Meaningful relationships and growth in spirituality with Jack Paleczny

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench

Episode #36 - A conversation that is raw in its emotions, very honest and open with Jack Paleczny of The Village at University Gates in Waterloo. A beautiful example of the connection among us all as he shares his story from the Green Bench.

Jack lives at The Village with and cares for his wife Diana Lynn who lives with both dementia and Parkinson's disease. He lives a life of service first as a leader to his community, serving God, serving the people around him, and today, serving up a whole lot of wisdom and perspective.

The 12s in Jack's life:
12 Years of Education
12 Years of Graduate Studies
12 Years as a Priest
12 Years as a Hospital Chaplain
12 Years as a Pastor of the United Church

His sister is a nun who just returned back from 12 years in Africa.

Learn about the decision Jack made to leave the priesthood and how his mother stood up for him among his 8 siblings.

"The big part of chaplaincy training is that although you are grounded in your own faith, you are able to walk with others in their faith." -Jack Paleczny

"Chaplaincy is a beautiful experience." -Jack Paleczny

"Our higher power is GOOD." - Erin Davis

"The meaning/value of life is the very goodness of people and the desire of people to do good." -Jack Paleczny

When Jack first got to The Village at University Gates, everybody he met he would ask them their name. "It was important to greet people by name and to hear their stories at The Village at University Gates."

Jack shares his tips to being an effective listener.

"If you can stay with the person and ask a question that unfolds their story a little bit more. They feel a connection, a bond, and trust in sharing their story." -Jack Paleczny

How do you remember people's names?

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The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.

It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions
Learn more about our host, Erin Davis, at erindavis.com
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca