wisdom of ages Seniors
wisdom of ages Seniors share tales of the homeland They’ve adjusted to life in America and come to terms with probably never seeing Iraq again. But for the ladies who reside in Chaldean Manor, the homeland is always top of mind. “No matter how many years we are here, we still think of our country,” 74-year-old Karima Yousif told a recent visitor as her fellow residents nodded in agreement. The senior citizens’ residence known as Chaldean Manor was built in 1999 in Southfield. There are a total of 68 apartments, 66 of which are used by residents. One extra is a community/prayer room, while the other is used for the Chaldean Voice Radio Station (690 AM). Alongside its independent living style, Chaldean seniors have some assistance with transportation, appointments, and translation with mail and legal documents, as the majority are not fluent in English. Residents appreciate being in a place where they can communicate with other Chaldean seniors within the same age range and the shared experience of starting over in a new land. They also BY CAROLINE M. BACALL like the fact that Mother of God Church is right next door. Activities such as exercise classes are held every Tuesday by Nadira Kanno, and there is also Bingo once a month and occasional field trips by the Chaldean American Ladies of Charity. Volunteers are always welcome. “We would like more assistance with field trips and activities,” said Office Manager Lamya Hedow, noting that people can help with grocery shopping, providing transportation for doctor visits and other errands, and teaching English. Azneef Meyo, 82, offered her apartment to a recent visitor where several residents gathered to enjoy baklawa and a cup of chi. Meyo displayed dolls she crafted as examples of traditional clothing women used to wear in Iraq. “They would wear more than one scarf on their head, see?” she said, showing the back of the doll’s headpiece. Meyo also showed a wooden replica of a baby’s crib used in Iraq. Meyo, the mother of nine, told the easiest way to make a baby rest comfortably while rocking it. “There’s one pillow for the baby’s head and another pillow to cover the baby’s feet,” she said. Jamila Thomas, 85, spoke of her experiences of traveling to the U.S. at age 12 with her husband. Her trip started from Telkaif and included a stop in Beirut. From there, they traveled to London to board the ship to America – a 25-day journey at sea. “While I was traveling I used to think of what my family was doing and my girlfriends playing together,” she said. Thomas explained that her husband chose Detroit because of booming factories and available work. “Only six Chaldean families were known when my husband and I first came,” she said. Today, she enjoys the independent lifestyle at Chaldean Manor and still drives after 65 years of experience. “No tickets, no accident!” she joked. Basila Sesi, 74, shared the Above: Azneef process called ipiad lukhma, making homemade, round bread, with Meyo shows a replica of an Iraqi crib. her sisters years ago. “Back home, Left: Basila Sesi I would give some of the bread I has a collection of colorful scarves. made to the poor sitting on the streets,” she said. Sesi also spoke about clothes that were passed down and showed the patterned scarves women used to tie back their hair, and the special scarves they wore to weddings. Mary Nofar, 75, gave a long sigh when asked about her experience of traveling from Iraq to America in 1943. “It took a long time … It is too painful to talk about,” she said as she started to tear up. “I miss Iraq very much.” She said she worries about Iraq’s current residents: “My heart goes out to them.” Yousif recalled how she was required to stay in Italy for a year and a half until she received her green card and could make the move to America. She also spoke of the turmoil in Iraq. “Nobody wants war. It is bad for America and Iraq. Too many people are dying for nothing,” Yousif said. “We can’t do anything but pray and ask God to end the war.” Special thanks to Lamya Hedow and Chanel Shamoun for providing translations. 38 CHALDEAN NEWS AUGUST 2008
AUGUST 2008 CHALDEAN NEWS 39
