People
The Best KIND of Friendship
Dora and Winni are doing the dishes together. Dora washes and rinses, Winni dries and puts the dishes away. These two housemates share this chore joyfully and it is just one example of how kindness has become a cornerstone of their friendship.
“When I asked Dora if I could help her with the dishes, she said ‘yes’ right away,” Winni explains. “She could have said ‘no’ because she is very independent. But she let me be part of it and we do it together.”
Dora says that their shared passion for cleanliness makes their friendship work.
“It’s one of the reasons we get along so well,” Dora says.
Winni and Dora have been roommates for just over a year, living in a Home Share arrangement with a family. Winni has lived in Abbotsford for most of her life but Dora is new to the Fraser Valley. Dora is blind. She came to Abbotsford from Port Hardy, looking for greater support, more things to do, and more people in her life.
Dora says she and Winni clicked instantly.
“I met Winni that first day and it’s like we’ve been friends for a hundred years,” Dora says.
Winni agrees. “We became friends right away. I appreciate everything about her!”
Both Winni and Dora receive support from Communitas Supportive Care Society through its Community Living Program. Krista Petrie is the Life Skills Worker for both women. She has seen their friendship blossom.
“It’s like they’re sisters,” Krista says. “They know each other’s likes and dislikes and are always looking out for each other.”
Kindness is a daily practice for these friends.
Dora recognizes when Winni starts to get upset or anxious by the tone of her voice and is able to help her by talking with her.
Winni is learning how to guide Dora when they’re in unfamiliar places. She also knows Dora likes coffee so she learned how to prepare it, even though Winni doesn’t like coffee and never drinks it.
“Winni asked me to teach her how to make a pot of coffee and show her how to prepare a cup exactly the way Dora likes it,” Krista says. “The two are just so kind and caring towards each other.”
Krista says part of the success of their instant friendship is the care and concern that they show for one another every day. They both know how to give each other space at home, but after dinner they always watch true crime shows together, an interest they share. They are always learning from each other and appreciate what each person brings to their friendship.
“I love that they spend time together and challenge each other to try new things,” Krista says. “They balance each other out so well. Dora is more carefree, Winni is more routine. Together, they are able to meet in the middle and step out of each other’s box of comfort.”
What is clear is that this special friendship is built to last. Both Winni and Dora are grateful that they’ve come into each other’s lives. Krista figures they’ll be “besties” forever.
Dora agrees. “It’s an amazing thing, a friendship that can last forever,” she says.
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