One night, I could hear strong winds humming against our bedroom windows. They were powerful, yet I still managed to sleep soundly. The following morning, when I stepped outside our apartment building, I was greeted by a thick blanket of snow covering everything. It was bitterly cold—around minus 10°C.
A few hours later, when I returned home, I felt an immediate sense of relief. “Thank goodness I’m back,” I told myself. The warmth inside our apartment was just right—comfortable and welcoming after the harsh cold outside.
As I made my way to our unit, I felt a deep sense of appreciation. For the past several years, this building has sheltered us from nature’s extremes—intense heat, freezing temperatures, and strong winds. The elevators are reliable and make it easier for residents, especially seniors like us, to move around. Even simple tasks, like taking out the garbage, are made convenient.
Let me share more about our life here at 45 Livingston Road in Guildwood.
Whenever we need repairs—big or small—the on-duty superintendents are usually available to help. Of course, there are times when their response may not be immediate, but that’s understandable given the building’s size and the number of residents, many of whom are seniors. What matters most is patience and understanding. We simply need to inform the supers, either by speaking to them directly or submitting a work order in the box near the office.
Another advantage of apartment living is its cost-effectiveness. The main responsibility is the monthly rent—nothing more, nothing less. There’s no need to worry about mortgages, maintenance fees, or repair costs inside the unit, unlike in some condominium arrangements.
Leaving your apartment for a walk or to run errands is worry-free. In case of an emergency, the superintendent has access to all units and can respond quickly. Meanwhile, building maintenance—such as elevator checks, water systems, and fire alarms—is regularly scheduled, with management providing advance notice to residents.
Equally important is the strong sense of community. Whether in the elevator, the parking lot, the garbage area, or the laundry room, you are often greeted with a smile, a kind word, or a brief conversation that can brighten your day.
One time, I met Paul, a man in his 80s, in the elevator. He was carrying a small garbage container, and within just a few minutes, we talked about our daily lives, what keeps us busy, and even the weather. It was a simple yet meaningful moment for two seniors sharing a connection.
If you want to expand your circle of friends, the laundry room is a wonderful place to start. While waiting for your laundry, conversations naturally happen. There’s even a small area where people leave clothes labelled “Free”—a simple but thoughtful act of sharing.
Near the laundry room is a little library, one of my favourite spots. While waiting for the washing or drying cycle to finish, I find comfort and peace flipping through a magazine or reading a book. These items are often donated by fellow residents who want others to enjoy them as well.
Every Friday afternoon at five, a small group of seniors gathers in the visitors’ lounge on the ground floor. I imagine they share memories, tell stories, and perhaps lighten each other’s burdens. It’s a quiet but beautiful reminder of companionship.
As I come to the end of my story, one thought lingers in my mind: perhaps someday, someone in our apartment can explain the meaning of the stone sculpture in front of our building.
To me, that small monument stands as a symbol—an identifying mark of what we truly have here.
A home.