Episode #10 - Taking a chance for a dance, a career in Nursing, Family Life & parenting with challenges. Judy Stefnitz shares her story of a varied and fascinating life with ups and downs, and she comes through shining.  Joining Erin Davis and Lloyd Hetherington on the green bench from The Village of Tansley Woods in Burlington.

How do you start your day? Share with us on Twitter (@GreenBenchStory) and don't forget to use the #ElderWisdom tag.

Judy starts her day with brain exercises, learning, scrabble, and of course breakfast. She loves life!  Has a plan for every day that is not carved in stone.

A Salute To Nurses: The World Health Assembly has designated 2020 the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife.

Judy shares about her broad nursing career at Sick Kids in Toronto and at Oakville Hospital.

“Nurses dispense Comfort, Compassion & Caring without even a prescription” – Val Saintsbury

Parenting doesn't come without challenges.  Judy, taking care of her children had a number including convulsions, falling off the roof, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, asthma, swellings, rashes, and allergies.  

A move to Montreal to support her husband's career in 1972, after the FLQ crisis. Without being fluent in French, Judy could not work as a nurse in Montreal. "It's amazing how life works." reading the paper, seeing a notice - 'If family life is important to you, Concordia University is offering a new program' - So she went for it.

Excited to continue learning at 38 and still today at 81.

"Life is the curriculum." Judy Stefnitz

If the opportunity presents itself, Judy responds. Family Life taught to look at all the issues from the womb to tomb.  Her practicum was helping parents to be sex educators - it is as important today as it was then.  Teaching attitudes, values, and respect, etc. 

"Attitude is our greatest power. We control that for ourselves." - Judy Stefnitz

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The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.

It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree ProductionsLearn more about our host, Erin Davis, at erindavis.comLearn more about co-host, Lloyd HetheringtonLearn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca