This Is My Message To You

We all have a story to tell no matter our age, and sharing them is how we learn about ourselves and others. "We live our lives forward, but understand them backward."

In the fall of 2023, we asked older and younger adults living in Barry's Bay, Ontario the following questions:

What do you want people to remember about you and your life? What is your wish for others and their lives?

A group of interested folks gathered twice a week in February and March 2024 to reflect on these questions and explore topics related to ageism, aging and clarifying a message to share with friends and family.

Interviews about significant people and events were conducted, quote collages created, horoscopes read, and lists of favourite things shared to help participants distill themes and mine details of their lives.

Participants generously shared pictures, letters, poems and a peek into their personal life journeys. We then took everyone's material to record individual messages that narrate short movies which conclude with This is My Message to You. We also created a booklet as another representation of those messages.

The big message? It's never too late for… courage, learning new things, dancing, a good idea, connecting with old friends, forgiveness, being a good neighbour, finding joy.

Credits
Kathy Blomquist, Program Design and Facilitation
Tristan R. Whiston, Dramaturge and Audio/Visual Mentor
Debbie Burant, On-site Coordinator
Wy Joung Kou, Graphic Design

Storytellers: Gina Bruckner, Debbie Burant, Bernice Byers, Hayley Coulas, Joy Dombroskie, Susi Emeneau, Danielle Gutz, Bianca Goldie-Jordan, Shirley McKie, Theresa Trader

Barry's Bay and Area Senior Citizens Home Support Services, Producer
ReDefine Arts, Partner
Renfrew County Housing Corporation, Partner
Government of Ontario Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, Funder