A Bond Beyond Words: Jean & Mabel’s Unspoken Friendship 
juillet 29, 2025
Celebrating International Friendship Day at Ringdale Court, Maplestone Enhanced Care
In the quiet, welcoming halls of Ringdale Court at Maplestone Enhanced Care, a special kind of friendship has taken root. One that doesn’t rely on words, but instead lives in gestures, glances, shared routines, and the silent language of deep connection.
Jean Bourgeois and Mabel Canning moved in at Maplestone one year apart. Jean in 2021 and Mabel followed in 2022. Though they arrived at different times and were not roommates, something between them clicked instantly. Staff recall it clearly. There is an invisible thread that seemed to pull them together.
“It was immediate,” said Darlene Hornbuckle, Administrative Coordinator at Maplestone Enhanced Care. “They didn’t need an introduction. They just found each other. And from that day forward, they were side by side.”
Over time, Jean and Mabel’s bond has become one of the most visible and celebrated connections at Maplestone Enhanced Care. You’ll often see them moving side-by-side through the halls, exploring the common areas, sharing a moment during recreation activities, or simply sitting together. They are hand in hand, content and happy.
Their connection might appear quiet to an outsider, but to those who know them, it’s vibrant and powerful. Theirs is a friendship that reveals itself in small but meaningful ways: the light in Mabel’s eyes when she sees Jean, the gentle way Jean encourages Mabel to join in on group programs, the near-constant physical closeness between them that says more than words ever could.
“There’s this sense of comfort when they’re together,” Beth McLellan, Resident & Family Service Coordinator, added. “They don’t speak, but they don’t need to. You feel their bond when you see them. It’s just… natural. Heartfelt. It’s a kind of love that speaks through presence.”
The Day-to-Day of a Deep Connection
Friendship in long-term care can look different for everyone. For Jean and Mabel, it’s in the routines: meals shared together, music enjoyed as a pair, quiet hours exploring the halls side by side. While others might socialize through conversation or storytelling, Jean and Mabel communicate through intuition and consistency. They just know each other.
Emma Campbell, Recreation Programmer, has witnessed countless moments that show the strength of their relationship. “Jean is really wonderful at encouraging Mabel. If we have an activity going on, she’ll wait for Mabel to come. And if Mabel seems unsure or needs a little nudge, Jean is right there reassuring in her own way.”
Even during the more structured programs like music therapy, art sessions, or gentle fitness exercises. Jean and Mabel are each other’s companion. Not because they have to be, but because they choose to be. Their bond is a source of comfort, of joy, and of confidence.
The staff also noticed it instantly and affectionately refer to them as “the twins.” Their closeness has become a defining and heartwarming presence in the community. And if one is seen without the other, someone always asks, “Where’s the other one?”
Family Bonds that Extend Beyond Blood
What makes Jean and Mabel’s friendship even more touching is the way it has brought their families together.
During a recent visit, Mabel’s son was seen guiding both women through the halls, smiling as they moved together from room to room. At one point, he turned to a staff and said, “I feel like I have two moms now.”
It’s a sentiment that touched everyone deeply.
“That moment really stayed with us,” said Darlene. “It wasn’t something rehearsed or said for attention. It was just honest. You could tell it came from a place of love and appreciation for the relationship his mother has built here.”
This merging of families is not uncommon in long-term care settings, but it’s always special. As people age and life circumstances shift, the relationships they form in their communities become as important as the ones they’ve had all their lives. Jean and Mabel’s story is a beautiful example of how new, deeply meaningful bonds can be formed in later years and how those bonds can bring comfort not just to the individuals, but to their loved ones as well.
Friendship and Healthy Aging
Friendship plays an essential role in our overall well-being at every stage of life, but it becomes especially critical as we age. Social connection is strongly linked to mental and physical health in older adults and a growing body of Canadian research supports this.
According to the Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health (CCSMH), loneliness and social isolation are key risk factors for depression in older adults. Seniors who lack meaningful social ties are also at greater risk of cognitive decline, chronic illness, and even premature death. On the flip side, strong friendships and social networks have been shown to improve quality of life, reduce stress, and boost immune function.
According to a report by Alzheimer Society, staying socially active and maintaining supportive relationships are essential for mental well-being in later life. These connections serve as protective factors, helping to prevent depression and slow the progression of conditions such as dementia.
Meaningful friendships like Jean and Mabel’s offer more than emotional support. They offer structure, companionship, and motivation to stay engaged. These small, everyday moments which are going to activities, enjoying a meal together, or simply sitting in quiet companionship. They play a big role in creating a sense of purpose and belonging.
A Culture That Supports Connection
Shannex is committed to building communities where older adults can live with purpose and dignity. As part of this commitment, social wellness is one of the key focus areas of resident programming.
At Maplestone Enhanced Care, staff go above and beyond to support friendship, inclusion, and social connection. From the moment a new resident arrives, they are welcomed into a community that values each individual’s preferences and unique personality. Residents are encouraged to take part in recreation programs, music therapy, games, spiritual services, and more.
The efforts are paying off. According to the most recent 2024 Quality of Life Survey:
– 57.78% of residents at Maplestone Enhanced Care say another resident is their close friend (up from 46.30% in 2023)
– 51.72% say it’s easy to make friends at Maplestone (up from 46.91% in 2023)
– 60.92% consider a team member their close friend
These numbers are more than just data. They represent the environment Shannex strives to create. They reflect a culture that supports emotional wellness, encourages connection, and recognizes the incredible value of social bonds in every stage of life.
Jean and Mabel’s story brings these numbers to life. Their friendship has become a symbol of what is possible when people feel safe, supported, and seen.
More Than Companionship. It is a Source of Strength
There is a quiet strength in Jean and Mabel’s relationship. They support one another, encourage participation, and bring out the best in each other. While their connection may not be expressed in the typical ways, it is no less deep. If anything, it may be even more profound because of its simplicity.
“It’s genuine,” said Darlene. “You don’t need to explain it, and they don’t need to perform it. They just are, and that’s what makes it so moving.”
Staffs agree that their bond contributes to the overall spirit of the whole community of Maplestone Enhanced Care. It’s a reminder that love, in all its forms, continues to flourish throughout life and that friendship is just as vital remains as powerful in our later years as it was in our bold beginnings.
“Every time I see them together,” Darlene added, “I’m reminded why we do this work. Seeing that kind of connection, it fills your heart.”
A Celebration of Connection
This International Friendship Day, Shannex is proud to celebrate the story of Jean and Mabel. A reminder that human connection is not bound by age, circumstance, or even words.
Their friendship is a testament to the quiet ways we care for one another. It shows us that presence can be more powerful than speech, and that love, however it’s expressed can be felt deeply, shared openly, and cherished at any stage of life.
As we reflect on the relationships that bring us comfort, joy, and meaning, may we all be inspired by Jean and Mabel. Their bond, their laughter, their hand-in-hand journeys through the day and may we continue building communities where every resident has the opportunity to find their person, their joy, and their sense of belonging.
