Everyone has unique experiences in life. Each person has a story to tell and words of wisdom that can be shared with others. With that in mind, we’d like to introduce you to some of the wonderful people who live here at CHCC. Here is a recent resident spotlight Q&A session we did with Candy B.
Have you lived in other places besides Lynden?
Yes. I have lived in Bellingham, Ferndale, Seattle and Wyoming. I was born in Monterey, California.
What was your first job?
My first job was at Haggen in the bakery department.
What other types of work did you do before retiring?
I worked at Woolworth’s, where I was in charge of the entire basement department that sold fabrics and odds and ends. I also worked in a pet shop, a greenhouse and an antique shop.
What was your favorite thing about the work you did?
I enjoyed my job at the antique shop because I got along with the owner so well.
What is one thing that you have been most proud of in your life?
My four children: Julie, who lives in Canada; George, who lives in Seattle; Scott, who lives in Costa Rica; and Eric, who lives in Bellingham.
What is the hardest thing that you’ve lived through, and how did you get through it?
Coming here because of my stroke. I put my faith in Jesus and Psalm 23. That’s what gets me through.
What was your favorite decade to live in, and why?
I enjoyed the 1950s. It was carefree, and I loved the music.
Who is your favorite author or musician?
Leonard Cohen. I wasn’t much of a reader.
Do you have a favorite song, inspirational quote or Bible verse?
“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen.
What is one life lesson that you learned from your parents?
My grandma taught me all about what love is.
What is one piece of advice that you would give a 16-year-old person?
Never give up.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you, but you wish they did?
I have an African grey parrot. She is 30 years old and lives with my son. Her cage was always open unless the grandkids were over. Her name is Phoenix.
She mostly eats seeds and pellets. She could talk, but only when she wanted to. When I left the house, she would say, “Be careful!” She talked a lot.
What is one thing that you like about living at CHCC?
The breakfast and naps!
Editor’s note: Candace shared that her husband, Sherman, was always a rock in her life. In the accompanying photo, she is holding a tiger that reminds her of Sherman, while the parrot reminds her of herself.