Graf #5

The photo to most people looks like a picture of 25 very elderly folks mugging for the camera at the top of the Bangor Water Tower on a breezy fall day. The view was spectacular bright sun that slightly warmed us even though the breeze was crisp and cool that day in the fall of 2007. The folks all octogenarians with the exception of one who was quick to point out she was only 78 and not yet an octogenarian. Most people look at this picture and they see what I described above but look further and see what I see.

The trip up the 100 steps for most young folks would not be much of a challenge but for these folks it was equal to a trek to the base camp on Everest. We planned to go for months and in addition to our normal sittercise class they all committed to more walking at the village every day 4 trips around the path of our building which was a mile. We often walked and talked together as they all tried to out complain the other with their ailments. To me those were the moments I treasure most because the average age was 87 and after the normal weather and aches and pain talk came the stories of their lives. To me the things these people had done ran the gamut from homemaker, WWII heroes, teachers, doctors, journalist, you name it one of them had done it in their lifetime. Many of my residents did the training for exercise but had no intention of making the climb but used the opportunity for increased social time and better overall cardiovascular health. The people who trained with no intention of the reward of the climb earn extra love and support from me for just sharing in our journey. We also trained in the summer at Mt Hope Cemetery. Walking there posed additional challenges as it brought a more somber mood to the trip as many had buried their husbands or wives there and many even children. However walking outside in that summer sun was good training for the fall climb we were planning. Of course after the identifying conversations of whom was buried where the talk once again would turn to their lives and I was always enthralled and because I have been their activity director for over 2years and previously was the private home health C.N.A. for many of them for over 4 years. We had formed great relationships before I took this job and they were comfortable to share with me and eager to answer my constant barrage of questions about the past and living through WWII. These folks are all members of the greatest generation.

I will get back on track to the planned trek. Yes me the somewhat crazy Activity Director that was planning to take at least 20 folks to the top of the Bangor Water Tower in the fall 2007 when the City of Bangor will hold their next public open house day. I took a lot of grief for hatching this plan so much that some even questioned my sanity. I heard there was no way a person in their late 80’s many who walked with canes could do this it was too dangerous and they were too old. The more resistance I faced the more the residents got behind me and we quickly eradicated the corporate concerns as we were an Independent gracious living community and I could plan any trip or activity as long as people wanted to participate. I held a meeting for the children of the residents whom most were in late 60’s to quell their concerns for the trip and many changed their minds as they saw their parents with renewed energy and drive training for this trip almost like it was the Olympics. I also explained I had lined up 8 chaperones which sound funny to think about chaperones for 80 year olds. I had conned two friends who were RN’s and one doctor friend to accompany us up the winding circle of 100 steps to monitor my folks.

The rest of July, August, and Early September flew by and of course the day arrived for the climb and I of course was nervous. I was standing by the bus talking to myself had I gone too far was it too much for them. These people were my family and I loved them all and certainly didn’t want to risk their lives or health. I was obsessing as we waited to board our bus then one the residents said “Cindy stop worrying we are ready. Please do not stop believing in us now. None of us would be doing this if we didn’t want to but most of all you gave us the courage to believe we could still do extraordinary and meaningful things and that my dear is more valuable than anything. If not one of us reaches the top you reminded us of our passion for life.” I hugged her with tears in my eyes and we boarded the bus and I was on a high that no drug could ever give me. You see what they never understood was I got far more out of this job than them. The things I did and planned for them they loved and told me how lucky they were to have all this fun but I got far more out of our relationships just by knowing them and sharing their lives.

I am proud to report all made it to the top of that tower and some had lived in Bangor their whole lives and never ventured to the top. The climb was long over an hour for some. I spent my time running back and forth the stairs checking and coaching people along the way. One of the unique aspects of the climb was that the water tower was open to public so we encountered many people along those hundred steps who were shocked to see little gray haired ladies and gentlemen with canes climbing those steps clinging to railing for dear life and resting at each landing with a bench. Many inquired if we were nuts which many of the residents replied yes we are all nuts but the head nut is the one running up and down the stairs. Many of those people took the time to help, smile and laugh with us. The courage of these folks was amazing and their determination unyielding. A few almost gave up but the others encouraged them and they all persevered. One of the best moments for me was as one would arrive at the precipice they would stand their catching their breath yelling words of encouragement down to the others for me that was the defining moment that made it all worth it but the residents would tell you it was all standing together looking out over for almost an hour laughing talking and taking pictures. There was a Bangor Daily News reporter on the trek to the top that day that was going to take pictures of the foliage. Once he encountered us and our story he quickly started jotting notes and names. We made the newspaper the next day a few shots of the residents at the top with a small blurb about octogenarians climbing to the top of the water tower. The residents who couldn’t go because of conditions of health were thrilled the next day to share in the adventure and they were all buzzing about the little blurb in the paper. One hundred fifty residents lived in the facility at that time and the 25 people who made it to the top were overnight celebrities for weeks to come in the village.

I still have that article neatly folded in a book. When I look at that photo from the paper or the many I took on that day or the one that someone took for me so I could be in the group photo I do not see a bunch of old people mugging for the camera. I see Olympic Champions. I see people who taught me more than I could ever teach them. I see love. I see the determination to overcome boundaries no matter how big the mountain. I see renewed passion for life whom many had lost and regained that day. I see 25 people at that moment who taught me anything is possible. I see 25 people living every moment to the fullest. I see personal triumph and renewed discovery of purpose in life. I see a retired Navy RN, the only non octogenarian at age 78, who had me telephone the paper to have them print a retraction because she wasn’t eighty. I see a WWII vet who parachuted into Normandy and got caught on a steeple and was helped by members of the French resistance. I see a wife and homemaker raised on a farm in outer Essex Street. I see a 1st grade teacher that taught 40 years all over this country. I see a woman who worked in Washington during the war in a typing pool typing letters of condolences to families of fallen soldiers. I see a Navy wife completely dedicated to her family. I see a beautician. I see a writer who had travelled the globe. I see an artist who later would capture this moment completely from his memory of this day. There are many more too many to mention but all equally important. When I look at the photo and tears drip down my cheeks because many in the photo have since passed on from this life. I see all of them and all of their hopes, dreams, and all the things they contributed to this world and I hold it close to my heart and take it with me each day that I climb my mountains.I hope to climb what the world considers a big mountain someday soon and I know many people leave things to say they were there at the summit for me that will be a copy of this photo because in my opinion these people have already made their climb to the top.