How much can one older woman survive?

More, apparently, than we might think. Real life example:

Many years ago Clementine S., at the age of 60, met with an assortment of daunting medical crises, any one of which might well have been enough to wipe out a weaker woman. But weak she was not.

She had two brain aneurysms. Then came 10 hours of surgery, followed by a massive stroke. The stroke left the right side of her body paralyzed and also deprived her of speech. Then she was stricken with meningitis, for which was given strong antibiotics. But she proved to be allergic to the antibiotics. At times, during these ordeals, physicians expressed to her daughter, Sheila their concern that Clemmie might not make it. She was near death several times. But after seven months in the hospital she began to rebuild her life. As a right-handed artist who could no longer use her right hand, she began, hour by hour and day by day, to paint the flowers she loved, using her unaccustomed left hand.

Years ago she had studied art with Sister Thomasita Fessler of Cardinal Stritch University and she had not lost her talent, her training, or her desire to paint. She began to feel like herself. She returned her hair to its original brown, with the help of the St. Ann's staffers, and she looks younger than her years. She also began water therapy in the warm waters of the St. Ann Center pool, two days a week. She can float on her back, kick with her left leg, and paddle with her left arm. Staff members assist her in dressing, and help her in and out of the pool as needed. One called her "An inspiration to all of us."

Clemmie passed away a in 2006 but she always serves as a reminder of the optimistic human spirit so alive in many of the clients at St. Ann Center.
Written by: Dorothy Austin
An excerpt from her obituary(Published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from 4/3/2006 - 4/4/2006)

“Her incredible strength, spirit, and positive attitude allowed her to overcome a multitude of serious medical challenges including 7 continuous months at Columbia Hospital beginning in July 1987. Two brain aneurysms, a stroke, and meningitis, afflicted her at that time, and left half her body half paralyzed and robbed her of her speech. Yet, Clemmie remained a joy to be around and a great inspiration to all those who knew her. She loved life and cherished each day as a gift. Her smile would light up a room and her hugs were strong and plentiful. Clemmie will be so deeply missed by many, many friends, but her spirit and love will most certainly live on forever - in the hearts of all those who knew her.

Special thanks to all friends and staff at St. Ann Center, Milwaukee, where Clemmie loved to swim in the warm water therapy pool.”

Whether you are 2 or 62 you can learn to swim at St. Ann Center

About four weeks ago an older women contacted the aquatic department and expressed interest in learning to swim with our private swim lessons. She had a couple of near drowning experiences and was very afraid of the water. The aquatic staff assured her they would take their time and help to feel comfortable in the water.

During her first class, it took her a couple of minutes to get used to the water, but by the end of the class, she was able to go under water and retrieve a diving toy. At her second class she was able to – for the first time in her life - float in the water with a noodle to keep her balance. She was so moved by the experience, she began to cry.

This swimmer just finished her third lesson and she is swimming with a noodle from the middle of the pool to the end. Her main goal is to be able to swim without a noodle from one side of the pool to the other.

You are never too old to learn how to swim. The Aquatic Center offers; learn to swim classes (level 1 – 4), three different levels of water aerobics, open swim time and private swim lessons. Call Kristin at 414-977-5015 to learn about our classes or for more information.