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After growing up during the Great Depression and living through the Second World War, Kay Shropshire of Regina knows how to find the joy in anything — even while celebrating her 100th birthday under quarantine from COVID-19.
Shropshire can relate to the struggle of isolation due to sickness because 70 years ago she had a similar experience.
“I had scarlet fever when I was about 30 and my second child was only a month old and I had to go into isolation at the General Hospital for a month and leave my little baby behind with a wonderful grandma that looked after him,” she said Thursday. “There was tears in my eyes when I got in the ambulance to go to the hospital.”
Battling scarlet fever was not the first or the last tough time in her life.
“I was on the farm most of my life and the grasshoppers and the Russian thistle — there was lots of things that kind of plagued us, but we got over it,” Shropshire said.
Even through the hardest years, the good memories stand out the most for Shropshire. She shared stories of how her family would gather with friends and neighbours for meals with singing and dancing. She clearly recalls the feeling of jubilation at the end of the Second World War.
“I know we danced on No. 1 Highway between Regina and Moose Jaw,” Shropshire said.
Looking back on a century of experience, she has some wise words to share.
“Save a few pennies in your purse and don’t spend it all at once,” she said.
As for celebrating her birthday in quarantine, she is simply grateful for the kindness of the staff at the William Booth Care Home for taking extra steps to make the day special with an oversized birthday card, party hats and a video chat with her daughter in Alberta.
“I’m feeling wonderful with all this glory around me with all these beautiful flowers and pictures, and I’m happy to have my daughter here with me from Edmonton,” Kay said, pointing to her daughter’s face on an iPad.
Kay Shropshire visits with family members on FaceTime as she celebrates her 100th birthday at the William Booth Care Home in Regina on April 30, 2020. (Submitted)
Shropshire admitted it was a bit different adjusting to use technology to connect virtually with her family at her age, noting the young people catch on much quicker.
Through FaceTime, Kay’s daughter, Lexa Shropshire, spoke of how much she is missing her mom right now, not knowing how long it will be until she can visit in person.
“My mom is such a wonderful woman; she is very crafty, she can do anything. She worked hard and she taught me a lot of good lessons about how to get your work done and then you can relax and enjoy yourself,” Lexa said.
“I’ve got to say, she’s a lot of fun to be with and always entertaining. Her memory is incredible. She tells us stories from days of yore and it’s remarkable.”
Both women gave huge credit to the staff at the William Booth Care Home for going above and beyond the care they show all the time and thanked them for finding a way to celebrate in difficult circumstances.