess, and her little premmy bub who they’d been naturally worried about, and a week later, I have a glorious celebration of 100 years. Incredible. It shows we must cherish that which happens in between, bumps and all.

After all, getting to the comfy chair is not guaranteed. But we must love, laugh and adventure when we can, so we have wonderful memories to enjoy in that chair.

Bit serious I know, but when you walk through places like this, it moves you. I notice they bring school kids in too, and that’s very special. Maybe we should all wander through when life seems difficult, when we are too busy to walk the beach or ring the family. Here just to walk would be a gift, and many don’t even have family. The simple joys mean so very, very much.

This weekend is my dear Mum’s birthday, I pray one day she gets a 100th card from the Queen. I hope she gets two.

Happy Days.