Who is Anne Burrows? She has been blind since childhood. She has diabetes. She has been wheelchair bound for several years. Her arthritic hands can no longer play the piano, which she taught for more than 50 years. Yet any definition of Anne that stopped short at her physical challenges would be entirely misleading and inept. In fact, Anne's spirit soars, her friendships abound and her life continues to richly bless those she encounters.

Anne's life has been shaped by hope, born of her strong faith and determination. She has studied and taught piano, worked as broadcaster at CBC radio and as a writer with the Edmonton Journal. Anne is a published author of a book on the Braille music notation system. She rode horses for most of her life. She has been awarded an honorary degree from the University of Alberta and the Order of Canada. She has a foundation in her name that supports the academic work of outstanding music students and is still involved in selecting scholarship recipients. She currently serves as Co-Chair of Residents' Council at the Edmonton General. For Anne, hope serves as the bridge between challenges and dreams.

At 80, Anne still considers herself a very hopeful person, though her wish list is today vastly different than it was in her youth...."At twenty I hoped for things that were not based in reality. Just as youth often do, I hoped for things whether or not they were suitable -- today I simply hope for things that are more appropriate."

Today Anne's simple hopes include the quest for tranquility. She hopes for a peaceful adjustment to the process of aging. She hopes for the grace to accept and to be thankful for what occurs in her life. She hopes for a peaceful death. Though her hands can no longer play the melodies of Schubert or Rachmaninoff, she strives to live a harmonious life, in synch with her surroundings, friends, fellow residents, and caregivers. She also hopes for harmonious relationships among Edmonton General staff and between staff and residents. She clarifies that such relationships are already very good, but that improvements could be made.

How does one foster hope? According to Anne, the answer is to accentuate the positive. "Some days one simply doesn't wake up feeling very positive. It requires a conscious effort-a decision. Everyone can grow the positive. Everyone can make the most of each day's opportunities. Growth only comes as a result of positive action and feelings, never through negativity."

When asked to sum up her thoughts on hope, Anne smiles and sings a few lines from a once popular post-war song.. ."You've got to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, latch on to the affirmative. .. don't mess with Mister In-Between. You've got to spread joy up to the maximum, bring gloom down to the minimum. Have faith or pandemonium liable to walk upon the scene. "