Alone Together During COVID-19

Alone Together During COVID-19

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Lisa Topilko and her Mom Terry share a love of music and have found a couple of different ways to stay connected during the ongoing COVID-19 emergency medical crisis.

“I knew Mom was feeling lonely so I thought we could sing together over the phone.” They started doing that in mid-March.

On April 1, Lisa and her husband Marvin visited with Lisa’s parents Terry and John Kubin on the deck outside of their home on Woodwynn Farms, which is located 12 miles southwest of Vegreville. “We visited through the glass,” said Terry. Even though it was a chilly day, (-15 degrees Celsius) they provided blankets for Lisa and Marvin to sit on and bundle up with during their visit. “At least we were out of the wind,” said Lisa, who is hoping warmer weather will soon be on its way.

Lisa Topilko talks on the phone with her parents Terry and John Kubin during a visit to Woodwynn Farms on April 4.

“She’s so thoughtful,” said Terry, who was touched by her daughter’s kindness and generosity.

Terry is a member of the Concordia Concert Choir, and Lisa taught music at A. L. Horton School for 22 years. “She is the only one in the family with formal training,” said Terry, and part of that training included having to learn 17 instruments. While Lisa is no longer teaching, she continues to share her talents as a community programmer with Family and Community Services in Vegreville. Her area of specialty is adult and seniors programs, and spoke enthusiastically about her work.

Terry and Lisa also keep in touch on Facebook and share plenty of emails. “My Mom and I are extroverts,” said Lisa. She added that her mom is a “very engaged” volunteer and is missing her activities with the walking group, church group, and palliative care society. While volunteering has been paused for the time being, you can be sure the mother-daughter combination will continue to enjoy musical interludes and visiting with each other every chance they get.