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 Georgina W.
Have you lived in other places besides Lynden?
I was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and we later moved to Vancouver, British Columbia. We lived in the southern United States for a time while my husband ran our car leasing business and then returned to Vancouver.
What was your first job?
I worked as a secretary when I was 18. I had just finished 11th grade in Edmonton, and a friend invited me to go to work with her. I just stayed on. I didn’t finish high school, but that wasn’t really a big deal back then.
What other types of work did you do before retiring?
I worked as a receptionist for my husband’s car leasing business and spent more than 20 years as a bridal consultant.
What was your favorite thing about the work you did?
I was a top bridal consultant for many years, and I was very proud of my success. I worked very hard.
What is one thing that you have been most proud of in your life?
I am most proud of our four children: Wayne, Adam, Sherry and Cary. Our son Wayne built a successful business and persevered through the economic challenges of entrepreneurship. At one point, he employed more than 120 people, but that number later dropped to six. My husband and I understand the difficulties of owning a business, and Wayne has shown remarkable strength through these changes.
What is the hardest thing that you’ve lived through, and how did you get through it?
Losing my son Adam in a motorcycle accident was devastating. Recovering from a stroke when I was 80 was also one of the hardest times of my life. I was in very serious condition, and my family did not know whether I would survive.
My relationship with God carried me through these trials. I gave my life to Him on May 2, 2004, and I am deeply grateful that He held me close, sheltered me under His wings and lifted me out of that heaviness.
What is one piece of advice that you would give to a 16-year-old person?
I credit my success to working hard and getting to bed at 9 p.m. every night. So, my advice would be to work hard and get enough sleep.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you, but you wish they did?
I loved sports growing up and played baseball, basketball and field hockey, but we called it grass hockey in those days. My high school team won several championships. I was also a competitive tennis player who competed in many tournaments and even won a few.
What is one thing that you like about living at CHCC?
The best part of living here is the friendships I have made. Avis and Sybil have become close friends. I admire Avis’s intelligence and Sybil’s kindness.