Feature Story

For the Love of Ollie 

Over 61 years ago, Ollie and Ron Thomas stood at the altar and pledged their commitment to one another. Their love has brought them an ever-increasing family starting with their own five children. They are extremely close to all of their adult children and grandchildren despite distance separating them from all but one daughter who lives here. Together they have travelled our country and they constantly hear from friends made through so many of their connections including church, The Rotary Club of Thunder Bay and The Women’s Institute.

I can’t imagine any couple who has built a more tightly knit family or network of friends. They are really loved. This love has helped them cope with Ollie’s deteriorating health over the past several years. Despite this support system, Ron found that September 2004 represented a time when life changed significantly. Ollie’s heart condition and progressing Dementia were leaving her greatly dependent for additional care. Ron often found himself alone in providing this care and handling the running of their household. After a year of struggling with these day to day responsibilities, Ron realized he needed formal services. He reached out to a number of community services to help him so he could continue to care for Ollie in their own home.

Ron and Ollie are supported through Wesway’s in-home Respite Workers as well as by other homemaking services. They credit this help for enabling them to stay together in their own home. This past year has been particularly tough for Ollie health-wise. Congestive heart failure resulted in her being hospitalized last fall. Her health had become so fragile that the doctors recommended Ron place her directly from the hospital into a 24 hour care facility. Understanding that he did not have the wherewithal to look after Ollie, Ron visited the one and only place available to take Ollie at this time. Not only was this visit emotionally exhausting but it was apparent that Ollie could not go here. Ron couldn’t go through with the placement because he felt that the set up would not safely accommodate Ollie’s health needs. He had no choice but to bring Ollie home even though he had many misgivings about his ability to manage her increased level of care needs.

With love and determination and support from respite services, Ron has once again managed. Both he and Ollie are sadly aware that the day may come when they can no longer be together in their home. But for now, they are determined to lean on their faith and focus on what is most important to them…each other, their family and their friends.