Memories new and old

Amanda Duforat SPECIAL TO THE HERALD

Holidays add a little extra cheer and that cheer can revive our spirits throughout the year.

The Christmas season is a time for memories new and old, but the feelings of joy can be enjoyed year round.

Parkplace Retirement Living Resident Kathleen Hite understands how important traditions and memories are during the holiday season.

“Kathleen joined the Parkplace community on Oct. 29, 2015 when she moved from Georgetown, Texas to our small West Texas town of Big Spring,” Mitzi Knight, Business Development at Parkplace Retirement Living, said. “When she left Georgetown she left some things behind, but she also started new traditions and began building new memories.”

Hite arrived and jumped right into the Parkplace community, after her daughters Heidi and Robin got her settled in. While she did not know a soul at this point, her first evening presented a moment that drew her in music coming from the lobby.

I decided to check it out and I joined the group (in the lobby). The atmosphere was full of excitement, and I knew I was home,” Hite said.

It's been eight Christmas seasons since Hite first arrived and one tradition has remained strong - putting up the Christmas tree with the handmade ornaments from ornament making events at Parkplace Retirement Living.

“Once the tree is up, with my daughter Heidi's help, we decorate it with the ornaments I've made with my Parkplace family; I have also gathered a good collection of special ornaments that have been given to me from my Parkplace family,” she said. “When I look at my tree it fills my heart with joy.”

Hite continued, “When I look at those ornaments I'm reminded of some of my happiest moments at Parkplace As I reflect on the past eight years of retirement living my life could not be more full. I would not trade it for the world.”

Over the past eight years, Hite's family has expanded from her two daughters, Robin and Heidi, to include her Parkplace family.

“There is truly a family atmosphere here at Parkplace. I would recommend moving here for anyone who is looking for a place to move after retirement.

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Kathleen Hite enjoys decorating her Christmas tree with ornaments from loved ones that she has gathered over the years. Memories make up her Christmas tree decor.