Life can change in an instant. In Joan Feskanin’s case, she harnessed her positive, purpose-driven attitude to overcome adversity and a long healing process after a serious fall that resulted in a neck injury. This injury not only changed the trajectory of her life physically but also her outlook on life and unlocked her desire for continuous personal improvement.
After the injury, her healing journey brought her to Country Meadows of Bethlehem where she worked her way through all of the levels of care offered at Country Meadows. Starting with intense rehabilitation at Bethlehem Nursing and Rehabilitation Center to graduating from the Pathways Restorative Care program and personal care, she fully transitioned to independent living two years ago. Because of the consistent rehab and therapy, she went from not being able to walk three steps on her own to now walking 10,000 steps a day around the campus walking paths and the surrounding neighborhoods. Today, she embraces everything that life has to offer—including taking college-level courses, participating in book clubs, attending fitness classes and helping neighbors with anything and everything they might need.
“I could have been paralyzed or worse,” Joan said matter-of-factly. “But I didn’t and I know I am here for a reason to be an example to others who are healing that they can do it, not to give up. Healing can be hard but it is important to persevere.”
As a nurse by profession, Joan’s positive spirit, friendly encouragement and instincts developed throughout her career remain and are actually fostered living at Country Meadows. She finds herself helping fellow residents off buses or lending co-workers a helping hand for an activity.
“I need to stay busy and have found my purpose here,” described Joan. “The nurse’s blood is still running through me because no matter what’s happening around here, I’m assisting. As soon as someone needs something, I’m ready to respond – it’s just muscle memory, I know what to do.”
In addition to her long walks and supporting her friends and neighbors, Joan is a lifelong learner. She is enrolled in classes with the Institute for Learning in Retirement at Cedar Crest Community College focused on literature, poetry and philosophy. She has also taken courses exploring technology, climate change and is currently enrolled in a course on mindfulness.
“Every day I want to learn one new thing,” she said. “That’s my medicine.”
The learning continues through virtual book clubs she belongs to that invite her into the pages of mainstream novels, going on off-campus excursions through the Dynamic Living program and attending daily fitness classes. She also recently discovered an app on her phone that helps her identify bird by their sounds while birdwatching.
Joan assures new residents that there is something for everyone. If a neighbor prefers to stay in their room and do puzzles, they are certainly able to do that. It’s important for the residents to know there is a lot of fun happening on this campus and many friends eager to meet them.
While some of Joan’s personality and encouraging disposition comes naturally, there were moments in her healing journey that required her to give herself pep talks – that she will be able to move again and this is not the end of the road. This is now the same pep talk she gives to friends and neighbors who are going through their own circumstances. She sees her life as a lesson in resilience and proof when things get tough, a smile, hearty sense of humor and curious attitude can open doors to fun and friendship.