Sharing Her Gifts: Bebe Macdougall

Bebe MacDougall, a resident at SEASONS at La Quinta, had a fulfilling and busy life before retirement. She held many different jobs throughout Southern California including being a social worker, a teacher and serving as executive director for an Orange County community center. It’s no wonder that once she retired, it was a big adjustment. Then, in 2004, she became legally blind, making it even more difficult to keep her spirits up.

 
After moving to SEASONS in October 2004, Bebe quickly made a good impression on the community. “She nearly always has a positive attitude,” said Lana DeRoock, the property’s manager. “But I could always tell she’d feel better if she was making a contribution in some way.” During one of their usual chats, Lana discovered that Bebe was bi-lingual and suggested she teach a Spanish class to other residents. Bebe was thrilled with the idea and soon the weekly class began. Since its start in January 2007, Bebe has never missed a class, and her eager students look forward to it each week as well.

Lana says, “I can hear them in there, laughing, learning and truly enjoying each other’s company. They really take it seriously.” As for Bebe, she says she has the sweetest, nicest, most loyal students. “I look forward to our lessons every week,” said Bebe. “Of course, I’m teaching Spanish to them, but they also share with me, so I’m learning from them in other ways. We’re very close.”

The class meets at 1:00pm. every Wednesday in the community room. It began with about 14 students and now has seven regulars, with a few new participants joining in from time to time.

“I’ve always tried to keep a good attitude, but with my failing vision, I sometimes get frustrated,” shared Bebe. “Teaching this class has helped me keep my attitude up. I feel like I’m working and contributing in some small way. It feels good.”

Laura | Bebe | Bertha