The post Wishing Well Program – Colleen Ethier appeared first on Riverstone Bridlewood Limited Partnership Blog.
]]> [APR 2026].png)
Some wishes are grand, some are simple, and some are about creating a single, unforgettable moment of joy. This was one of those wishes — the kind that fills a room with emotion, brings tears to your eyes, and leaves a lasting smile on everyone involved.
Colleen Ethier, a proud resident of Foxview Retirement Community, is what you would call a 'Big Fan' of the Ottawa Senators. Not just someone who watches the games, but someone who lives them. Her love for the team is woven into her daily life. On game days, you’ll find Colleen front and center in her black and red jersey, cheering passionately, never missing a moment. And the next day? You can count on a full recap, complete with her honest (and often spirited!) take on the refereeing.
So when we learned that Colleen’s wish was to attend a playoff game in person, we knew this was something special, something we had to make happen.
Just days later, we arrived at Foxview with a surprise she would never forget. Accompanied by our incredible mascot, Rudy, we presented Colleen with two tickets to Game 4. The moment was electric. Shock turned into joy, and joy into tears as reality set in. What started as an ordinary day quickly became extraordinary.
Then came game day.
Colleen came downstairs that morning, still in disbelief, asking if it was all real. It was, and she was absolutely glowing. Sharing the experience with her grandson Bobby made it even more meaningful. Together, they left the community filled with excitement, anticipation, and hope for a big Senators win.
And while the scoreboard didn’t deliver the outcome she had hoped for, the experience itself was everything she dreamed of, and more.
Colleen returned home still beaming, her spirit lifted, her heart full. Win or lose, it didn’t matter. For her, the day was a victory.
She had wondered if maybe she could be the lucky charm the team needed, and honestly, what a beautiful thought that was.
At Riverstone, moments like this are what the Wishing Well Program is all about. It’s about listening, caring, and turning meaningful wishes into lasting memories. Seeing the joy it brought to Colleen reminds us why we do what we do, because sometimes, the simplest wishes create the most powerful moments.
And we can’t wait to make the next one come true.
The post Wishing Well Program – Colleen Ethier appeared first on Riverstone Bridlewood Limited Partnership Blog.
]]>The post Wisdom Wednesday: Ann appeared first on Riverstone Bridlewood Limited Partnership Blog.
]]>At Riverstone, we know our residents carry a lifetime of experiences, stories, and lessons worth sharing. We are proud to introduce Wisdom Wednesdays, a new series where we sit down with a resident every two weeks and ask them a thoughtful question. Each conversation invites them to reflect on meaningful moments from their past or share advice shaped by their life experiences.
This series is close to our hearts because we believe in celebrating the voices and perspectives of our residents. Their wisdom is a gift, and we want to share it with not only our communities but also with families, friends, and anyone who loves hearing stories that inspire and connect.
You can watch each new installment in our Wisdom Wednesdays Playlist.
Wisdom Wednesday: Ann
Some moments in life are small in passing, but stay with us far longer than we expect.
In this week’s Wisdom Wednesday, Ann shares a childhood memory that reflects just how powerful an act of kindness can be. One that, even at nine years old, left a lasting impression that has stayed with her for decades.
Stories like Ann’s remind us that often, kindness shows up in everyday choices—opening a door, offering help, extending care to someone in need, or simply making space for someone who might otherwise feel alone. These gestures can become defining moments in another person’s life.
What makes kindness so meaningful is its lasting effect. Long after the moment has passed, it can shape how someone feels, how they see others, and even how they choose to treat the people around them. In that way, kindness has a ripple effect that continues well beyond the original act.
In the moment, you may not even realize how meaningful it is—but over time, you come to see just how important it ended up being.
The post Wisdom Wednesday: Ann appeared first on Riverstone Bridlewood Limited Partnership Blog.
]]>The post Wisdom Wednesday: Fran appeared first on Riverstone Bridlewood Limited Partnership Blog.
]]>At Riverstone, we know our residents carry a lifetime of experiences, stories, and lessons worth sharing. We are proud to introduce Wisdom Wednesdays, a new series where we sit down with a resident every two weeks and ask them a thoughtful question. Each conversation invites them to reflect on meaningful moments from their past or share advice shaped by their life experiences.
This series is close to our hearts because we believe in celebrating the voices and perspectives of our residents. Their wisdom is a gift, and we want to share it with not only our communities but also with families, friends, and anyone who loves hearing stories that inspire and connect.
You can watch each new installment in our Wisdom Wednesdays Playlist.
Wisdom Wednesday: Fran
What does success really mean?
It’s a question that can have many different answers, and often, those answers shift as life unfolds. What feels important in our early years can look very different decades later, shaped by experience, relationships, and the moments that stay with us.
In this week’s Wisdom Wednesday, Fran shares her perspective on how her definition of success has evolved over time. Like many, she once viewed success through a more traditional lens — building a career, working hard, and striving toward long-term goals. Her path in nursing brought a strong sense of purpose, allowing her to care for others and stay connected to her community.
But as the years passed, life introduced new roles and responsibilities — raising a family, supporting loved ones, and navigating major life transitions. Through it all, her understanding of success began to shift.
Today, Fran’s perspective is grounded in what truly matters to her: the people she’s supported, the connections she’s maintained, and the sense of fulfillment that comes from doing your best in each chapter of life.
Her story is a thoughtful reminder that success isn’t fixed; it grows with us.
The post Wisdom Wednesday: Fran appeared first on Riverstone Bridlewood Limited Partnership Blog.
]]>The post Wisdom Wednesday: Anna appeared first on Riverstone Bridlewood Limited Partnership Blog.
]]>At Riverstone, we know our residents carry a lifetime of experiences, stories, and lessons worth sharing. We are proud to introduce Wisdom Wednesdays, a new series where we sit down with a resident every two weeks and ask them a thoughtful question. Each conversation invites them to reflect on meaningful moments from their past or share advice shaped by their life experiences.
This series is close to our hearts because we believe in celebrating the voices and perspectives of our residents. Their wisdom is a gift, and we want to share it with not only our communities but also with families, friends, and anyone who loves hearing stories that inspire and connect.
You can watch each new installment in our Wisdom Wednesdays Playlist.
Wisdom Wednesday: Anna
For this week’s Wisdom Wednesday, Maplewood resident Anna reflects on her childhood and the lessons that have stayed with her throughout her life.
Anna grew up in a small town in Italy as the youngest of six children. Life was simple, and there were very few resources beyond electricity. Much of what the family needed was made, repaired, or done by hand.
Evenings were often spent working together — spinning, sewing, embroidering, or crocheting. If something broke, it wasn’t replaced; it was fixed. These routines were simply part of daily life, and everyone contributed.
Through those experiences, Anna developed a deep appreciation for working with her hands and a strong sense of independence. Being able to do things herself brought a sense of pride and satisfaction that stayed with her throughout the years.
Looking back, Anna recognizes that life was not always easy. But perseverance and believing in the future helped her continue moving forward.
When asked what advice she would give to younger generations, her message is simple: be true to yourself. Rather than worrying about what others are doing, she encourages people to focus on what truly suits them and trust their own path.
Through Wisdom Wednesday, residents like Anna share the reflections and life lessons that have shaped them — offering encouragement and perspective drawn from a lifetime of experience.
The post Wisdom Wednesday: Anna appeared first on Riverstone Bridlewood Limited Partnership Blog.
]]>The post Wisdom Wednesday: Gary appeared first on Riverstone Bridlewood Limited Partnership Blog.
]]>At Riverstone, we know our residents carry a lifetime of experiences, stories, and lessons worth sharing. We are proud to introduce Wisdom Wednesdays, a new series where we sit down with a resident every two weeks and ask them a thoughtful question. Each conversation invites them to reflect on meaningful moments from their past or share advice shaped by their life experiences.
This series is close to our hearts because we believe in celebrating the voices and perspectives of our residents. Their wisdom is a gift, and we want to share it with not only our communities but also with families, friends, and anyone who loves hearing stories that inspire and connect.
You can watch each new installment in our Wisdom Wednesdays Playlist.
Wisdom Wednesdays: Gary
Sometimes the smallest decisions can shape our entire lives. This week, Gary shares one of those moments.
After high school, Gary planned to follow in his father’s footsteps and work as a pressman at the local newspaper. While waiting to start his apprenticeship, he took a temporary job at a local store. Three months in, he received an automatic raise — the same pay as a clerk who had worked there for 20 years.
That moment was eye-opening. Gary realized that without further education, his future earnings would look the same decades later as they did as a teenager. He decided to go to university.
During his studies, he discovered an opportunity through the Royal Canadian Air Force Reserve. Signing up led to summer training as an air crew navigator and eventually the Regular Officer Training Plan, which covered tuition and provided income during breaks.
What seemed like a small, practical choice ended up opening a world of possibilities. After university, Gary served three years in the Air Force, traveling across the Atlantic 120 times and visiting 88 countries.
Gary’s story is a simple but powerful reminder: sometimes life changes quietly. One decision, one opportunity, one moment of clarity can set the stage for a journey beyond what we ever imagined.
Watch Gary’s full Wisdom Wednesday story above!
The post Wisdom Wednesday: Gary appeared first on Riverstone Bridlewood Limited Partnership Blog.
]]>The post Wisdom Wednesday: Liza appeared first on Riverstone Bridlewood Limited Partnership Blog.
]]>At Riverstone, we know our residents carry a lifetime of experiences, stories, and lessons worth sharing. We are proud to introduce Wisdom Wednesdays, a new series where we sit down with a resident every two weeks and ask them a thoughtful question. Each conversation invites them to reflect on meaningful moments from their past or share advice shaped by their life experiences.
This series is close to our hearts because we believe in celebrating the voices and perspectives of our residents. Their wisdom is a gift, and we want to share it with not only our communities but also with families, friends, and anyone who loves hearing stories that inspire and connect.
You can watch each new installment in our Wisdom Wednesdays Playlist.
Wisdom Wednesdays: Liza
Starting university is one of life’s biggest transitions. It brings new independence, new challenges, and countless opportunities for growth. For Liza, the key is all in how you approach it.
Rather than seeing university as something overwhelming, she encourages students to treat it as an adventure. It’s a time to explore new ideas, meet different people, and discover who you are becoming.
Liza also reminds students to think critically. Don’t accept everything at face value; ask questions, stay curious, and form your own perspectives. At the same time, keep your long-term goals in mind. Having a sense of direction can help guide your decisions, even when the path feels uncertain.
Most importantly, Liza shares a message many of us need to hear: it’s okay to be afraid. Fear often shows up when we are stepping into something meaningful. Courage isn’t about eliminating fear — it’s about moving forward despite it.
Be afraid, but do it anyway. You may just find that the adventure is worth it.
The post Wisdom Wednesday: Liza appeared first on Riverstone Bridlewood Limited Partnership Blog.
]]>The post Wisdom Wednesdays: Ada appeared first on Riverstone Bridlewood Limited Partnership Blog.
]]>At Riverstone, we know our residents carry a lifetime of experiences, stories, and lessons worth sharing. We are proud to introduce Wisdom Wednesdays, a new series where we sit down with a resident every two weeks and ask them a thoughtful question. Each conversation invites them to reflect on meaningful moments from their past or share advice shaped by their life experiences.
This series is close to our hearts because we believe in celebrating the voices and perspectives of our residents. Their wisdom is a gift, and we want to share it with not only our communities but also with families, friends, and anyone who loves hearing stories that inspire and connect.
You can watch each new installment in our Wisdom Wednesdays Playlist.
Wisdom Wednesdays: John
For this week’s Wisdom Wednesday, John shares a motto that has guided him through life’s transitions: “Get on with it.”
At first, it sounds simple — almost too simple. But as John explains, the meaning runs much deeper. To him, “get on with it” means accepting where you are and choosing to truly be present in the moment.
John reflects on his move to Rose Park, when he was told there would be an adjustment period. Change, after all, takes time. When he walked through the door, he made a conscious decision. He told himself: “Get on with it. Be here.”
Like many of us, John admits he tends to dwell on the past or fantasize about the future. While both are natural, living too much in either can cause us to miss what’s happening right now. As he puts it, it’s very easy to miss what once was — but the important thing to remember is, this is where you are.
John points out something we don’t always think about: you can be physically present somewhere without being psychologically present. You can sit in a room, go through the motions, and still not have fully chosen to be there. “Getting on with it,” for John, is about making that choice — choosing to engage with the present moment instead of letting it pass by.
His wisdom is a gentle reminder that life doesn’t wait. Wherever we find ourselves — in a new chapter, a familiar routine, or somewhere in between — we owe it to ourselves to show up fully.
Sometimes the best advice is the simplest: be here, and get on with it.
The post Wisdom Wednesdays: Ada appeared first on Riverstone Bridlewood Limited Partnership Blog.
]]>The post Wisdom Wednesdays: Clare appeared first on Riverstone Bridlewood Limited Partnership Blog.
]]>At Riverstone, we know our residents carry a lifetime of experiences, stories, and lessons worth sharing. We are proud to introduce Wisdom Wednesdays, a new series where we sit down with a resident every two weeks and ask them a thoughtful question. Each conversation invites them to reflect on meaningful moments from their past or share advice shaped by their life experiences.
This series is close to our hearts because we believe in celebrating the voices and perspectives of our residents. Their wisdom is a gift, and we want to share it with not only our communities but also with families, friends, and anyone who loves hearing stories that inspire and connect.
You can watch each new installment in our Wisdom Wednesdays Playlist.
Wisdom Wednesdays: Clare
For this week’s Wisdom Wednesday, Clare shared her perspective on aging — and it’s full of insight, warmth, and reflection.
Clare grew up surrounded by strong women, including her own mother, who lived to 101½ while remaining sharp and full of life. Observing her mother, Clare learned that getting older doesn’t mean losing your mind or your spark — it’s simply another stage of life, rich with experience and stories to tell.
In her own words, Clare points out that while aging can bring physical challenges, such as changes in eyesight or hearing, it doesn’t define a person’s mind, spirit, or capacity to engage with the world. She emphasizes the importance of compassion and patience — qualities that make a real difference in how older adults are treated and how they experience each day.
Clare also reflects on the community at Riverstone, where she notes the kindness and care of staff. For her, this compassion enhances the quality of life and fosters a sense of dignity and respect for all residents.
Her story reminds us that we all age differently and that each stage of life carries its own wisdom. Aging is not about decline — it’s about perspective, patience, and the enduring value of human connection.
Clare’s message is simple but powerful: approach aging with compassion, embrace the uniqueness of every stage of life, and never underestimate the wisdom that comes with growing older.
The post Wisdom Wednesdays: Clare appeared first on Riverstone Bridlewood Limited Partnership Blog.
]]>The post Wisdom Wednesdays: Jacques appeared first on Riverstone Bridlewood Limited Partnership Blog.
]]>At Riverstone, we know our residents carry a lifetime of experiences, stories, and lessons worth sharing. We are proud to introduce Wisdom Wednesdays, a new series where we sit down with a resident every two weeks and ask them a thoughtful question. Each conversation invites them to reflect on meaningful moments from their past or share advice shaped by their life experiences.
This series is close to our hearts because we believe in celebrating the voices and perspectives of our residents. Their wisdom is a gift, and we want to share it with not only our communities but also with families, friends, and anyone who loves hearing stories that inspire and connect.
You can watch each new installment in our Wisdom Wednesdays Playlist.
Wisdom Wednesdays: Jacques
For this week’s Wisdom Wednesday, Jacques shares a story about a brave choice that shaped the course of his life and taught him the value of following your own path.
Jacques grew up in Val-d’Or, a gold mining community, and as a teenager, he worked underground in the mine alongside his father. Earning just $0.25 an hour, he quickly realized that mining wasn’t the future he wanted for himself. That early decision to aim higher set him on a journey full of opportunity, hard work, and self-discovery.
At 18, Jacques joined the Royal Bank while also playing junior hockey. A scouting opportunity came along, but a twist of fate sent him to various banking assignments instead. Over the years, his dedication paid off — he eventually became a vice president in Calgary, met his wife in Montreal, and built a family with three children and five grandchildren.
Jacques’ story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the bravest choice is simply deciding to pursue your dreams. Even if the path changes along the way, dedication and hard work can lead to a life full of achievement, love, and fulfillment.
Jacques’ message is simple: follow your dreams and work hard — it’s achievable.
The post Wisdom Wednesdays: Jacques appeared first on Riverstone Bridlewood Limited Partnership Blog.
]]>The post Wisdom Wednesdays: Luba appeared first on Riverstone Bridlewood Limited Partnership Blog.
]]>At Riverstone, we know our residents carry a lifetime of experiences, stories, and lessons worth sharing. We are proud to introduce Wisdom Wednesdays, a new series where we sit down with a resident every two weeks and ask them a thoughtful question. Each conversation invites them to reflect on meaningful moments from their past or share advice shaped by their life experiences.
This series is close to our hearts because we believe in celebrating the voices and perspectives of our residents. Their wisdom is a gift, and we want to share it with not only our communities but also with families, friends, and anyone who loves hearing stories that inspire and connect.
You can watch each new installment in our Wisdom Wednesdays Playlist.
Wisdom Wednesdays: Luba
For this week's Wisdom Wednesday, we sat down with Luba, who shared a beautiful, heartwarming memory about a song that instantly transports her back to her childhood: "You Are My Sunshine."
It's amazing how a simple melody can hold so much history, emotion, and connection. For Luba, the song isn't just a tune; it's the soundtrack to a childhood rich with community and simple, shared joy.
Luba recalls growing up in a close-knit, rural area where entertainment wasn't store-bought—it was created. She describes a time when friends would gather for frequent house parties. As she put it, "All we had was ourselves." This necessity bred genuine connection, leading to a strong support system where neighbors truly looked out for one another. They were, in her words, "a big family in the community."
At every single one of those house parties, someone would eventually suggest: "Let's sing 'You Are My Sunshine.'" The song became an unofficial anthem for their tight-knit group, symbolizing the warmth, closeness, and support they shared.
When Luba hears the familiar notes today, she's instantly taken back to those moments of pure, unadulterated friendship and community spirit. It's a powerful reminder that the best memories are often made not through expensive activities, but through the simple act of coming together.
Luba's story reminds us of the profound impact of simple traditions and the enduring strength of community bonds. What song takes you back to a wonderful time and place?
The post Wisdom Wednesdays: Luba appeared first on Riverstone Bridlewood Limited Partnership Blog.
]]>