Seniors
Wise Words
Norman Quantz
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s the author of two books, Norm is a man of many words. As he sorts through his grandfather’s journals, he is intrigued by the resiliency of his ancestors and wishes to impart much wisdom to his grandchildren or the next generation. Norm graduated with his Masters in Counselling, completing a career of helping people that has been deeply satisfying. His grade 11 dream was at times tense and complicated, but he has learned about life from other situations and much hard work. Born on May 27, 1948, Norm’s favorite memories were from his teen years when he would take yearly trips from Alberta to the Okanagan to visit cousins and bring back fruit. Another summer trip memory was
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traveling with a friend to southern Alberta where he spent time water skiing for the first time and going to an outdoor music concert. They were both on break from work and he remembers being relaxed and happy. He loved the freedom and beauty of our province. Based on evidence from people with expertise in matters of health and disease, early projections of the spread of the virus and keeping compromised people safe, Norm made personal changes during the pandemic. Even though he is a social person, he reduced personal contact, wore a mask and social distanced. He also tried to minimize information from social media. From his counselling career and first-hand knowledge of sacrifices made by medical professionals, it helped him navigate the changes that have ocSeniors — Winter 2021
curred in the past 20 months The biggest change Norm sees is how life has become more complicated from when he was growing up. People can now express opinions, ideas and thoughts through the use of technology and get world-wide exposure. People wrestle with a million ideas and yet thinking can force them to be “narrow-minded.” Norm has much wisdom to share with the next generation from personal to financial advice. First of all, he believes that one should learn to finish what you start. If it’s not worth it, then don’t start it and if you do fail to finish, don’t punish yourself; learn from it. Secondly, he knows that we have to learn to initiate change by following the evidence and responding to that change sooner than later. As one gets older, he or she discovers that life is more complex. This is certainly true of today’s world. Thirdly, Norm understands that we need to learn from others, know when and why our personal power changes and learn the difference between prescriptive and descriptive in life situations. Everyone’s situation is unique and one has to discern those differences of what is best in the long run. Lastly, Norm offers financial advice by saying that qualifying for a bank loan is more about wants, needs and affordability. When you start borrowing, you will be paying interest on borrowing for your lifetime. Even though Norm is retired, he still imparts wisdom and counsels others on many matters pertaining to life and decisions. Norm’s greatest decision will be which club to use on the golf course these days as he enjoys his retirement.
