Everyday Joys — Connie Luchia

Everyday Joys

Connie Luchia

onnie, better known as Gigi, was born on February 16, 1941. She was raised in a small hamlet. She was the only girl her age so she learned at a young age that “imagination was wonderful”. She played many parts with her two dolls that were her students, patients or babies. She was happy in her little world. Her family had a few animals on their property and when the calf was sold, the shed was converted into Connie’ imaginary playhouse.

Connie remembers the world at war and having rations for sugar. To this day, she learned from her parents to be frugal. Her parents were in love and treated her and her older brother with rules. They were strict, but they never got the “strap”. Usually, punishment was a talking to or a lecture

Cwhen they did something wrong, like going to their friend’s house without permission. Connie’s dad was very influential in her life. She learned from him to stretch a dollar, to never spank a child when you are mad and never go to bed without making up with your partner and a goodnight kiss. The worst thing she ever did was to turn the mileage back on her dad’s car. Instead of driving to where she told him she was going to, she drove her friends to Red Deer instead. She was scared, but figured she’d gotten away with it. It wasn’t until years later that her dad mentioned the incident and shared that he did in fact know about the excursion. They both ended up having a good laugh. Connie’s greatest accomplishment was leaving home and taking a leap of faith by joining the AirForce. She has realized that “the real happiness isn’t something large and looming on the horizon ahead, but something small, numerous and already here.

Her first job was as a waitress. She still remembers being shocked when she was helping with the orders and the cook opened a can of pork and beans to serve. It was on the menu, but as the cook explained, you can’t prepare too many things because you just end up wasting food. Connie also loved babysitting.

She is most proud that she was taught a great sense of taking care of herself and being loving to others. This wasn’t always the case. She feels that she lost Connie, herself. for 28 years. She delivered and cared for three beautiful babies, but raised them in a dysfunctional home. They tell her now that they remember the little things. They always knew she loved them and does this day. A new chapter of Connie’s life began when she turned 50.

Today, she is a happy senior with respect for others. She volunteered at a senior centre for 10 years after she retired from having a wonderful career of answering the phone as a receptionist. She loves the seniors, being helpful and caring and that’s what got her through the pandemic. When she lost her parents, the seniors got to enjoy time with Connie and she has carried that gift forward. She has realized that “the real happiness isn’t something large and looming on the horizon ahead, but something small, numerous and already here. The smile of someone you love. Your little everyday joys all lined up in a row.”