Learning from Legacy Moments

Reen was one of the first residents to move into a senior community. She lived in the community for more than 17 years. When she first moved in, she made sure her neighbors in the area knew exactly where she was living and often invited them for private dinners and parties.

Soon, many of Reen's friends moved into the same senior community, some just a few doors down the hall from her. It quickly became apparent that this group was large and in charge. They enjoyed inviting new people to sit with them on their first night at the community, and soon this required Reen presiding over a six-foot dinner table in the dining room.

Reen loved to paint and draw, and each new resident that moved into her community received a hand-painted welcome card personally made by Reen. In the evenings, when the hallways were quiet, you would likely find Reen and her neighbors laughing, gossiping, and having a blast while playing cards.

Over the course of 17 years, Reen's table became smaller until she finally resigned herself to a four-top table in the dining room. Her hands – which had spent hours painting, drawing, and playing the piano – grew weaker and weaker. Soon, Reen lost track of time and people and required more care.

Two weeks ago, I was exhausted and felt low in my spirit. I was passing Reen's new home in a local memory care community, and I stopped in for a visit. I did not know what to expect because it had been many months since we had seen each other. It was late, and I was sure that the beautiful face which still refused to wrinkle would be asleep. But as I turned into the fireside room, I was greeted by the vibrant smile I had been accustomed to seeing over the past 17 years.

"Esmerelda!" Reen yelled in her sweet, classic Southern voice.

We hugged, and Reen, the consummate host, turned naturally and introduced me to her friends.

"This is my sister," she said, referring to me. "We've been sisters for more than 20 years."

Then, Reen looked at me, and we both burst into hysterical laughter.

When you serve with longevity in senior living, the chances are that you have many "Reens" in your life. These are people who inspire you, challenge you, and reward your life with unimaginable joy. You do life with them, grow old alongside them, and learn countless life lessons from them. Most importantly, you create legacy moments with them every day. Soon, they become your story, your life, and the gift you give to the world. When days are dark and you are struggling to find meaning, those precious souls you touch will always light your way home, just like the stars in the sky.

We can all learn lessons from the "Reens" in our lives. We change as time goes by: perhaps we don't remember things as clearly as we used to or perhaps our circumstances change. However, if we maintain our sense of humor through it all, and if we can show grace and patience to those around us, we can make every day a pleasure and find joy no matter what the day brings us. I'm thankful for people like Reen who have given me many happy memories and who continue to live each day to the fullest.