Voices of Hudson – A Beacon of Light at Manoir Cavagnal

When I moved into Manoir Cavagnal last April, I felt deeply grateful — grateful to have found a safe haven after leaving an abusive relationship. Many of the residents here, I soon discovered, have faced their own challenges in later life. Yet within these walls shines a beacon of light: Paula Mesa, whose life’s purpose is to bring comfort, kindness, and joy to others.

At the heart of the Manoir, Paula’s compassion transforms the residence into a true home. She believes that seniors deserve to be happy and respected for all they have contributed to society. Under her care, the residents find not only affordable housing but also a renewed sense of belonging. Still, loneliness remains a silent burden for many — their families often caught up in the demands of work and child-rearing, leaving little time for aging parents.

This, Paula says, is quite different from her native Colombia, where family is at the center of life and elders remain surrounded by love. Having immigrated to Canada in 2000 with her husband — a flight-training pilot — Paula carried those values with her. After the heartbreaking loss of twins born prematurely, she was blessed a year later with twin daughters, Lina and Maria, who now share their mother’s generous spirit. They even know every resident at the Manoir by name.

Though her family is her anchor, Paula has also built a close circle of friends — mostly from the Latino community — whose warmth and joie de vivre remind her of home. “Colombia is the happiest country in the world,” she says with a smile. “We may not have much, but we have each other.” In contrast to the Western focus on work and material success, she values time spent with loved ones, laughter, and the simple joy of togetherness.

What saddens Paula most is seeing so many residents feel forgotten by their families. “When they lose connection,” she explains, “their health and spirit decline.” For her, happiness is essential to well-being — without it, peace becomes difficult to find. Like her parents before her, Paula feels grateful for the chance to serve others. Her work at Manoir Cavagnal gives her life meaning and purpose.

She also believes in angels — and feels their presence guiding her through life’s challenges. One of them, she says, is Sylvain, a resident who works part-time at the Manoir and is always ready to lend a helping hand with kindness and humility.

Through her compassion and light, Paula reminds us all that even in the quiet corridors of a seniors’ residence, love, dignity, and hope can thrive.