Tuesday, February 22, 2011

COUPLES

My intention was to do a piece on Manor couples for Valentine's Day. Who was it that said, "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions?" That could be my mantra.


Joann and Jack celebrated their 57th anniversary last evening. Their table always has jolly conversation and much laughter but last night the pop of a champagne cork signaled a celebration. He's our recently elected Resident President and is perfectly suited for the position. I especially like the way he goes to the table where a new resident is seated at dinnertime and welcomes her. It's a nice touch and seemingly a very natural gesture.


They nearly always are seated with Earl and Glenys who in June will have been married for 70 years. Glenys was born in Wales and both of them are outgoing and friendly, waving to nearby residents when they leave the dining table. I've never seen anyone, let alone 2 people, who know how to "pose" naturally for the camera the way they do.








Dorothy and Dick are recent arrivals. At the end of their meal, there's a carefully choreographed scene as he rises, pulls out her chair, turning it so that she's facing her walker. Then, taking both of her hands, he gently pulls her to a standing position (ouch! ouch! ouch!.....many of us know exactly how it feels) and finally, he places both of her hands on the walker grips. The whole process is graceful enough to be termed a ballet. It never varies.


Mickey and Nadine, another couple who have celebrated 70 years of married bliss, are the Manor folks we've come to know the best.  His natural bent is to coddle her and she shrugs off his assistance, wanting to do things herself, the epitome of the independent woman. 


She knows each individual by name, including the staff and the people in the Health Center. Nadine is the one who started the herb garden and she's my library co-chair. I couldn't carry on the duties without her.

There are 2 other couples in Assisted Living. Walter and Eva, who rarely are seen together. I think she keeps mostly to her room, due to her fragility.

Here are the new residents, Earl and Annabella.
He was rushed to the hospital and is undergoing surgery today. Please say your prayers and/or cross your fingers.

I can't leave us out. This is the photograph we framed for Susan one Christmas. I took a deep breath and wrote on the frame and she seemed to like it that way.


So, there you have it. Most of the residents here have lost their life partners, so memories abound. We, as couples, are fortunate indeed.

Marriage is a book of which the first chapter is written in poetry 
and the remaining chapters in prose.  
                                                                 ~Beverley Nichols

9 comments:

  1. Wonderful to see so many still enjoying time together ! Long may you all continue to do so !

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  2. What a wonderful post, Jane! They look very kind to one another--no wonder they've been together so long. Best wishes to Earl. He'll be in my thoughts.

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  3. Earl is on my prayer list. I loved this post and even though WLT and I just celebrated our 25th I am also blessed to feel a sense of joy when he comes into the room. Loved seeing so many happy couples..especially Mickey and Nadine laughing with a glass of wine in front of them. Thanks for the post. T.O. Joanne

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  4. Hi Jane and Mr. Bob - Thank you for the Palnet site - sent it out to my family members. Your style is shining through John of Eugene

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  5. And here Lee and I were feeling so proud to be reaching our 40th this June. What wonderful role models we have in you all.
    Love the Levinger quote.

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  6. You touched my heart with this blog. Love, Timi

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  7. Jane....wonderful blog. One of out GT managers had told me about Jack being the "boss" for today. I moved him and his wife in. She is looking very good!So nice to see he is settling in and boy oh boy....one of our managers is moving someone there and i am going to beg to be on the job. I want to see Windsor manor!

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  8. This was pure sweetness and delight not to mention inspirational!

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  9. Hellooo Jane and Mr Bob ~

    I am so out of touch and did not know you had moved. So glad to see you are both looking so well, and happy there....and that you are library co-chair Jane :~)

    I have become most tardy about leaving comments, but wanted to say 'hi' to you two lovely people.

    Best regards and blessed be,
    Helen (Stitch Witch) xx

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