For Diane Canada

(This campaign is being re-started in March 2020, to revive the successful campaign of November 2017.  The first entry below is my update; the second entry is the original intro.  Thank you.).

#1 -- Good morning. I hope you and your family are safe and healthy as we all work our ways through this extraordinary time. Back in late 2017, the community of Diane Canada's friends raised $1,905.00 for her benefit. The outpouring of affection and regard for Diane was broadly based and generous, and included a $500 anonymous gift. Since then, about $1,800.00 of those funds has been disbursed directly to Diane. The disbursements have taken the form of, primarily, food and clothing, and included a $200 gift card from Marshall's (Cobb's Corner) for Christmas, winter boots, summer sneakers, groceries from Shaws, and meals (she loves Maxie's on Saturday mornings). My great frustration over this period stems from Diane's deep-running instinct for independence, privacy and self-protection. Although this has helped keep her safe for decades, this reflex means that Diane resists - vigorously and angrily at times -- any effort by us to enter her apartment and assess her living needs. It also means she refuses to disclose her financial situation or personal information, including her Social Security number, to others. Like many in Sharon, I have known Diane 30+ years. Despite this and the trust that has accumulated over those years, she has yelled directly to me, "I am not going to tell Harry Beach my private business, that's my private business and I don't have to tell anyone, and that means Harry Beach too" . . . and then she will get in my truck and we'll go to Crescent Ridge for ice cream. Because of her instinct for privacy, we have not been able to arrange health care for Diane (which requires a SS#, at least). These days (2020), Diane is getting Meals on Wheels, and she rolls her cart to Shaw's on a regular basis. The shutdown means she won't be going to activities at Hixon Farms Road or the Council on Aging, and she won't be taking her quick round-trip train trip to South Station every Tuesday. Heidi and I touch in with her every couple days, as do several other people. My great worry is that Diane will contract the Covid-19 virus and not receive care (her landline receives calls but Diane says she has trouble calling out, perhaps because of past due bills). Anyway, if you see Diane, please continue to offer her help. Heidi and I will continue to call her (I saw her last week and we ate at Maxie's, and I saw her yesterday (and gave her $100 in cash -- from your contributions -- to buy groceries)). She seems OK and informed but it's always hard to know. Please keep an eye out for her, and do what you can. If you feel inclined to contribute further funds, this page is a good mechanism for that (every dollar goes directly to Diane). Thank you, and be well.



#2 -- Diane Canada is a familiar figure in our Sharon and Canton (Mass.) community. Whether in rain, snow or summer heat, we see Diane walking up the North Main Street hill to the First Congregational Church or the center of town; we see Diane pushing her cart across the busy Cobbs Corner intersection to get to Maxie's; and we see Diane sitting in her lawn chair during Square Jam.  Although Diane long ago retired from her job in Boston with the Commonwealth, we see her once a week on the train to South Station or on the return train out - because she loves South Station - always with her shopping cart.

Despite Diane's many challenges and very limited financial resources, she is adamant that she will live her own life, and on her terms. Diane is resilient and tenacious, and fiercely protective of her privacy.  Diane has a quick smile, a deep laugh, and a remarkable memory for our children and pets, for our birthdays and anniversaries, and for our favorite meals.

For decades, Diane has lived alone in a cluttered apartment near Cobbs Corner. Her shoes and slacks and gloves and pullovers and winter clothes are worn out. Her refrigerator and microwave are broken; her blankets and mattress are dirty; her cable has been cut off.  Diane needs to see a dentist, and needs a physical exam to monitor her heart, sugar intake and weight. 

As individuals, we have done what we can for Diane, some of you for years. But now as a community, during the holidays, let's take the time to do a little more. 

For Diane.

(All proceeds will go directly to her)