A POSTCARD FROM PIER 21 HALIFAX NOVA SCOTIA

On a recent trip to Nova Scotia, my sister-in-law  Edna sent some postcards from Pier 21.

My brother Reed and she were exploring some of the information surrounding the Park landing in Canada. The family actually landed in New Brunswick but the research staff at the Museum were extremely helpful in finding the information they needed.

The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is a wonderful place to visit if in Halifax. It is on my bucket list. When the museum first opened, I sent my husband's immigration story which is listed under the Italian immigrants to Canada collection of stories. Along with his family he landed in Halifax June 29, 1959 on the Queen Frederica that had sailed out of Naples Italy.
Perusing the website again, it is full of wonderful pictures and stories. Historian Steve Schwinghamer has written a great summary of some of the Canadian immigration history that pertains to Pier 21.
Between 1928 and 1971 it was known as the gateway for 1,000,000 immigrants. My husband was one of the 45,000 arriving each year. Troops, war brides and others left Canada and arrived through this historic location.

I would recommend for you to visit the website: www.pier21.ca for a closer view and read about this significant Canadian landmark. For students or those searching their family roots, it is a great source of information. You never know some of the pictures they have may include a relative or two. If you have questions you can email the staff that are always so helpful. If you have a story in your family, I would suggest submitting it to be included in the ongoing building of the history of Pier 21 specifically and Canada generally.
So thanks to Edna for sending along these cards!
If you want your story here, email me at abdm@rogers.com for my address so you can send me a postcard!

HALLOWEEN WEEKEND-HAVE A GHOUL TIME

Halloween or hallowed eve is the time for children to go door to door to get candies or other goodies. Dressed in a costume of choice it is a fun time for all. Actually it has become a huge money maker not only with the purchase of candies but costumes and items to decorate one's house. I put out a couple of signs- this way to the candy and a little pumpkin. Many people decorate their lawns and homes more than others do at Christmas. I am the pop lady. I give out cans of pop with a bag of goodies. Of course I made huge bags for my grandchildren and special one for the little boy across the street. With rain in the forecast not sure how many children will actually come to the door. There will lots of Halloween parties as Saturday night is the ideal night for parties. Me- I may put on my mask when I give out my treats. From coast to coast have a ghoul time!!

NANA SAYS LET SLEEPING BABIES LIE

Newborns grow in their sleep. They eat, poop, cuddle and go back to sleep. In time they stay awake a little longer, even opening their eyes so you can see what colour they are! Moms are busy feeding the little one. Especially if breastfeeding as each baby latches differently, eats at his/her own pace and may need a different position to her other babies to feed. Once established most moms find it easier with no bottles and having enough food if out on a trip.With a new baby in the family, Nana is listening to what the parents are saying. One comment- please don't ask every mom if the baby sleeps through the night. The mom is just glad the baby starts to take longer stretches between feeds and goes back to sleep. How soon a baby sleeps through the night is irrelevant! Each baby is different! It is always hoped the baby does not mix up night and day. So when the baby sleeps, enjoying the quiet time is a given. Of course if there are other children there is no quiet time! Babies adjust to the noise in the house and usually can sleep through anything! So just let sleeping babies lie!

RECOVERY AFTER SURGERY TAKES TME

The body takes the time it needs to heal. Follow the rules. Eat well. Exercise! Planned surgery can give more strategies on getting ready for home afterwards. Emergency surgery takes more of a mental and physcial toll on a person. There can be complications after any surgery. The unexplained circumstances can be overwhelming. Have friends and family for support. As a caregiver for a family member- sleep, eat well and give yourself time to adjust to the new situation.

MEALS ARE SOCIAL EVENTSe

It is hard to be alone at meal time. So much of what we do involves sharing food with a loved one. Many elderly folks will not prepare much to eat when alone. It is hard to cook for one. It is just hard to be alone. Encouraging someone to eat more involves inclusion with others. Nursing homes and retirement homes insist you eat in the dining room. No one eats alone in their room. So do you know someone who needs a dinner invite. Why are you waiting?

NANA SAYS LIMIT CHILDEN'S VISITS TO HOSPITAL

The hospital is a place full of germs and machines and scary things for children. So unless the child is the patient try to reduce visits of children to family members. Keep the visits short and explain as much as possible all the "scary" machines. Don't let them play with them. Or touch the big blue button behind the bed! So what can children do! Depends on how long the patient needs to be in the hospital! Simple hand made cards from little ones. Lots of colour! A note or letter from an older one. If texting, send a nice text to the person. If longer, a poster with lots of messages and maybe pictures. Teenagers usually handle visiting well! For some very sick patients, I have seen those blankets with family pictures on them. So the person can be surrounded and warmed by the love of family. Everyone wants to see their loved ones but the impression that can be made on children can need some processing. Be prepared for the questions or the reactions. Answering the big question- is grandpa going to die- no he has a hernia. Is mom going to come home- yes she just has to get a little better. Will Uncle Bill ever walk again- they are trying to get him as well as they can. Le's wait and see how he will do! Children need to be part of the family event. Not letting a child near the person can create fears! Just shorter visits. Remind everyone to wash their hands or sanitize those hands. Hand washing is 70% of good infection control.Of course in this day and age, everyone is very aware of the need to wash hands and keep germs away!
#limitchildren'svisitstohosital#stayawayfromgerms#lovedonesinthehospital#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#getthekidstomakeacolourfulcardforthepatient

DEMOCRACY AT WORK IN CANADA

Despite the fact I don't care much for the new prime minister elect, the Canadian people have voted with a 68% turnout. A majority government is usually better than a minority one so business does get done. But election promises are just that. Canada's economy had fared well in the world so the promise to kickstart something that was not broken does not make sense to me. Experinece teaches be careful what you ask, pray wish! Also- plus ca change plus ca la meme chose! Our country swings red than blue now red again. I want to thank Prime Minister Harper for many of the tough decisions he made and for serving our great nation. Like standing up to Putin! Anyone that serves the public should be thanked at the end of the day. Some still say Pearson was one of the best prime ministers with many of the programs he put in place. Democracy is a good thing. Canadians often vote for various reasons. However saying we need change for the sake of change is rather disconcerting. This Canadian does not see much change is needed. I will continue to work my ass off at home and work. Anyone that comes to this great nation should do the same. No free rides! Love my family and am willing to care for all the members as needed. Care about my community. Donate to relevant causes- internationally, nationally, locally. Politically agree to disagree. Continue to follow the humanitarian values.

 It is why my grandfather fought in World War One. It is why my Dad fought in World War Two. Yeah Canada. Yeah Democracy at work!