Alwyn Mendes Good Update - Canada

Dear Friends of Artie and 'The Mendes Family'

Good posting sharing photographs with all friends received

from Alwyn Mendes. 

Alwyn many thanks for the good update.
Best regards Benny

Dearest Betty, Ben, Tina, Agnel, Jo, Bob, Mabel.

Just dropping a few lines to a few of the Mendes Family Friends on an update on Artie, I’ve been wanting to do this a long time, and hopefully I can do it more often.

On July 8^th. my Mum turned 85, God Bless her as she is the second coming of Mother Theresa, she never complains takes life as it comes, accepts everything that’s put in front of her. She’s a great help to some of the Folks at the Old age Home, helps with the Translation of different languages to English for those Portuguese, Indians, we’ll throw in some Spanish Speaking People too. They all love her for her Kindness, and storytelling. My Mum now uses a walker, as she’s fallen a few times, and was read the riot act by myself as she wanted no part of the walker, just like Pop who totally refused to use a cane, Walker or Wheel Chair, and finally gave in as I threatened never to visit him.

We had a barbeque for Artie, invited a few of her Friends and those who call her and visit her regularly. I took my guitar, printed some song books the Old folks loved it as it was in Large Print, and the songs ranged from “Always” to “West of Zanzibar” Artie was on Top of the World Singing and not even looking as the Words in the Book.

Her short term memory is very poor, in a sense should could ask you the same question every 2 minutes, but her long term memory is amazing, she remembers people places and events form the days of Zanzibar, My sisters Audrey and Avril take her over to their houses almost every Sunday, and they get her to pull the spices to make different masalas, she hasn’t missed a beat when it comes to the preparation.

I visit her once a week mostly on Thursdays, We have a quick lunch together at the Nursing Home, and if it’s a nice day we’ll sit outside on a Picnic Table. I bring the Lunch I change it up every week Pizza, Tandoori Boneless Chicken, Fish & Chips, MacDonald's is another one of her Favorites, or some Portuguese Chicken, Mum looks forward to our Luncheon date. I guess having the same food at the Old Age Home isn’t as exciting as bringing in something different. Son feeding his Mother all the unhealthy stuff.

Talking about Mothers, My Mother-in-Law passed away 2 weeks before we left on our vacation, was diagnosed with Pneumonia on a Thursday and passed away the following Monday, we were all taken by surprise at how fast this all transpired. I guess when your time is up, your time is Up. Sometimes that may be the best way to go, no pain and suffering for months.

My daughter Michelle celebrated her 15th Wedding Anniversary on August 8th. their wedding day was 8.8.98, we had a Luncheon Party at her place a week later, but just Michelle, Anthony and the Kids Thomas and Lauren had a Private Mass and renewed their vows at an outdoor service. Thomas walked his Mother down the aisle, Lauren was the Bridesmaid, and the four of them had a great time. They didn’t want anyone but themselves, and had the Luncheon with all the family. I got the feeling that the Mothers weren't happy that they were not there, it didn’t bother me one bit. just invite me to the reception and I’ll have a good time.

Well My Friends that’s the update on Artie and my side of the Family, oh! by the way we are going to be Grandparents for the 5^th time in November, Mel & Mike are having their 3^rd. Child.

Pictures include Brother Sisters Kids and Grandkids. Couple of them are from last year.

Lots of Love

Alwyn

Alwyn A. Mendes

Trane Canada ULC.

Manager, Missisauga Branch

1600 Aimco Blvd # 9

Mississauga On. L4W 1V1

Voice:   905-238-2900

Fax:      905-238-2888

Mobile:  416-522-2427

Added Link - Alwyn Mendes Enterprises

ALWYN MENDES ENTERPRISES

Alwyn:

Thank you for sharing this.

Just recently I was rereading the biography I wrote of her and Pop for some milestone event (can't remember which) and realized what a resilient lady Artie is!  She and your dad were so devoted to each other, I was concerned that she would follow him soon after he died. It is wonderful that she is surrounded by all the love and attention from you all and your families. That's what must keep her going. That was a great decision you all made to put her in a home where she can get mental and social stimulation and where she feels she is needed. That's what kept my mom going for so long.

I remember when she and Pop came a couple of times to Shamba and how much they loved it. They especially loved their meeting with Dr. Maitra (he's 97 this year) and Les enjoyed fussing over them. I was there just for support. Les visited Artie on his recent visit to Canada - he said she look great, and feels great and appreciated the Frango Mints he took for her.

Congratulations to Michelle and Anthony on their anniversary - pictures are lovely. And congratulations on going to be grandparents again - wishing Mel a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery. 

Keep up your end of being a good son. You'll never regret it.

Really enjoyed seeing everyone again.

Jo

Canadian Connection - Rolina, Ashley & Phoebe Mendes