Yvonne Olivier Bechet, 83, was one of the first women to pass through the new Orleans Police Department's academy. She describes how the stigma against women at the time challenged her just as much as the rigorous physical requirements she faced, but she kept her drive. After 22 years on the force, Bechet retired in 1990 as assistant superintendent. She now looks back fondly on the experience that she said made her feel like a superwoman.
“We've all been given life, and in living it, you have a story,” Bechet said.
I recently read about how Bechet told that story to an interviewer, as part of a national project to hear from retirement community residents and to record tales of their lives. It reminded me of some coffee table books that Rosey and I bought a number of years ago that were about “A Day in the Life of America.” There was actually a huge amount of history behind most of the pictures. It led me to think about the incredible histories that I hear as we meet many prospects considering a move to Beatitudes Campus.
A few years ago, a wonderful history of many Beatitudes Campus of Care (as it was then known) was published called Goals, Gumption and Grit. I know that often those with a fascinating history are most excited to hear the stories of the other residents with whom they live. One resident recently told me, “That's a lesson in itself, that we can all learn from each other still.”
I also read about a project, called “These Eyes Have Seen,” that was started by a senior living organization in Florida and it made me think about all of the rich histories that I have been privileged to hear throughout my career. Are there those of you who would be willing to share some of your stories that we could publish as we prepare for a new business year starting in October? Watch for an announcement – we will be putting together a jazz brunch and photo shoot in the fall where we will record the stories that made you who you are. I wanted to give you an advance notice so that you can begin to think how you'd like share your narrative and then we'll formulate the interviews.
Thanks again for the opportunity to share a bit of life together. I am indeed a far richer man than I deserve for the wisdom that has been shared with me over my career in senior living. My job has allowed me to meet seniors who have traveled the world, penned calligraphy for the White House and captained steamboats without ever learning to swim. I've met someone who came to Phoenix on an “orphan train”, one lady that as a child she didn't know butter was a solid (think about that one – pre-refrigeration), the stories of the first two women members of the Arizona legislature and the friendship they extended to me imparting behind the scenes, unique perspectives and a Basque sheepherder who detailed for me the path from the high country down the Mogollon Rim to the valley and how it all meshed together with emerging urbanization. I have been so amazed by the American and Arizona history I've been able to experience first-hand.
I can't wait for the weather to cool and we'll get outside for this event to again showcase what I believe is one of the most fulfilling life plan communities anywhere!
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