Simple joys make all the difference
As the Thanksgiving holidays draw near, it’s time to begin thinking about what to give thanks for this year. For some, it’s about the new job or the big raise, the new house or new friends.
However, for the residents of two of Houston’s senior communities, it’s the little things they’ll be giving thanks for this Thanksgiving.
Nancy Hill, a career public school teacher, counselor and administrator, moved to The Buckingham in March 2007.
“We became tired of dealing with the upkeep of our home,” she said, “and wanted to move to a place where we could relax and let someone else take care of the problems.”
Hill, a cancer survivor and now widowed, remains highly involved in myriad activities and thankful for her quality of life.
“I don’t have to drive to play bridge and it’s easy to have friends over,” she said. “I can be alone when I want, and there’s something exciting going on here all the time. I’ve served on the residents’ council, and the biggest complaint people have is we have too many good things to do.”
Calling herself extremely blessed, Hill said she’s thankful for the hugs she receives when she goes to the dining room for meals, and for wait staff who knows her needs and how, as if by magic, a glass of tea appears almost as soon as she’s seated.
“The staff knows our likes and dislikes and truly care about our comfort. The people here are unbelievable, asking what they can do for us. I use an electric scooter and when I go to meals, they’re johnnie-on-the-spot to take it and park it,” she said.
Kipp Halliday, who lives at The Buckingham, has been experiencing some health challenges recently and is currently at The Plaza, the skilled nursing wing of the continuing care community.
“I’m thankful I live here,” Halliday said. “So many people who are seniors don’t know how senior communities make life easier for us. For me, it’s a joy every day. I moved to Houston in 1999. In the past, I was involved in Junior League and my church group, but here, I’ve never had so many friends in my life.”
Halliday, who has been hospitalized recently, is happier in the health area of The Buckingham.
“I’m near my friends and they miss me. Everyone is so kind, and I’m very appreciative of such caring individuals,” she said.
Ed Sechrest, 85, has lived with his wife at The Buckingham for the past decade and is retired from Shell Oil’s engineering department.
He has had a small vegetable garden on land adjacent to The Buckingham, but this plot has recently been gobbled up by new construction. He does have plans to plant a new garden, once construction is completed.
“I grew up on a farm in Kansas and we grew everything we ate,” Sechrest said. “Right now, I’m bartering with the contractor next door to let me have some lumber from a fence they tore down for my ‘winter job,’ which will be building my new garden. ”
Since the beginning of the year, Sechrest has spent time sitting on a third floor veranda of The Buckingham, which gives him a front row-center seat, watching the progress of the development next door.
“I enjoy watching the construction, which is what I did for 30-some odd years,” he said.
Sechrest is also thankful the community’s billiard club.
“Right now, we have 30 men and every week we have a tournament, he said. We have a lot of fun. It’s one of my main hobbies — I plan tournaments and handle the paperwork,” he said.
“It’s such a different lifestyle, and everybody here is a friend,” he said.
The Buckingham’s director of Resident Ser-
vices and Lifestyles Pam Ortiz plans and coordinates resident activities, coordinates move-ins and oversees housekeeping.
“I’m thankful for my supportive husband, who is also an honorary Buckingham employee and helps me with many events,” she said.
“I’m also thankful for the amazing stories residents share — and there is something special about everyone who lives here, whether it’s where they’ve been, what else they want to learn and how much they do, themselves, to keep learning. I’m truly blessed to know each one.”
Houston’s Treemont Retirement Community, a continuing care community at 2501 Westerland, provides a catered lifestyle and amenities for its residents.
Ed Lesure recently contributed to the community’s joy after he brought a pool table back to its original purpose.
“I’m thankful I discovered a pool table that was being used as a food and beverage table for large parties,” Lesure said.
“It’s been uncovered and a new activity has begun that allows for a ‘pool party’ on Saturday nights. We can play pool whenever we want. It’s a great opportunity to socialize and have fun.”
Marie Lynn Hayes said she gets a wonderful, happy feeling from the care she receives at Treemont.
“The staff and caregivers let me know how important I am to them,” she said.
Treemont’s community garden is also a source of happiness for residents.
Camella Scalise is part of Treemont’s Gardening Angels club, which recently planted a herb garden.
“Planting that herb garden gave me such joy; I was able to get my hands in the soil again,” Scalise said. “The smell of the basil we planted makes me smile — it brings back memories of being a young housewife cooking for my family and memories of a happy childhood growing up in an Italian family. It’s medicine for my soul.”
Kaye Barksdale moved to Treemont after a severe injury.
“Essentially, I was like a baby bird that fell from the nest, and I’m thankful to the housekeeping staff for all their kindness and care as they literally unpacked and arranged all my belongings,” Barksdale said.
She’s also owes “a debt of gratitude” to Aimee Dubuisson, Treemont’s activities director, who introduced her to other residents and encouraged her to join community events.
“Our activities calendar is so jam-packed with fun endeavors, it’s hard to chose what to do next. With all my heart I am thankful for the Treemont Retirement Community which, all in all, brought me back to life.”
Ethyl Van Tine said she is grateful for the friends she can find anytime she leaves her apartment.
“When I slow down from all the activities, it occurs to me that I’m never lonely, and I’m thankful I have so many opportunities to laugh every day.”
For Betty Stubbs, it’s dancing that brings a smile to her face.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to dance often,” said Betty Stubbs. “Here at Treemont, we have lots of parties and dances for the residents.”
Dolores Sagissor is thankful for many things, including the opportunity to worship.
“I’m also grateful for the friendliness and kindness shown to me at Treemont by the staff as well as our residents,” she said.
Eve Comeaux finds joy in her beautiful apartment.
“The sun shines into my apartment and makes me happy,” she said, “and my cat loves the sunny location. I also am thankful for the wonderful people here.”
But perhaps Alice Rutenbar spoke for all her neighbors and friends at the senior community when she said, “I’m just thankful I didn’t have to cook lunch.”
“The smell of the basil we planted makes me smile — it brings back memories of being a young housewife cooking for my family and memories of a happy childhood ...” Camella Scalise, Treemont resident