This Chapter? I Call it Life Falling Into Place
Life on the Farm
Growing up on a farm near Trochu, Alberta, Ellen learned right away the importance of family, faith, and community. As the youngest of six children, she was raised in a home filled with activity and noise.
Life looked very different then.
“We went to school with a horse and buggy,” she recalls. “And when it was really cold, they would heat bricks in the oven and wrap them in a gunny sack so we could keep our feet warm.”
The values she learned during those early years have stayed with her throughout her life.
“My grandma and grandpa, who lived with us, were devout believers in Jesus,” she says. “My mom and dad were too.”
Faith became an important part of Ellen’s life and continues to guide her.
Discovering a Love of Music
While family and faith shaped who Ellen was, music became one of the great joys of her life.
The school Ellen attended had a great music teacher, and she quickly developed a love for singing and performing in the school choir. They competed in music festivals with other schools as well.
“The fact that I had the opportunity to learn how to play the piano and sing in choirs was very meaningful to me,” she explains.
Music gave Ellen the opportunity to learn and express herself in ways she still cherishes.
Taking the Music Further
Her love for music continued after her school days.
After high school, she joined another choir in Edmonton, where she continued singing and building friendships.
“We actually toured to Waco, Texas,” she says.
The experience became one of many cherished memories connected to music.
Even today, music remains part of her daily life.
“I still like music,” she says. “I put that on in my suite.”
A Life Filled with Connection
Music was only one way Ellen connected with others.
Over the years, she became known for welcoming people into her home. Whether it was lunch, dinner, tea, or even an evening spent playing games, she enjoyed hosting for friends and family.
“I love to socialize,” she says.
Her family shares the same spirit.
“Our family was a game-playing family,” she recalls.
They played all kinds of games, from Chinese Checkers and Snakes and Ladders to Monopoly. Games were a regular part of family life and one of the ways they spent quality time together.
That love of connection continues today at Wild Rose, where Ellen enjoys gathering with fellow residents for the Scrabble group she helped start, which has steadily grown as more people join in.
Family, Faith, and Simple Pleasures
Family remains a constant in Ellen’s life.
She enjoys welcoming her children and grandchildren for meals and keeping up with their latest adventures. As a family of birdwatchers, they often share pictures and stories from their outings.
The values she learned growing up still guide her today.
“The truths in the Bible are the ones that really guide me,” she says.
Happiness has never been about grand achievements. Instead, it has been found in faith, family, friendships, and appreciating the simple moments.
Keeping the Music Playing
When asked what makes for a good day, Ellen’s answer is straightforward.
“A good day is that I’m well enough to get out of bed by myself,” she says. “Being able to come down and do the exercises and mingle with the people.”
She appreciates the opportunities at Wild Rose to socialize, enjoy meals with others, and participate in activities she enjoys.
“It can be comfortable and fulfilling, even though we can’t move as swiftly as we used to,” she says. “And I’m really grateful that I have the health I have.”
Today, music still fills her days, just as it has throughout much of her life.
From singing in choirs and playing piano to listening to her favorite songs in her suite, music has remained a constant companion through every chapter.
For Ellen, the melody may have changed over the years, but it never stopped playing.