Residents

After Sister Laurene moved into Community Village, I visited her room often. Such a merciful addition to our census; always humble and kind and a true servant of Christ. One morning, I came to work feeling quite sad about a personal matter. I felt the urge to go to Sister’s room and hastily made my way there. We talked for a minute and through my tears I told her what was bothering me. She so graciously took my hand in hers and began to pray. She told God that because I was such a nice person on the outside, I must be a diamond on the inside. I think it was the kindest prayer ever uttered for me. I dried my tears and held her close before making my way to start my day’s work. These days, I don’t get the opportunity to visit Sister Laurene as much as I would like, but I know if I need her, she’s right down the hall. She gave me a teardrop diamond cut crystal (it’s plastic) which I keep in my jewelry box. It has no monetary value at all, but – just like her – it’s priceless.

Contributor: Bonnie Rowley, Activities Director

Fair warning, though: make sure you know if it’s his hot or mild version before you taste test!

living. His wife, Sue, enrolled Tim in our Adult Day Care and we are blessed to have him as part of our extended family.

Tim, you are beautiful!

Marjorie walked toward me with a hair brush in her hand. I smiled and took it from her and began to brush her thick brown hair back away from her face. I thought of my mother who is long gone now. When I was a little girl, I would stand at the end of the davenport as my mother lay there resting. With the old bristle brush I’d stroke her hair back away from her high forehead. The memory left a lump in my throat and I hugged Marjorie and my mother all at the same time. Hand in hand, Marjorie and I made our way down the hall and I began to sing the old song “Margie”. Marjorie has difficulty at times forming the words that she wants to say. She tried her best to sing the song that she has owned for many years. When we were done, we stopped a minute and I asked Marjorie, What’s my name?. She looked at me so lovingly and tenderly tapped me on my bosom: Pretty, she replied. I laughed a hearty laugh and told her that my name means “pretty” in Scotland. So, you see, Marjorie knew my name all along!

– Contributed by Bonnie Rowley, Activities Director

Margie

My little Margie
I’m always thinking of you, Margie
I’ll tell the world I love you,
Don’t forget your promise to me
I have bought a home and ring and everything
For Margie, you’ve been my inspiration,
Days are never blue,
After all I said and done,
There is really only one,
Oh Margie, Margie, it’s you
Margie
I’m always thinking of you, Margie
I’ll tell the world I love you,
Don’t forget your promise to me
I have bought a home and ring and everything
For Margie, you’ve been my inspiration,
Days are never blue,
After all I said and done,
There is really only one,
Oh Margie, Margie, it’s you

Songwriters: Benny Davis / Con Conrad / J. Russel Robinson

When asked what she thought of Elaine – one of our big-hearted nursing staff – it took only a moment of stumbling for words before Florence so eloquently answered:

“She likes the world in general. I can’t manipulate the words any more than that, but she does everything that she can do for everybody. We love each other because we both have had things in our life that make us want help and we get help from sometimes each other… and other people. I don’t know what else I could say, I said it just the way my heart feels.”

Florence, you’ve said it quite perfectly!

As so many women do, she was more than willing to pass on getting her picture taken this day. But not him! Married for nearly 51 years, Thomas insisted on a picture with his bride, Maria. They were both stumped when asked if they remembered any gifts they gave each other through the years. But, just like that, Thomas beamed as he came back with the best answer a guy could ever give: Her life! Just her is enough!

Love is alive and well at Community Village! A Happy Valentines Day indeed.