Couple starts new traditions in long-term care
Wednesday, December 21, 2005 -- Natalie Miller
For Lorna Dennie, Christmas has traditionally meant preparing the festive feast for her family.

Lorna is accustomed to taking care of her husband and three children at Christmas, entertaining every year in their Smiths Falls home. She is the first to admit Christmas will be very different this year.

Lorna had a stroke seven weeks ago and she and her husband, Clarence, moved into Rosebridge Manor in Jasper a month ago. Lorna and Clarence will spend this Christmas at their daughter and son-in-law’s house in Ottawa.

“Now that I’m in the Manor it’s pretty quiet,” says Lorna.

“I used to do all of the preparation for the family. When you’ve always been the caregiver it’s a big step to step back and let someone help you.”

Lorna and Clarence share a room at the long-term care home. She has also been a caregiver to Clarence for several years. He has Alzheimer disease. Following her stroke, they couldn’t return home. Lorna says they’re adjusting and she’s gaining back her sight and the use of her hand and arm on her left side. She’s glad she and Clarence are together.

For many years she spent about a month preparing for Christmas, baking everyone’s favourite seasonal treats. “Mom’s turkey dinner was a highlight,” she says. “I bet my children are missing it quite a bit.”

Lorna, however, is looking forward to her daughter and son-in-law taking over the meal this year. She says she and Clarence are blessed to have three children, nine grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Clarence is especially pleased about seeing his two-month-old great granddaughter, she says, noting her husband loves children. On Boxing Day, they’ll visit their son and daughter-in-law.

And, on Christmas Eve, Lorna and Clarence will celebrate their 54th wedding anniversary. Their children are expected to visit.

While this holiday season will be different for Lorna and Clarence, she says she’s prepared to embrace a new tradition. “I’m really looking forward to going to spend time with them.”