Health problems limit senior’s mobility

Jocelyne never thought she would grow old on her own.

It’s been nearly 21 years since she unexpectedly lost her husband when he was only 49 to an undetected heart defect. Her voice trembles when she talks about him.

“I didn’t think I would be alone while growing old,” said Jocelyne. “But that’s life, eh? I don’t like to talk about it because I will cry.”

At 72, Jocelyne struggles to leave her home to see her five children. She suffers from chronic asthmatic bronchitis and advanced emphysema, forcing her to rely on permanent oxygen therapy. Over the past year, Jocelyne has had an oxygen tank with her at all times just to keep breathing.

“We don’t get to choose our illnesses,” she said.

Jocelyne has always had trouble with her lungs. She says it’s harder to deal with than before since she can’t easily travel to see her family. One son lives in Montreal but her other children are spread out across Quebec.

“I can’t go out like I used to,” she said.

Jocelyne is one of thousands who will receive a $125 cheque from the Montreal Gazette Christmas Fund. The money helps individuals and families in need get through the holiday season.

The mother of five cherishes her daily conversations with her children. Her life revolves around her family — she has 14 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

“I have great kids in spite of everything,” said Jocelyne. “They ’ve always been close with me, they call me every day.”

They may not get to see one another as often as they would like but Jocelyne is surrounded by love. She counts herself lucky to be able to spend the holiday season with her loved ones.

“I am fulfilled in that way,” she said.

The money will help Jocelyne buy new clothes, including a dress, a luxury she couldn’t otherwise afford. Her entire budget is split between paying for her Verdun apartment and medication.

“There’s not a lot left,” she said of her monthly allowance.

Jocelyne lives on a tight budget since her husband was the sole financial provider for their family while she stayed at home to raise their children. She did the same for her grandchildren.

“Those were the best years,” said Jocelyne. “I miss it a lot.”