The Auroran
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Export date: Sat Nov 15 19:59:41 2025 / +0000 GMT

SENIOR SCAPE: Lifelong Friends


By Jim Abram

I have had the good fortune of meeting many good people in my life.
Susan and I have current friends that I have met during my 20 years in Aurora. We have met good and sincere volunteers, workers and yes, even journalists (Hope you smiled at that one, Brock).
We have met many people from our long careers at Petro-Canada and at Toronto Hydro. The list of good and caring people goes on and on, and we are fortunate to have so many friends. But one thing that really impresses me is the people I met in school (call it 50 years or so ago!) that keep in touch and remain good friends.
Social media has allowed this to happen but it does take personal effort. I'm going to focus on one person who I really admire. His name is Bernie.
Bernie raised himself since his parents passed away while he was in High School. Bernie loved his cars (fast cars, even though it was just a Chevy Vega), loves the Green Bay Packers and most of all respects his friends, family and everyone else.
Why did I choose Bernie to write about when I have so many others to choose from? Bernie got a job at the post office when he graduated. He did a good job, but decided he needed to do more to help others. I am writing about Bernie because he has a work ethic that I admire.
Here's the rant: I haven't gotten my mail in over two weeks. My neighbours and I meet at the mailbox to sort and exchange our mail. This is disconcerting because there are tax documents that are important and necessary but apparently our letter carrier is “going through issues.” Bernie would not have done this.
Bernie became a police officer in Calgary. When I visit Calgary, Bernie and I get together and he introduces me to the disadvantaged and homeless people he meets on the street during his duties. Bernie truly cares about these people, but more importantly, he understands their needs and deals with them with respect, dignity and compassion. I am happy to count Bernie Gardner among my friends, even though he is a Green Bay Packers fan.
When you join the Aurora Seniors' Centre, you meet many people, who, like my good friend Bernie, are caring, compassionate and tolerant of others. The volunteers at the Centre are exceptional. Please drop by and join us as there are activities to suit everyone.
We miss you when you are not there. Thank you Bernie for keeping the gang together. If you have any influence, please ask the mailman to give me my mail. I'm close to going “postal” on this.
Jimmy's last word: Friends are more important than money, power or possessions.
For more information on the Aurora Seniors' Centre and all it has to offer, drop by 90 John West Way, visit the web site www.auroraseniors.ca, email auroraseniors@rogers.com or call 905-726-4767 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Post date: 2015-03-04 22:11:13
Post date GMT: 2015-03-05 03:11:13

Post modified date: 2015-03-04 22:11:13
Post modified date GMT: 2015-03-05 03:11:13

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