Alice

Following in her grandmother’s footsteps, Alice became a nurse, finding it difficult to retire after 48 years. Alice still misses nursing.
Born in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1943, in 1957, Alice then 14 years old, with her mother, stepfather, and three sisters moved to Canada. She never met her biological father, later learning he’d searched for her throughout Denmark. Years later, her brother found Alice on Facebook. Reunited they are close. Alice’s three sisters live in Canada.  She is blessed to connect with members of her Danish family. Alice survived a difficult childhood, through deep faith, and a resilient spirit. Her sadness returns unexpectedly. She lives a productive and giving life.
Alice married three times, first two marriages to men: her third marriage to Carol. Marrying Carol is the best thing she’s done. But it took years for them to get together because then, as a minister in the Moravian Church, ‘being out’ was not accepted. Today her family embraces Alice’s marriage to Carol.
Alice had two sons with her first husband: Robert, an Anglican Priest in Lacombe[MW1] . Mikael, a Director at Bank of Montreal in Calgary who lives with wife Jana and son Ethan. Ethan’s brother Erik born December 9th, 1999, by C-section, weighed 4 pounds, 2 ounces. With a hole in his heart, his survival was uncertain. Born with Down Syndrome, Erik required constant attention. Alice and Carol agreed to care for Erik for one year. The year over, they discussed Erik’s care. Jana and Mikael agreed it was wise Erik stay with Gramma and Auntie Carol. Later the couple adopted Erik, who is now an adult.
Carol and Alice raised funds to build Erik’s ‘forever home’ where he lives independently with support and three high school friends. Alice praises her community for support and donations. Alice and Carol are relieved Erik’s future is secure. Alice still worries about Erik. Visiting his new home is an 8-minute car ride, 20-minutes by bike; paths there, Alice stresses, will be well-traveled.