Kathy and Robert Hawkesworth, children of residents

“Canterbury was a perfect fit for my parents, who were reluctant to leave their own home. They had a beautiful sunny apartment looking out into the neighbourhood. Dad would sit out on the balcony, enjoying the sun.

“There’s something about walking down the hallway to visit your parents, and seeing the sunlight streaming out from under their doorway – it always made it feel so welcoming and homey.

“Mom knew 90 per cent of the residents in the Manor within a few months. Unfortunately, she passed away only 14 months after they moved to Canterbury. Dad moved into the Court very shortly after that.

“He was content. Even with his near blindness, he was able to make it down to the dining room and back, and everyone kept a close watch that he was okay. The best part of the room was the beautiful big windows looking out onto large mature spruce trees. He could see the movement of the squirrels, even though he couldn’t see them directly. But he loved to sit and watch and really missed them if they weren’t around.

“Mom and Dad had chosen Canterbury years before and when they determined it was finally time for them to move, we both felt such a great sense of peace. There is so much help there, such a sense of family amongst the staff and residents, it just felt like it was no longer all on our shoulders. With one of us in Calgary, and with work and family commitments, this was a great help.”