IT'S a memory Joan Williams recalls with fondness.
The night before the cruise ship docked in Greece, the passengers were treated to a production of Shirley Valentine. The story of a middle-aged woman who uproots her life to follow her dream of living in Greece was the perfect lead-in to a vacation in the Mediterranean. Of all the seven cruises she took with her husband, Williams says this trip was her favourite.
"We had a taste of a lot of the world," says Williams of the "great experiences" the couple shared. They enjoyed travelling by cruise ship because "We liked to take our beds with us," she says with a laugh.
After her husband passed away, Williams went on one more cruise, but the experience just wasn't the same. She is content now to share her travels with fellow day trippers at the West Vancouver Seniors Activity Centre, where she is also a volunteer at one of the help desks. She already has a 10-year service badge from the centre and will be receiving her 15-year badge soon. Born in Calgary, Williams arrived in Vancouver on her 19th birthday. She worked until she had her two sons, and then returned to work in an office at the age of 50 for nine years. Now retired, Williams enjoys her volunteer work at the centre, and says she gets satisfaction out of doing something for others. It also helps her stay active and connected.
Spend an afternoon over coffee with Williams and it's easy to see why she is a perfect fit for the help desk. Her polite and friendly manner makes for easy and interesting conversation, and she has lots to say about the centre. She points out the bridge players in the main room, as well as activities in a nearby fitness room, the lounge and the photography club.
As we sit and chat, a friend stops by to enquire about her son, who is visiting from up north. A few more friends smile and wave. The bridge games end and the cafeteria is suddenly full of players who mill about eating and chatting. Among the hustle and bustle, it is easy to miss the small vases that stand on each table; each one filled with a colourful bouquet of fresh flowers. Williams helps assemble these arrangements every Sunday. They are a nice touch. Surveying the scene around us, Williams notes: "It's really a lovely centre. There's so much going on."
