A Sister's Story

A sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend and confidant, strives to overcome life's trials and tribulations with dignity and grace. Not realizing, she influences the lives of many and brings hope with her gentle smile on her kind and loving face.

There was a time not long ago when rarely and reluctantly "Sister" would leave the house. Socializing was out of the question and living with strangers was simply not an option. A growing sense of helplessness steadily increased, ongoing health concerns challenged her more each day. Then one September day, "Sister's" inspiring gentleness nearly comes to pass, as suddenly as the diagnosis. Now all that she resisted was placed upon her path.

As "Sister" awoke in the ICU one of her first questions upon receiving the news was, "Sister, where am I going to live?" By the grace of God I gently replied, "My Sister there is a perfect place here in Calgary called, the Beswick House. There is a lovely lady, her name is Frances and she would like you to come and meet you, if and when you like." As "Sister" absorbed the news she calmly looked at me and said, "Sister, I would like to meet this lady, Frances, from this Beswick House."

It has since been one year and a remarkable transformation has occurred. Frances and all the staff nurtured "Sister" back to life while supporting her blessed determination to live. Where there was once resistance there is now, openness. Where there was once isolation there is now friendships. Where there was once a feeling of helplessness there is now, hope and faith.

Ultimately only "Sister" could make the choice of where she would live. It is by the grace of God that the quality of life she has achieved is due to the ongoing support of The SHARP Foundation and the Beswick House. "Sister's" choice set a humble example of true inner strength. Perhaps "Sister's" success may have come to fruition elsewhere, but it didn't, it came to life at the Beswick House with the ongoing support from Frances, staff and volunteers.

Today I must acknowledge that the Beswick House and The SHARP Foundation did what I could not. You provided my Sister with a home to grow, and nurtured and supported a "Sister's" family too. There is much more that could be shared, but please know, your presence in the community is vital both for short and long term care. All that which "Sister" endured, her ongoing success and good health can be maintained as she continues to be an active, positive and genuine member of the Beswick House and The SHARP Foundation community.

A Mother's Story

It is with tremendous gratefulness that I have my daughter with me today. It is hard to believe it has been one year since my daughter was almost taken from her family.

This past year I have seen my daughter grow stronger each day and be an inspiration of inner strength and perseverance. Her success has most certainly bee achieved with the ongoing medical support and unconditional nurturing the Beswick House / SHARP Foundation has made possible due to the gracious donors, staff, volunteers and residents (past and present).

My daughter has always been a kind and gentle person, but very wary of strangers. To see her overcome isolation, meet new friends and be socially active in a safe and healthy environment is a prayer answered. I am very proud and happy for my daughter and continue to pray for her continuing support from the Beswick House /SHARP Foundation.

My sincere gratitude and praise to The SHARP Foundation donors without whom I may not have had this quality time with my precious daughter. For the Beswick House and all who are a part of this wonderful community I send my heartfelt thanks and prayers to each and every one of you.