Due to some health problems and old age, this will be my final article, as Win’s Wisdom, with Intrinsic.
I am told that my articles have been very well received by the Intrinsic ‘family of readers,’ for which I feel grateful and rather humble.
Thank you to all of you.
One of the reasons that I have loved being part of the ‘Intrinsic team’ has been the philosophy of the whole company. That is to be happy and enjoy your life, to set yourself goals, achieve your dreams and be the very best ‘you’ that you can be.
Intrinsic inspires people with its happiness, encouragement and excellence.
My first article as Win’s Wisdom, was entitled ‘Celebration,’ so I thought it fitting that I end my 5 years with another article on that theme, because I have had a year full of surprises and celebrations.
Life is supposed to be boring and hum-drum when one gets to 85, but 2008 has been anything but hum-drum for me.
In the ensuing months I had three things happen to me for the very first time.
In June, I went on a cruise on a luxury liner and it was magic. We called at ports from Fremantle to Sydney, and at 4 of the ports I was met by family or friends and taken out to lunch which added to the excitement of the cruise itself.
The next momentous occasion was when I received my very first business card - from Intrinsic of course. Me – with my own business card. Unbelievable!!
Then, in November, I had my first ride in a HUGE stretch limousine. This came about when that wonderful organisation, the ‘Make a Wish’ Foundation, organised a week’s holiday in Fiji for our 14-year-old grandson, Luke, with his parents and brother. As a special treat they were taken home in an enormous spick and span vehicle driven by a chauffeur in grey uniform and peaked cap. No one knew of this final flourish to the trip. I had gone by bus to the airport to give them a surprise welcome home, so was invited to ride with them to their home.
None of us could stop giggling as we cruised, majestically, through Adelaide and suburbs, helping ourselves to ice-cold lemonade provided in the car bar.
A week before Christmas, Luke had more tests, which were promising, giving us more to be thankful for in this season of joy and new life.
I attended a number of events in December – church services, carol singing and parties, but none was more elegant and fun than the Intrinsic party at a stylish venue in North Adelaide. They even provided taxi transport for me, so I felt like royalty with such treatment.
Adele and Jamie were hosts to the bevy of beautiful young women of the staff in their elegant frocks. Jamie also distributed small, fun gifts to us all, including a hammer and screw-driver set for Adele and two gifts to me. One is a sign for my bed-room door which says ‘The Queen Sleeps Here’ and the other a calendar featuring the buffed-up firemen of the South Australian Fire Brigade. My retirement village will never be the same again!!
Adele presented me with two inspirational books and a card with special messages from the staff, all of which I will treasure for ever.
Seven family members, laden with gifts, food, crackers and good wishes, met at my house on Christmas day, where we had a very happy get-together. I enjoyed it immensely as I was waited upon like a real matriarch and was showered with hugs, love, and more gifts.
Add to the joy of those occasions the dozens of Christmas cards, letters and phone calls from wonderful friends and it adds up to a memorable year.
But, there was more – I received a Premier’s Award for volunteer service over ten years in our village and even won the major prize in the village Christmas raffle.
I haven’t made any resolutions for 2009 as I am still quite breathless from re-living 2008.
To conclude, I want to express my appreciation for all that this journey with Intrinsic has meant to me. Everyone has been so welcoming, supportive and encouraging and it has enriched my life.
To all of the lovely young people there, don’t lose your happiness, enthusiasm and your caring and sharing of dreams and aspirations, because those elements are intrinsic to lifting the spirits of those around you and making this world a better place.
With love and many thanks
Win
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