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 Q&A session we did with Liz T.
Have you lived in other places besides Lynden?
I was born in Lewes, Delaware and lived in several states because my father was in the Coast Guard. I never stayed in one state longer than two years during my childhood. I’ve lived in Delaware, Virginia, California, Alaska twice, Massachusetts, Washington, Guam, Japan, Vietnam and Taiwan. Once I started college, I made Washington my home. Canada has been like a second home. When I lived in Bellingham, I would go up to Vancouver almost every weekend.
What was your first job?
My first job was babysitting. Can you believe I only earned 50 cents an hour? At one point I got a raise to 75 cents. In high school I taught swimming. I was a good swimmer before my hip injury. I worked as a housekeeper for 10 years for a couple, but the husband didn’t like having housekeepers, so he let me go. After that I did a lot of part-time and odd jobs. I worked at a dog kennel. At one point I worked with ESL and special education. I was also in a band and learned to play guitar, banjo, harmonica, saxophone and drums. I worked in martial arts, studying Taekwondo, Judo, Karate, Tai Chi and Jiu-Jitsu.
What other types of work did you do before retiring?
I did a lot of part-time work, but I don’t consider myself retired. There’s still a lot I want to do.
What was your favorite thing about the work you did?
I loved working with animals at the kennel. With volunteer work I could see the impact I was making on people’s lives. Based on all the different things I’ve done, you could call me a “Jack of all trades, master of none.”
What is one thing that you have been most proud of in your life?
I’m proud of being baptized. I was baptized Catholic. The Catholic church community is strong and helped me when I was homeless. They helped me find places to stay with my truck. I’m thankful I’ve gotten myself here, to where I am now. There was no steadiness in military life, so when I put down roots in Washington, I was proud. I’m also proud that I stuck through and got my college education, which was very hard. I went to both Western Washington University and Central Washington University, where I focused on English, history and art.
What is the hardest thing you’ve lived through, and how did you get through it?
Several things were hard for me growing up. College was a struggle, and I had a hard time with certain things, which slowed me down compared to other students. I still graduated from Central Washington University. Being homeless for a while was hard. Living as a military kid, not being able to put down roots or make long-term relationships until my late teens was hard. My mother’s passing was a real hit and struggle, and it still is. Then there was my struggle with eyelid cancer, which was treated, but I later developed eye cancer, so they removed my eye and sewed it shut. My faith and the Catholic community got me through all of this.
What was your favorite decade and why?
You know, I don’t have a favorite decade. I prefer to live in the moment. If you focus too much on the future, you stress. If you focus on the past, you might have regrets. I love the present. However, if I had to choose, it would be before the 19th century. While technology is great, I don’t like how it’s taken over daily life. There’s a TV in every room, and the noise is insane.
Who is your favorite author or musician?
I love classical music from the Baroque era. When it’s too loud or someone’s TV is on, I put on my headphones and drown out the noise with classical music. I also love folk music from different countries.
What is one life lesson you learned from your parents?
My parents taught me to be kind, seek the truth and not believe everything you hear. It’s hard to tell fact from fiction these days. If you can back it up with facts, you can believe it. And of course, treat others how you want to be treated.
What is one piece of advice you would give a 16-year-old person?
Don’t let anyone step on your dreams. I wish I had had that advice when I was younger. Also, treat people kindly.
What is one thing that most people don’t know about you but you wish they did?
I’ve noticed there are several Spanish-speaking residents here, so I’m learning Spanish.
What is one thing that you like about living at CHCC?
I love the staff here at CHCC. I started in rehab after I tripped over a cord at home and broke my hip. While in rehab, the staff were so kind. They sang happy birthday to me, and it was the best birthday I’ve ever had. If I could, I would kidnap some of the nurses and keep them, but I can’t do that—I’d get in trouble. (Said with a laugh.)