Resident Wisdom
We asked our residents a series of questions to help get a flavor for the diversity of thought and endless optimism of our community.
Digital art work by Julia Lamb.What piece of advice or wisdom would you like to share that has been true for you through your life?
“Fill your day up with more than you can possibly do, but not so much that you can get frustrated” – John Morgentheau
“Don’t judge people too quickly. The person you least expected to have as a friend can be the one whose friendship is most meaningful” – Charlotte Kimball
“Life is an adventure, live it large” – Anonymous
“Applaud the optimists; question the pessimists; try to determine why both are taking their visions” – Anonymous
“Take advantage of opportunities for change in your life-it may be the best move you’ve ever made” – MEH
“A person learns in life by listening…not talking. I have never met a person who couldn’t teach me something” – David Warner
“I promise myself to keep an open mind. Older people are known for being “set in their ways.” I really want to avoid that.” – Anonymous
What is the most surprising thing about retirement for you?
“That I can be active and engaged outdoors and in and with others at 80 ++!” – Anonymous
“The most surprising thing about retirement to us is that there is not enough hours in the day to do everything you would like to do” – Wes & Bev Nickerson
“After the initial adjustment of not having a structured day in my management job, I was surprised at how soon I fill my day with interesting, creative activities” – John Morgentheau
“At RiverWoods, it’s this: the older we get, the younger we feel” – Howard Colwell
If you could spend every day doing just one thing, what would it be?
“I’d never want that situation; one doesn’t have to experience that here at RiverWoods” – Anonymous
“One way to do it is if you make a commitment Keep It! So if I could spend every day doing just one thing that would be it” – Kel Doyle
“Reading good books and current media and discussing with alert people” – Anonymous
“Walking in woods reading!” – Peggy Hoyt Aplin
How do you think the world has changed most since you were 20?
“All the new technology has made life’s pace faster, but not always for the better. Less time to communicate in a more meaningful way” – Charlotte Kimball
“It was war time with plenty of shortages. Since then we have had such luxurious of choice, easy travel world wide, etc” – Betty Collier
“Women have emerged from being domestics to new levels of involvement and influence” – MEH
What do you like most about life as a senior?
“One of the most marvelous things about RiverWoods has been the opportunity of making remarkable new friends.” – Sally Hollaman
“Cheap coffee at McDonald’s and watching the grandchildren grow up” – T.A & M.A
“I had a fabulous life and career, great marriage, 4 great kids. When my wife died, I believed it was my turn to sit and rock with no regrets. I never imagined the life in front of me – which is indescribable. I never expected to marry again at ____” – Henry Hood
“Less responsibilities to do this “now”. More time and choices of what to do.” – Peggy Hoyt Aplin
The Soul of Riverwoods
RC Wade, Resident
“Thou knowest not when thy soul shall be required of thee.”
These words ring so true here at RiverWoods; they lie dormant at the back of our consciousness or are churning in our mind with the recent loss of a dear mate or friend. We grieve-sometimes for the moment-but more often for years. Our loss leaves a deep hole in our lives which is never completely filled.
And so we seek the friendship, care and support of others like ourselves. How remarkable it is that there are so many ready to give of themselves and not to count the cost. They are truly Angels of God. Then, too, there are those caring souls of the staff who exert themselves to care for us. They are companions, nurses, personal attendants and friends who do more to ease our final days than we ever thought possible when we first arrived here. Bless them.
Those couples whose loving bonds remain intact can enjoy each other in a life of new activities and freedom from so many of their previous responsibilities. So often some creative talent which can be suppressed or deeply hidden for years comes to the surface of their consciousness and is released in bursts of the talent – now expressed.
And so as we know not the day, the hour, let us enjoy the time left to us by treating each other with good humor, respect for our unbroken bonds with the past and the loving care of all who grieve.
Remember-we all came here for care when needed but also to have fun before we take that last step.
